How Pratiksha Shelke Turned Her Global Design Career into a Sustainable Venture with Jungle Bound

Not every startup begins with a spreadsheet and a pitch deck. Some are born from a passion for the planet, a backpack full of experiences, and a deep desire to make a difference. That’s exactly how Pratiksha Shelke, founder of Jungle Bound, began her journey.

A Mechanical Engineer from Pune, Pratiksha pursued her MS in Automotive Design and Manufacturing from Clemson University, USA. She started her career on a high note—interning at BMW and later working for four years in product development at Jeep in the U.S. It was there she learned how products are conceptualized, engineered, tested, and launched at a global scale. But even as she thrived professionally, something deeper was calling.

Outside of work, Pratiksha’s life was full of exploration. She trekked snowy trails, backpacked for miles, visited 33 out of 55 U.S. states, and even skydived. Her travels through national parks and adventures in nature gave her a profound respect for the environment and widened her worldview. These experiences, combined with her love for the outdoors, shaped her into a conscious global citizen.

While living abroad, she embraced a low-waste lifestyle—composting, recycling, and limiting consumption. Yet, the more she learned about the climate crisis, the clearer it became: individual action, while important, wasn’t enough. She began to ask bigger questions. Could her skills in product design contribute to real environmental change?

This curiosity pushed her back into learning. Pratiksha dove into fields far beyond engineering—ecosystems, climate change, social entrepreneurship, and impact-driven business models. Her mission became clear: to build something that was not only beautifully designed but also meaningful, ethical, and responsible.

When the COVID-19 pandemic shifted the world, it gave her the final push she needed. Pratiksha returned to India and laid the foundation for Jungle Bound, a sustainable product studio that designs beautiful, functional objects using reclaimed wood and bamboo.

The journey wasn’t easy. As a first-generation entrepreneur, she handled everything—from securing loans, selecting machines, and finding a workspace, to building a team. Her family and friends stood strong by her side, supporting her wherever possible, while she took the lead across design, operations, sales, and marketing.

Jungle Bound’s mission is simple but powerful: to replace plastic and non-sustainable materials with natural alternatives. Based in Pune, the brand thrives on local sourcing, skilled craftsmanship, and a strong community of eco-conscious consumers. The city offers everything—from access to raw materials to a receptive market—and has become the perfect launchpad for Jungle Bound’s growth.

Today, Jungle Bound has evolved into a successful business with multiple product lines, catering to customers who value sustainability, design, and authenticity. At its heart is Pratiksha—an engineer, adventurer, and changemaker—proving that with the right mindset, passion can turn into purpose.