The Future Animation, a Delhi-based startup, is revolutionizing the animation industry by providing high-quality 2D and 3D animations, Pixar-style videos, and corporate video production at competitive prices. What makes this venture remarkable is the inspiring journey of its founders, Anmol Pandey and Rohit Thakur, who turned personal hardships into a thriving business. Founded in 2019, the company emerged from a shared vision to make animation more accessible and affordable. Today, they have served over 400 clients, with 99% of their business coming from international markets.
Rohit Thakur’s story is one of resilience and determination. Growing up in Delhi as the son of a construction laborer, he experienced financial struggles from an early age. At just 15, he took on tutoring jobs and night shifts at a call center to support his family. His passion for animation was fueled by childhood memories of watching cartoons like Shinchan. With no formal training, he turned to YouTube to learn animation techniques while balancing work and college. Despite facing health challenges due to excessive work, he remained committed to his goal of mastering animation.
Anmol Pandey, a young student with a deep interest in animation, met Rohit at a tuition center, and the two bonded over their shared passion. During a difficult period when Anmol’s family couldn’t afford tuition fees, Rohit continued teaching him for free. Seeing Anmol struggle with an outdated computer for his animation work, Rohit went out of his way to buy him a laptop, strengthening their partnership and laying the foundation for Future Animation.
The road to success was not without obstacles. In August 2024, Rohit’s Upwork account was suspended after the platform suspected that he was working with a team, which went against its policies. This forced the duo to find clients independently, creating temporary financial setbacks. Currently operating as a sole proprietorship, the company is in the process of transitioning to a private limited structure to attract investments and scale operations. By focusing on affordability, efficiency, and high-quality animation, Future Animation is setting new industry standards and working with talented animators from across the world.
Their appearance on Shark Tank India brought both excitement and a valuable business opportunity. The sharks entertained the audience with a lighthearted animation, but the real excitement came when the company was valued at ₹20 crores. The founders sought ₹50 lakhs in exchange for 2.5% equity, leading to a compelling negotiation. While sharks Varun Alagh, Vinita Singh, Aman Gupta, and Anupam Mittal opted out, Piyush Bansal saw immense potential in the startup. However, he insisted on one crucial condition—the company must transition into a private limited entity. Piyush offered ₹50 lakhs for 10% equity and added a unique twist: a ₹50 lakh service contract, securing Lenskart as a client for Future Animation. The founders accepted the offer, marking a significant milestone for their business.
With a growing client base and a strategic investment from Shark Tank, The Future Animation is on a path to becoming a global leader in animation. The founders’ story is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the power of self-learning. From struggling with financial hardships to securing major business deals, their journey proves that innovation, when combined with determination, can break barriers and redefine industries.
