Shark Tank India S4: A Round-up of the First Week!

The stage was set, the sharks were ready, and the entrepreneurs were armed with their boldest ideas, aiming for a deal that could change their businesses forever. Shark Tank India Season 3 kicked off with a bang, bringing in a mix of exciting startups, all with one thing in common: an innovative idea and a fierce ambition to grow. From perfume businesses to tech-driven fashion solutions, the first week witnessed some fascinating pitches. Some entrepreneurs walked away with the coveted deals, while others made an impression, leaving a lasting mark on the show. Let’s dive into the first week of pitches and take a look at the brands that stood out.

1. NOOE

NOOE, founded by Piyush Suri and Nitika Pandey, is a premium lifestyle and accessories brand known for its minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired desk sets. The company, which has made waves internationally, focuses on sustainable design while providing a modern aesthetic to everyday objects. NOOE has earned recognition in the design world, with accolades like the prestigious Red Dot Design Award. During their pitch, Piyush and Nitika presented their brand with passion, highlighting their global ambitions and the unique appeal of their products. They asked for Rs. 5 crores for a 10% stake, showcasing NOOE’s potential to reach global markets. Peyush Bansal, impressed by the innovation and sustainability of their product line, took the plunge and made the largest deal in Shark Tank India’s history. He offered Rs. 5 crores for a 51% controlling stake, marking a new chapter in NOOE’s journey.

2. BL Fabric

BL Fabric, led by Mayur Bharatbhai Gediya, is a Surat-based fabric business that marries traditional craftsmanship with modern e-commerce. The brand has grown organically thanks to Mayur’s hands-on approach, coupled with a strong online presence. With a deep understanding of local textile traditions, he has built a brand that caters to modern consumers. Mayur’s pitch to the Sharks was deeply rooted in his values and emphasised not just the quality of the fabrics but also his ability to scale, thanks to his online presence and understanding of his customer base. His pitch was simple yet direct, seeking Rs. 1 crore for 5% equity in his business. However, his negotiation skills brought a little drama into the picture when the Sharks requested a performance-based clause – a 1% claw-back condition if he achieves sales of Rs. 15 crore in FY 2024-25. Ultimately, Mayur struck a deal with both Ritesh Agarwal and Kunal Bahl for Rs. 1 crore in exchange for 5% equity with the performance condition.

3. Culture Circle

Culture Circle, founded by Devansh Jain Nawal and Ackshay Jain, is a luxury fashion startup using an app-based model and data analytics to revolutionise the traditional fashion industry. Both IIT Ahmedabad graduates, the duo is no stranger to innovation, blending modern technology with the age-old luxury fashion market. Their pitch to the Sharks highlighted how data analytics could predict trends, personalise experiences, and boost sales for high-end brands. They requested Rs. 1 crore for 1% equity and Rs. 2 crore for 2% equity, with a view to scale quickly and disrupt the luxury market. What made their pitch stand out was their clear understanding of how technology could enhance the fashion experience, and this impressed the Sharks. They successfully secured a deal with both Ritesh Agarwal and Kunal Bahl, who saw the potential of Culture Circle’s app-driven approach to the luxury market. 

4. Nexera.Health

At just 19 years old, Himanshu Rajpurohit has set out to revolutionise corporate healthcare with Nexera.Health. Based in Jaipur, Nexera.Health is a platform designed to unify healthcare services for corporations, offering everything from diagnostics to mental health consultations. Himanshu, who started his entrepreneurial journey at the age of 12, has used his deep understanding of the industry to create a data-driven solution that streamlines healthcare for companies. During his pitch, he presented the Sharks with a compelling argument for his platform’s potential to change the landscape of corporate health management, backed by impressive data and future projections. Himanshu asked for Rs. 75 lakhs for a 1% stake in the business, a bold yet confident offer, considering his age. The Sharks were intrigued by his vision and impressed by his maturity, with some even expressing admiration for his commitment at such a young age. The deal was a standout moment for the season, as it highlighted the power of youth entrepreneurship and innovation. 

5. Fae Beauty

Fae Beauty, founded by Karishma Kewalramani, is a makeup brand focused on redefining beauty standards and promoting inclusivity. The brand offers products specifically designed for Indian skin tones, challenging unrealistic beauty norms with an unfiltered approach. Despite early setbacks, Karishma's determination has helped the brand grow, gaining recognition for its high-quality products. During her pitch, Karishma addressed concerns about competing with global brands like Estée Lauder, confidently stating, "Pehle toh main darti nahi hoon" (Firstly, I am not scared). She requested Rs.1 crore for 1% equity, valuing her company at Rs. 100 crore, though her equity was diluted to 38% due to prior funding. The Sharks were impressed by her resilience and the brand's profitability, which turned around after years of losses. Ultimately, Aman Gupta, Namita Thapar, and Peyush Bansal offered Rs. 1 crore for 3% equity, which Karishma countered with Rs.1 crore for 1.3% equity, finalising the deal.

6. Confect

Confect, a vegan bakery founded by Chef Gauri Verma, is changing the way we think about luxury desserts. Specialising in plant-based confectioneries, Confect’s claim to fame is its range of exquisite sweets made without animal products. Chef Gauri kickstarted her pitch with a sweet treat, edible rose bouquets, which left the Sharks pleasantly surprised. Anupam Mittal even remarked, “The roses not only smell but taste good for the first time,” adding a humorous twist to the pitch. Chef Gauri’s bold statement that her fondant business had no competitors left the Sharks questioning her approach, with Peyush Bansal pointing out the excessive variety of 800 SKUs, which he deemed a mistake. Despite some confusion, Gauri’s unwavering belief in her brand and the growing demand for vegan products caught the attention of Namita Thapar. Namita offered Rs. 1 crore for 2% equity and a 2% royalty for two years until the investment was recouped.  investment is recouped. The deal not only highlighted the potential of vegan businesses but also recognised the brand's impressive growth and the founders’ commitment to quality.

7. Go Zero

Kiran, the founder of Go Zero, entered the Tank with a zero-sugar ice cream brand crafted for health-conscious dessert lovers. Leveraging his family's 50-year legacy in the ice cream business under Apsara Ice Creams, Kiran identified a growing market for sugar-free indulgences and decided to branch out. His vision? To dominate the quick commerce sector, which already accounts for 70% of his sales. The Sharks couldn’t resist trying the products even the lactose-intolerant Anupam Mittal sampled the vegan option! During his pitch, Kiran highlighted his projected Rs. 33 crore revenue for the year and a staggering 30% annual growth in the zero-sugar category. His ask was Rs. 1 crore for 1% equity, valuing Go Zero at Rs. 100 crore. Anupam’s playful comment, “Dar lag raha hai aap zyada hi smart ho,” added drama, as he offered Rs. 2 crore for 5% equity but tied it to future funding. Eventually, Aman Gupta swooped in with Rs. 1 crore for 2% equity. After negotiations, Kiran secured Rs. 1 crore for 1.5% equity with Aman, who declared himself the "hero" in a light-hearted moment.

8. Curve Electric

Hailing from Kashmir, Zubair and Yameen introduced Curve Electric, an e-bike-sharing service targeting urban commuters and mountain towns. They pitched a no-hassle system with no app downloads or security deposits designed to simplify onboarding. Operating in Kashmir, they dreamt of expanding to towns like Shimla and Mussoorie, as well as India’s 1,400 college campuses. Despite their ambitious plans, the Sharks were concerned about infrastructure challenges and market readiness. Their ask? Rs. 50 lakhs for 5% equity. While the Sharks lauded their determination, the lack of scalability led to a unanimous pass. However, their pitch left an impression, proving that perseverance can pave the way for future opportunities.

9. Indulge Concierge

Goa-based entrepreneurs Karan Bhangay and Advita Bihani presented Indulge Concierge, a premium digital concierge service tailored for HNIs and UHNIs. Offering everything from bespoke travel arrangements to luxury experiences, they aimed to redefine personal assistance for India’s elite. Their ask was Rs. 50 lakhs for 1% equity, valuing their company at Rs.50 crore. While the idea intrigued some Sharks, others, like Aman, felt it catered to too narrow a niche. Namita joked about her own need for a concierge service, but concerns about scalability and demand prevailed. Ultimately, no deal was struck, but their unique concept certainly turned heads.

10. Gud World

Gud World, a Maharashtra-based startup, brings the goodness of organic jaggery to the modern kitchen. Founded by Preeti Shinde and Sayali Babasaheb Shinde, the brand offers jaggery cubes, powders, and innovative flavoured cubes known as "Good Bites" in turmeric, cardamom, cocoa, and ginger. Rooted in their family’s 40-year legacy of jaggery production, the founders noticed that their relatives rarely consumed their own products due to the lack of convenience. This observation led them to develop in-house technology to make jaggery user-friendly and appealing. Their pitch revolved around the world’s first 5g and 10g jaggery cubes, marketed as a healthier alternative to refined sugar. Seeking Rs. 50 lakhs for a 2% equity stake, the founders impressed the sharks with their family-driven narrative and focus on health. After some deliberation, Aman Gupta offered Rs. 50 lakhs for 5% equity, valuing the company at Rs.10 crores. Preeti and Sayali accepted the deal, marking a sweet victory for Gud World.

11. Airth

Airth is revolutionising air purification by turning regular air conditioners into powerful air purifiers. Created by IIT Bombay alumni Ravi Kaushik and Abhimanyu Kumar, this startup addresses India's alarming air pollution levels. By integrating advanced filtration technology with air conditioning systems, Airth offers an affordable and efficient solution for cleaner indoor air. The founders entered the tank with a request of Rs. 60 lakhs for 1% equity, valuing their company at Rs. 60 crores. Their innovative technology and public health focus intrigued the sharks. However, the valuation raised eyebrows. After negotiations, Vineeta Singh and Aman Gupta offered Rs. 1 crore for a 3.7% stake; Airth secured the deal, promising the sharks tech-driven solutions with real-world impact.

12. OneDios

OneDios is a Delhi-based digital platform that simplifies the process of booking service requests for electronics and appliances. Founded by Nitin Chawla, the company enables users to track warranties, find service centers, and manage maintenance appointments efficiently. The founders asked for Rs. 75 lakhs in exchange for 1.5% equity, valuing the company at Rs. 50 crores. While the idea was practical, the sharks expressed concerns over its scalability and clear value proposition. Unfortunately, no deal was made, highlighting the need for sharper market positioning and broader appeal in a competitive space. 

Enjoyed reading about the latest Shark Tank India pitches? Stay tuned for more insights on growing startups in India!