Ankesh Banjare- Founder Coshal

Hi, I’m Ankesh Banjare, founder of Coshal.

I was born and raised in Lawan, a village near Baloda Bazar, Chhattisgarh. Growing up there taught me values that still guide me today: stay grounded, work hard, keep learning, and let actions speak louder than words.

I completed my schooling at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Mana Camp, Raipur, and later graduated from the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Raipur in Electronics and Telecommunication.

My early career began in the startup world through a food delivery venture started by my college seniors. That experience gave me my first real understanding of what it means to build something from zero, move fast, solve problems daily, and adapt constantly.

Even after that, I remained drawn to entrepreneurship. I later joined a Chhattisgarh-based startup working in tourism and art. While that journey did not last, it helped me understand something important: every experience either gives you results or gives you direction.

In 2018, I joined School for Social Entrepreneurs India (SSE India), where I spent nine months learning how businesses can create both economic value and meaningful social impact. It was a phase that sharpened my thinking and made me more certain that I wanted to build something connected to people, livelihoods, and long-term value.

During this time, I began spending time with traditional artisan communities, especially Dhokra craftsmen. The more I interacted with them, the more I saw the gap between exceptional skill and limited market access.

That gap eventually became the reason Coshal was built.

What started with a few artisan families gradually became a larger journey focused on Bastar Dhokra and wrought iron craft, creating design-led handcrafted products for modern customers.

I don’t see craft as something that belongs only in exhibitions or memory. I believe it can compete, grow, and become part of contemporary homes, offices, and gifting culture when supported with the right design, branding, and systems.

As a person, I value consistency, humility, practical thinking, and steady progress. I enjoy being close to operations, solving real problems, improving processes, and building systems that make businesses stronger over time.

I’ve also had the opportunity to be part of ecosystems like Atal Incubation Center (AIC-36INC), School for Social Entrepreneurs India (SSE India), and the WHY Club by Next Bharat Ventures, which gave me valuable exposure to founders building meaningful ventures.

At the end of the day, I’m someone who believes good work compounds. That trust is earned slowly. That growth should be real. And that the strongest businesses are often built quietly, one consistent day at a time.

Coshal is one part of that belief.

Let’s Connect

Connect with me on LinkedIn.