In a world saturated with rapid headlines and fleeting moments, one platform found its calling in slowing down by listening. Founded in 2014, Humans of Bombay (HoB) emerged as a unique storytelling space that would eventually become a cultural phenomenon across India. At the helm of this initiative is Karishma Mehta, whose journey from a fresh college graduate to a respected entrepreneur has been nothing short of remarkable.
The Origins of a Movement
The idea for Humans of Bombay was born when Mehta, then just 21, saw the potential in weaving together real, everyday experiences into narratives that could resonate with a wider audience. Drawing initial inspiration from existing storytelling projects globally, she set out to create a homegrown platform that reflected the diversity, resilience, and spirit of Mumbai.
Starting with a modest Facebook page, Mehta’s project gained traction organically. While many around her were skeptical about the viability of such a venture, her vision was clear: to use storytelling as a means of connection and community-building.
Within a few years, what began as a digital experiment grew into a robust storytelling brand with a loyal following of over 3.2 million people across social platforms.
Building a Brand Without Traditional Backing
Unlike many modern startups, Humans of Bombay was not launched with the backing of venture capital. The platform has remained unfunded since inception, a rare achievement for a media business of its size. Yet, it has thrived, reporting an annual revenue of ₹6.42 crore (approx. $776K) as of March 2024.
Operating with a compact team, just six employees as of late 2024 HoB’s success lies in its lean structure and tight creative control. Karishma Mehta’s role evolved from founder to CEO, overseeing operations, content strategy, partnerships, and community building.
Her entrepreneurial approach was pragmatic. Learning on the job, she focused on diversifying revenue streams. In 2016, she self-published a book compiling popular and unpublished stories, broadening the brand’s footprint. By 2022, HoB ventured into multimedia storytelling, launching a YouTube series titled “How The Hell Did I Do It?”, featuring candid interviews with successful personalities across industries.
Who is Karishma Mehta?
Karishma’s path to founding Humans of Bombay was shaped by academic rigour and creative curiosity. Born and raised in Mumbai, she completed her early schooling at the prestigious Bombay Scottish School and two years at a boarding school in Bengaluru. She later pursued higher studies in Economics and Business in the United Kingdom.
In addition to spearheading HoB, Mehta has written articles for prominent media outlets such as National Geographic, and has been a speaker at platforms including TEDx and Indian Institute of Foreign Trade. These activities hint at her transformation from a storyteller to a thought leader in entrepreneurship and new media.
Staying Rooted Amid Controversy
Success, however, brought its share of challenges. In 2023, Humans of Bombay filed a lawsuit against People of India, a rival platform with a similar storytelling approach. The lawsuit accused the latter of copyright infringement, citing unauthorized use of content and concepts.
The move ignited significant public discourse. Brandon Stanton, founder of Humans of New York, voiced his disappointment over the legal action, citing the irony given HoB’s original inspiration.
Despite conflicting responses, Mehta and her group defended the choice by highlighting the time, trust, and emotional work that go into creating their stories. The episode sparked more general discussions about intellectual property rights in the age of digital storytelling, which is still a murky area.
Humans of Bombay: Today and Tomorrow
Humans of Bombay is a storytelling brand that is well-known outside of Mumbai today. In addition to stories from regular people, its portfolio now features interviews with activists, athletes, artists, and business executives.
The platform’s ability to transition from static photo stories to books, YouTube series, and podcasts shows a forward-thinking approach that maintains audience engagement without sacrificing authenticity.
Despite being self-funded, HoB has effectively built strategic partnerships and monetization models, ensuring financial sustainability without heavy commercialization.
At its core, the platform remains committed to the simple but powerful idea that every individual has a story worth telling.
A Story Still Unfolding
Karishma Mehta’s journey with Humans of Bombay exemplifies how passion, when coupled with resilience and adaptability, can shape lasting institutions. Her transition from an eager college graduate into a leading voice in India’s storytelling landscape underscores the power of listening not just hearing, but truly understanding.
The Humans of Bombay continue to grow, not just in numbers but in impact, reminding us that amidst the noise, there is still an appetite for genuine human connection.
As new chapters unfold for HoB and Karishma Mehta, one thing remains clear: sometimes, the most extraordinary revolutions start quietly with the simple decision to listen.
We wish Karishma and the team all the very best. Keep rocking <3
