Gaurav Bhagat’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to resilience and innovation. In 1999, facing a family financial crisis, he founded Consortium Gifts with a modest Rs. 10,000 drawn from a credit card. From a home-based operation with no staff, Bhagat has transformed Consortium Gifts into one of India’s leading corporate gifting companies, with ambitions to become one of Asia’s largest by 2025. Serving over 300 prestigious clients, including Maruti, Microsoft, BMW, Salesforce, Apollo tyres and more. The company is redefining corporate gifting through quality, innovation, and sustainability. In 2024, Bhagat’s appointment as chairman of IGC Global Promotions further cemented his influence in the global gifting industry.
Early Beginnings and Entrepreneurial Spirit
Gaurav Bhagat’s entrepreneurial spark ignited early. At 16, he designed a stock market board game acquired by Leo Toys, earning royalties on each unit sold. This early success foreshadowed his future ventures. In 1999, during his college years, a family financial crisis prompted Bhagat to withdraw Rs. 10,000 from a credit card to start Consortium Gifts. At the time, India’s corporate gifting market was fragmented, dominated by retailers, wholesalers, and low-quality novelty manufacturers. Bhagat saw an opportunity to bring reliability and excellence to the industry, addressing the challenges corporates faced in finding dependable suppliers.
Growth and Milestones
Since its inception, Consortium Gifts has achieved remarkable growth, driven by its motto of Quality, Innovation, and Service. One of its first major wins was securing Maruti as a client in 1999, a relationship that persists today. Over the years, the company has expanded its client base to include global giants like Maruti, Microsoft, BMW, Salesforce, Apollo tyres and more. Key milestones include:
● Client Retention: Improved by 35% over the last three years, reflecting strong client relationships.
● Revenue Growth: Consistent 20% year-on-year growth, showcasing financial stability.
● Service Expansion: About seven years ago, Consortium Gifts began offering online brand store services for key accounts, enhancing its service portfolio.
In 2024, Consortium Gifts marked its best year yet, with significant growth in premium gifting.
Boardroom by Consortium Gifts- A Promise of Premium & Sustainable Gifting
Experience the perfect fusion of functionality, luxurious elegance, and sustainability with our Boardroom Collection. From the refined Bamboo Chess and Wine Set and sleek black sleeveless jacket to the sophisticated desk set and practical laptop side mount, each piece is designed for the modern professional. Premium accessories like the leather money clip, Croco pattern organizer, innovative E Tie Rack, and classy USB and pen combo further enhance your workspace with timeless style.
Also part of this commitment to thoughtful gifting is the Wow Taj Collection, a harmonious blend of charm and utility. Featuring a serene dome night light, a dome light candle, a stylish notebook with built-in USB, a sleek card holder, and a metal notepad with pen, this collection is perfect for those who value elegance in everyday essentials.
These collections are crafted to reflect the quality and prestige expected by global corporations, making them more than just gifts but statements of excellence.
Technological Innovation
Consortium Gifts leverages cutting-edge technology to stay ahead in the competitive gifting industry. AI-driven customization tools have improved order accuracy by 40%, while advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing, rapid prototyping, and UV printing have reduced turnaround times by 40% for large-scale orders, achieving a 95% client satisfaction rate. These innovations ensure Consortium Gifts meets the evolving needs of its clients efficiently.
Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is a cornerstone of Consortium Gifts’ ethos. In 2024, over 60% of corporations shifted to eco-friendly gifting, and Consortium Gifts led the charge by incorporating materials like ocean-recovered plastics, recycled aluminum, and biodegradable tech accessories. The company sources from ethical suppliers and employs eco-friendly production processes. Plans for 2025 include launching new product lines made from recycled steel and ocean-waste fabrics, further solidifying its commitment to environmental responsibility. This focus not only addresses global concerns but also resonates with socially conscious corporations, providing a competitive edge.
Global Reach and Partnerships
Consortium Gifts’ global presence is strengthened by its membership in IGC Global Promotions, where it has been the sole South Asian member since 2017. In 2024, Bhagat served as chairman of this network of 41 top-tier gifting companies, facilitating 25% of the company’s business through exports. Strategic partnerships with shipping giants like FedEx, UPS, and DHL have improved international delivery timelines by 15% in 2024, ensuring seamless service for global clients.
Leadership and Industry Influence
Beyond Consortium Gifts, Gaurav Bhagat is a recognized sales coach and Grant Cardone licensee, adopting 10X thinking to drive business growth. His training with Grant Cardone in 2017 doubled Consortium Gifts’ top line within six months, earning a case study on Cardone’s website. In 2018, Bhagat founded the Gaurav Bhagat Academy (GBA) to mentor small businesses and professionals, aiming to help 100,000 businesses add 100 jobs each and empower 900,000 professionals to live a “10X life.” His involvement with Business Network International (BNI) as a director consultant for BNI Gurgaon further highlights his commitment to fostering professional networks.
Market Trends and Challenges
According to the reports, the corporate gifting market in India is projected to surpass Rs. 1,20,000 crore by the end of 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10–12%. Globally, the market is expected to reach $310 billion by 2024, with print-on-demand services growing over 40% annually. Consortium Gifts has navigated challenges like price undercutting by focusing on its in-house product portfolio like Boardroom, ensuring quality and pricing control.
Future Vision
Looking to 2025, Consortium Gifts has begun with the expansion of its footprint to Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune, and Mumbai, complementing its existing operations. The new 40,000 sq ft facility in the National Capital Region will enhance production and distribution capabilities. The company is also set to launch eco-friendly product lines made from recycled steel, aluminum, and ocean-waste fabrics, aligning with global sustainability trends. Investments in branding technology will streamline operations and reduce turnaround times, positioning Consortium Gifts at the forefront of the industry.
Core Takeaways
Gaurav Bhagat’s journey from a crisis-driven startup to leading one of India’s top corporate gifting companies is inspiring. His commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence has positioned Consortium Gifts as a trailblazer in the industry. As the company continues to grow, with ambitious plans for 2025 marking its 25th year of excellent existence and curating 3000+ corporate gifting range and a focus on global and sustainable gifting solutions, Bhagat’s vision ensures Consortium Gifts remains a trusted partner for corporations worldwide, delivering gifts that make a lasting impact.