From Storyteller to Story-Maker  

Before founding his startup, Darab had a thriving career in media. As a tech journalist, he worked with renowned publications like The Hindu, The Quint, NDTV, News18, Digit, and Times Internet. His role was to uncover stories, explore innovations, and dive deep into the world of technology and its impact.  

“I’ve always had the hunger to learn and grow,” Darab says. “Journalism gave me a window into innovation, but I wanted to try something of my own.”  

That “something” arrived unexpectedly when a friend introduced him to the gifting and merchandising business. A casual conversation turned into a full-blown entrepreneurial journey.  

“I didn’t have a Eureka moment,” he says. “It was just the drive to explore something new.”  

Thus, Merch Roomwas born.  

Spotting the Gaps No One Saw  

Darab quickly realised that while the merchandising industry in India was large, it lacked innovation. Quality was often poor, service was subpar, and there was little room for true personalisation.  

“I saw a market saturated with uninspiring products,” he explains. “Terrible customer service, poor customisation, and bad design were the norm. I knew we could do better.”  

So he built a company that was different—not just a supplier, but a creative partnerhelping brands connect through thoughtful merchandise, gifting, and packaging  

What Makes Merch Room Stand Out  

Merch Room doesn’t simply offer standard items like t-shirts or mugs. It blends creativity, quality, and modern tech—like print-on-demand—to create fully personalised products.  

“We’re not just delivering items—we’re building emotional connections between brands and their audiences,” Darab explains.  

The company is particularly focused on thoughtful design, quality assurance, and detailed customisation—areas where many vendors fall short. From startup swag to corporate gifting, the experience is smooth, memorable, and intentional.  

Bootstrapped, But Not Broken  

Like many founders, Darab began with no external funding. He bootstrapped Merch Room in its early years, learning every aspect of the business—from operations and finance to client service and packaging.  

“Managing finances while trying to grow was the hardest part,” he reflects. “There were days I had to do everything myself.”  

But this phase gave him deep insights into his business and laid the groundwork for solid, sustainable systems.  

No One Big Break—Just Consistency  

Ask Darab about the biggest turning point for Merch Room, and he doesn’t cite a single event.  

“It’s been a series of small wins—every new client, every successful delivery, every happy referral,” he says.  

Instead of waiting for viral moments, he focused on building trust, doing quality work, and delivering consistently. That approach led to a growing reputation and a loyal customer base.  

Where He’s Headed Next  

Darab’s five-year vision for Merch Room is ambitious yet grounded. He aims to build a company with multiple subsidiaries, a team of 100+ people, and a ₹100 crore revenuemilestone.  

More importantly, he wants Merch Roomto become synonymous with customised merchandise, just like how Android is with smartphone customisation.  

“We want to be the go-to name when anyone thinks of personalised merch,” he says. “It should be that simple.”  

To achieve that, he’s investing in technology, better supply chains, and customer-first systems that scale.  

The Creator Behind the Brand  

Darab brings a rare mix to the table: a journalist’s empathy and a founder’s grit. His past in storytelling helps him understand brands and their emotional touchpoints. His entrepreneurial instincts help him build scalable solutions.  

“My media background shaped the way I approach problem-solving,” he says. “You observe, you listen, and then you build.”  

That balance is visible in every aspect of Merch Room—from how the products are designed to how clients are treated.  

Where to Find Him  

Want to explore what Darab is building?  

🌐Website: www.merchroom.in   
📸Instagram: @themerchrooom| @darabmansoorali   
💼LinkedIn: Darab Mansoor Ali