The boAt co-founder is reportedly preparing OFF/BEAT as a venture studio that will help build and scale new startups.
Barely months after stepping away from an executive role at boAt, entrepreneur Aman Gupta appears to be shaping a new chapter in his startup journey.
His new venture, OFF/BEAT, is reportedly preparing to operate as a venture studio, a model that goes beyond investing by helping build startups from the ground up while taking ownership stakes in the businesses it creates.
According to a report by Indian Startup News (ISN), people familiar with the matter said OFF/BEAT is likely to focus on developing new companies internally before scaling them through its own ecosystem.
A Venture Studio Instead of a Traditional VC Fund
Unlike a conventional venture capital firm that invests in existing startups, a venture studio typically creates businesses in-house, working closely with founders from the idea stage through product development, market launch, and growth.
According to the report, OFF/BEAT could take equity in the startups it helps create while providing operational support, strategic guidance, and access to its network.
The venture is also expected to build a content and creator-led startup ecosystem, combining entrepreneurship with digital communities and emerging technologies.
Neither Aman Gupta nor OFF/BEAT has officially confirmed the reported venture studio strategy.
Backed by ₹100 Crore From Bessemer
Earlier this year, OFF/BEAT announced a ₹100 crore funding round led by Bessemer Venture Partners.
Speaking about the investment, Gupta said he chose Bessemer for more than capital.
“Having built from scratch before, I know what capital can do and what it cannot. This time, I was looking for partners with a global perspective who can help me leverage technology and AI, because that’s where the future lies.”
He added that the investment would provide access to expertise, global networks, credibility, and strategic support beyond funding.
Bessemer Partner Anant Vidur Puri said the firm believes Gupta is well positioned to build businesses at the intersection of artificial intelligence and changing consumer expectations.
A New Chapter After boAt
The development comes after Gupta stepped down as Chief Marketing Officer of boAt, the consumer electronics brand he co-founded with Sameer Mehta.
The move followed boAt’s appointment of Gaurav as Chief Executive Officer in late 2025 as part of a broader transition toward professional management.
Explaining the decision previously, Gupta said he believed the company had reached a stage where experienced executives could lead day-to-day operations more effectively.
He also said remaining deeply involved operationally could create confusion within the organisation by making employees feel they were reporting to multiple leaders.
Although he no longer holds an executive role, Gupta remains a board member, while he and Sameer Mehta continue to own more than 40% of boAt, retaining significant ownership in the company.
AI and the Creator Economy at the Centre
While OFF/BEAT’s complete strategy has yet to be officially unveiled, the reported venture studio model aligns with Gupta’s public comments about the growing importance of artificial intelligence, technology, and the creator economy.
If the plans move forward as reported, OFF/BEAT would position itself as both a startup builder and strategic partner, helping entrepreneurs launch and scale businesses rather than simply investing capital.
The model has gained popularity globally as founders increasingly seek hands-on operational support alongside funding, particularly in fast-evolving sectors such as AI, digital media, and creator-led businesses.
