The Tech Behind Clean Clothes: An Interview with Anant Bhan

An interview with Anant Bhan, Founder and CEO of Cloud Dhobi

In this engaging interview, we speak with Anant Bhan, the visionary Founder and CEO of Cloud Dhobi, a pioneering laundry service that combines technology with convenience.

With a mission to redefine the laundry experience, Anant shares his insights on the challenges and innovations that have shaped his journey in the industry.

Can you share the story behind the inception of Cloud Dhobi? What inspired you to enter the laundry and dry-cleaning industry?

Anant Bhan: Cloud Dhobi was founded in 2018 with a vision to address the growing need for time-saving solutions in India’s fast-paced urban environment.

Recognizing that people in Delhi NCR are increasingly seeking efficient ways to manage their daily lives, the company aimed to revolutionize how fabric care is approached in the region.

In 2016-2017 year, I was in US exploring various startup opportunities with my college roommates. While the dynamic startup ecosystem in the U.S. provided me with invaluable insights, the shifting financial landscape and the immense growth potential in India inspired me to return to India after six years abroad.

Upon my return, I spent few months meticulously analysing market trends and identified the laundry and dry-cleaning sector as a unique space where I could make a tangible social impact while building a sustainable business.

Despite the growing accessibility of modern appliances, I realized that time—India’s most precious resource—was in short supply.

Additionally, the laundry sector, largely unorganized, presented an opportunity to bring structure and innovation.

Therefore, I came up with a venture that is designed to modernize fabric care and provide busy urban residents with reliable, efficient, and high-quality laundry and dry-cleaning services.

What sets Cloud Dhobi apart from its competitors? How has the company grown in terms of revenue so far?

Anant Bhan: What truly sets Cloud Dhobi apart is its unique approach to operations. Unlike the conventional franchise model, we have built a robust and centralized logistics network that ensures consistent, high-quality service delivery across all our operating regions.

Our primary focus has always been on customer retention rather than rapidly expanding through franchises. This strategy has allowed us to maintain exceptional service standards while building a loyal customer base.

To date, we’ve proudly served over 10,000 customers and continue to expand aggressively, adding new customers every day.

From day one, Cloud Dhobi has been profitable. While the COVID-19 pandemic presented its share of challenges, we have rebounded strongly and are now growing at a steady pace of 18% year-on-year.

As a bootstrapped organization, what has been the total investment to date? Are you currently seeking funding?

Anant Bhan: Till date we have invested a total of INR 2.5 crore. Yes, as we have plans to expand our business, we are ready and are actively looking out for funding.

Cloud Dhobi is described as innovative—can you elaborate on the technological or operational innovations you’ve introduced?

Anant Bhan: At Cloud Dhobi, innovation drives everything we do. We’ve introduced IoT-enabled machines that monitor cycles, optimize water and detergent usage, and provide real-time data, allowing us to improve operational efficiency and sustainability. Our auto detergent loaders further enhance this by precisely dispensing the required type and quantity of detergent, reducing waste and overuse.

These innovations not only make our processes environmentally friendly but also ensure consistent quality across all cycles.

From an operational standpoint, we’ve adopted a logistics-driven model to move toward semi-hyperlocality, enabling faster service while reducing reliance on physical franchisee setups.

Additionally, we cater to niche markets with specialized services for luxury items such as premium sneakers, high-end upholstery, and blackout curtains, ensuring top-notch care for even the most delicate items.

What strategies have you used to build and retain a loyal customer base? Who are your primary target audiences?

Anant Bhan: We focus on delivering consistent quality, reliability, and convenience to our customers. By maintaining a 95%+ adherence to turnaround time (TAT), we’ve built trust and dependability among our audience.

Our logistics-driven approach ensures seamless pickup and delivery, making us a go-to option for busy professionals and families.

Our primary audience includes young working professionals aged 25–40 and double-income households who value convenience, as well as students in PGs and hostels. Additionally, we cater to the older generation (60+), providing them independence with reliable laundry services.

Tailored incentives, loyalty programs, and personalized service have helped us foster long-term relationships while appealing to niche markets like luxury sneaker and upholstery care.

What are the biggest challenges in scaling a laundry and dry-cleaning business, and how have you addressed them?

Anant Bhan: Scaling in this industry involves overcoming challenges like maintaining service consistency, managing logistics in high-traffic areas, and addressing operational complexities.

To navigate these, we rely on AI-driven logistical routing, enabling efficient pickups and deliveries while minimizing delays. By aggregating orders and assigning defined areas to specific riders, we optimize operations despite traffic constraints.

Operationally, challenges such as fabric care, stain removal, and customer satisfaction require a skilled workforce. We address these by training our team and offering industry exposure programs at our factory.

This ensures that our staff and trainees are adept at handling complex processes while creating a ready workforce to scale operations. With a near 100% resolution closure rate at 120 hours, we’re committed to maintaining customer satisfaction and quality standards at scale.

How do you see the laundry and dry-cleaning industry evolving in the coming years?

Anant Bhan: The laundry and dry-cleaning industry is poised for transformation driven by technology, sustainability, and hyperlocal logistics. IoT and AI-enabled innovations will continue to streamline processes, while eco-conscious practices, such as resource-efficient machines and green packaging, will become essential to staying competitive.

Personalization will also take center stage, with companies tailoring services to individual preferences.

Moreover, industry-aligned training programs, like the ones we’re introducing, will create a skilled workforce ready to meet the evolving demands of this sector. Businesses that prioritize tech-driven efficiency and customer-centricity will lead the way.

What advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs in the service industry?

Anant Bhan: Entrepreneurship is a journey of resilience, and as the CEO of Nvidia, Jensen Huang, once said, “Don’t”—unless you’re ready to face challenges head-on.

Beyond determination, what sets an entrepreneur apart is resolve—the ability to navigate unforeseen challenges and stick to your vision even when no one else believes in it.

In the service industry, understanding your customers is paramount. Build services that solve real problems, incorporate technology to enhance efficiency, and always aim for sustainability.

Mistakes will happen, but what matters is how you resolve them—quickly and transparently. Stay adaptable, believe in your vision, and be ready to evolve with your customers’ needs. Success often comes to those who persist despite the odds.

As our conversation wraps up, Anant Bhan’s passion for transforming everyday tasks into seamless experiences shines through.

His commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction positions Cloud Dhobi as a leader in the evolving laundry landscape.

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