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A business-entrepreneurial reality show that has now turned into a household conversation—the Indian adaptation of the global show, ‘Shark Tank India’, has proved to be one of the most popular shows in the country in a short span of time. The show is based on a simple yet encouraging plot about ambitious entrepreneurs pitching their business ideas to ‘sharks’ aka investors who then decide if they want to invest in the ventures or not. The Indian sharks in Season 1 include Ashneer Grover (co-founder and managing director of BharatPe), Anupam Mittal (founder and CEO of People group), Aman Gupta (co-founder and marketing director of BOAT), Ghazal Alagh (founder of MamaEarth), Namita Thapar (CEO of Emcure Pharmaceuticals), Peyush Bansal (founder and CEO of Lenskart), and Vineeta Singh (CEO of Sugar Cosmetics).
The show has made the topic of entrepreneurship and its struggles a household subject, encouraging conversations. Although Shark Tank India is in its final week, it is going to end on an inspiring note. With several female entrepreneurs presenting their brilliant business ideas, we look at the lucky ones who were able to convince the sharks to invest in their ideas. Take a look:
1. The Quirky Naari by Malvica Saxena
A fashion and lifestyle start-up, The Quirky Naari started by Malvica Saxena offers personalised customisation for products like bridal sneakers, hand-painted sneakers, and jackets to give them a personal touch. The brand sells through its website, Instagram handle, and Facebook. When Malvica pitched her business on Shark Tank, the brand received Rs 35 lakh in funding for 15% equity from Anupam Mittal and Vineeta Singh, two of the sharks on the show.
2. Auli Lifestyle by Aishwarya Biswas
A natural Ayurvedic brand conceptualised and created by Aishwarya Biswas, Auli Lifestyle offers a wide range of skin products and healthy living methods. Presented on Shark Tank, the Kolkata-based brand lost support from most of the sharks except Namita Thapar who offered Rs 75 lakhs for 15%.
3. Heart Up My Sleeves by Riya Khattar
A fashion label, Heart Up My Sleeves dabbles in designing and manufacturing detachable statement sleeves, capes, and brooches to enhance outfits. When Riya pitched at Shark Tank for Rs 25 lakhs in exchange for 30% equity, sharks Anupam Mittal and Vineeta Singh agreed to fund her. The purpose behind the brand is simple: to raise the glam quotient of an outfit with detachable sleeves, thereby helping them with numerous options and giving it a chic look.
4. Momo Mami by Aditi Madan
A former Masterchef India contestant, Aditi Madan’s concept was to deliver frozen momos to all nooks and corners of India. She is also the co-founder of BluePine Foods, which produces varieties of frozen Indo-Chinese fare like momos and spring rolls. She had asked for an investment of Rs 75 lakhs in exchange for 16% equity. Sharks Ashneer Grover, Aman Gupta, and Vineeta Singh have invested in her venture.
5. Raising Superstars by Shraddha Himmatsingka
A child development app to develop skills and intelligence for children aged between 0 to 3 years, the platform is co-founded by Shraddha and Raghav Himatsingka. Sharks Aman Gupta and Ashneer Grover have signed a deal for Rs 1 crore in exchange for 4% equity.
6. CosIQ Intelligent Cosmetics by Kanika Talwar
A four-month-old startup by Kanika Talwar and her husband, CosIQ aims to be an intelligent skincare brand with products backed by effective clinical technologies focusing on clean ingredients and minimalist formulations. The brand has bagged funding of Rs 5 million in its seed round against a 25% share by sharks Vineeta and Anupam.
7. Menstrupedia Comic by Aditi Gupta
Founded in 2012 by Aditi Gupta and her now-husband, Tuhin Paul, Menstrupedia Comic was launched to educate and spread awareness about menstruation, especially among teenagers. The book is basically an easy-to-read guide to explain menstruation and the issues surrounding it. The platform was able to get a deal of Rs 50 lakh for 20% equity from shark Namita Thapar.
8. Skippi Ice Pops by Anuja Kabra
Touted as India’s first ice popsicle brand, Anuja and her husband, are the co-founders of Skippi Ice Pops. They created history by becoming the first brand on Shark Tank India to receive an ‘All Shark Deal’. Impressed by the pitch and the product, they received funding of a whopping Rs 1 crore for 15% equity. These loved treats are said to be 100% natural and created following strict hygiene standards.
Photo: IMDB