These Sharks went bonkers with investments and for the right reasons!
Shark Tank India’s popularity has catapulted the show into something of a reality TV Mecca for entrepreneurs. As a platform, it offers budding entrepreneurs the chance to pitch their business ideas to a panel of investors known as “Sharks”. The tug-of-war of ideas between the Sharks and the hopeful contestants has created some remarkable discourse and a stir of entertainment. Some contestants have made offers that might as well be blood in the water, with the sharks battling it out for the best deals, while others had a long way to go to steal the judges’ hearts.
Over its three seasons, the desi iteration of Shark Tank has witnessed some incredible investments and for compelling reasons. In this article, let’s delve deeper into the funding journeys of three prominent Sharks—Aman Gupta, Anupam Mittal and Namita Thapar—and find out who has spent the biggest bucks.
1. Aman Gupta (Co-Founder and CEO of boAt)
Image from Aman Gupta’s X handle
Aman Gupta, the co-founder of boAt, has made his brand synonymous with stylish and durable audio electronics like earphones, headphones, speakers and more recently, wearable fitness devices. Successfully tapping into the youth market with trendy, tech-driven products, boAt has a valuation of US$1.4 billion. Recently, he received the Best Celebrity Creator Award from Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, further underscoring his influence.
With a substantial net worth of US$93 million, Gupta not only brings some major capital to the table but is also known as one of the more selective judges. Known for his grounded, practical investment style, he skillfully balances high risks with potentially high rewards. His keen interest in lifestyle and tech innovations is evident from his engagement on Shark Tank India.
Over three seasons, he has invested in 108 companies, steering 22 deals on his own. As per estimates, his total investment in Shark Tank deals amounts to about INR40 crores (US$4.75 million).
Notable startups funded by Aman Gupta on Shark Tank India:
- Hoovu Fresh (a flower company catering to religious celebrations): Along with Peyush Bansal, Gupta invested a total of INR1 crore (US$120,000) with 2% equity.
- Skippi Ice Pops (a snack brand): Along with the four other Sharks, the total investment went up to INR1 crore (US$120,000) with 15% equity. Gupta personally invested INR20 lakhs (US$24,000) for a 3% stake.
- Namhya Foods (an Ayurvedic enriched food brand): Founder Ridhima Arora received funding worth INR50 lakhs (US$60,000) for 10% of the shares and INR50 lakhs debt.
- Get-A-Whey (India’s first whey protein powdered ice cream): Alongside Vineeta Singh, Gupta invested around INR1 crore (US$120,000) for a 15% share in the company.
2. Namita Thapar (Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals)
Image from Namita Thapar’s X handle
As the Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, Namita Thapar is a staunch advocate for women-led startups. With her experience in the pharmaceutical industry, she has a keen interest in healthcare-based startups, offering guidance towards their success. Her investment style is both enthusiastic and meticulous, favoring ventures with the potential for substantial returns.
To date, Thapar’s investments on Shark Tank India have amounted to INR30 crores (US$3.57 million) across 87 companies, securing her spot in the big spender’s club.
Notable startups funded by Namita Thapar on Shark Tank India:
- Cosmix (a superfood supplement company): Thapar outbid Piyush Bansal after a heated negotiation and closed the deal with an offer of INR1 crore (US$120,000) for 1% equity and 1% royalty until the investment is recouped.
- London Bubble Co. (a dessert café franchise): Thapar deviated from her healthcare focus to the indulgence sector, closing the deal solo at INR75 lakhs (US$90,000) for a 15% share of the business.
- Kalakaram (a DIY art kits and craft products startup): Along with Anupam and Peyush, Thapar invested INR 60 lakhs (US$72,000) for 6% equity in the startup.
- S.T.E.M Tech Medical Devices: With her healthcare sector expertise in play, Namita joined hands with Aman and Ritesh and invested around INR30 lakhs (US$36,000) for 1.8% equity in “Eva Scalp Cooling System”, the company’s flagship product that helps cancer patients minimize hair loss during chemotherapy.
3. Anupam Mittal (Founder and CEO of Shaadi.com)
Image from Anupam Mittal’s X handle
Anupam Mittal is a familiar name in the Indian matchmaking arena, thanks to the (in)famous Shaadi.com (formerly Sagai.com), a site that has played cupid for thousands of couples. His first-of-its-kind, online matrimonial site has certainly given tough competition to family matchmakers in India.
Beyond matchmaking, Mittal has made savvy early investments in some of India’s top startups. He was an early backer of Ola Cab, one of the largest ride-sharing services in India, as well as Big Basket, the first-ever app grocery delivery service, and Rapido, a bike and auto commuting service. These ventures highlight his knack for scouting potential and making timely moves in the market.
Mittal’s investment style is bold and decisive, often making offers that are difficult to turn down and typically going solo. His track record on Shark Tank India includes an estimated INR24 crores (US$2.85 million) across 74 companies over three seasons.
Notable startups funded by Anupam Mittal on Shark Tank India:
- Pawsindia (an e-commerce pet product company): Mittal made a deal with founder Priyam Singh at INR50 lakhs (US$60,000) for a 15% stake.
- Zillionaire (a new age jewelry company): Mittal solo invested INR1 crore (US$120,000) for 10% equity, countering a collective offer made by Vineeta Singh, Aman Gupta and Peyush Bansal.
- ARRCoat (an end-to-end wall solution system company): The startup attracted Mittal’s sole investment of INR 50 lakhs (US$60,000) for a 15% ownership stake, contingent on meeting certain business conditions.
- Amore (an F&B startup): Mittal invested around INR75 lakhs (US$60,000) for 7.5% equity under the condition that the company achieves sales of INR80 lakhs (US$90,000) per month.
Conclusion
The three seasons of Shark Tank India have firmly established itself as a cornerstone for budding entrepreneurs, solidifying India’s position as the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world, following the U.S. and China.
Beyond just a launchpad and financial boost for startups, the show also serves as an educational platform that brings entrepreneurship closer to the masses. The Sharks—Aman Gupta, Namita Thapar and Anupam Mittal—offer much more than capital; they provide mentorship and guidance to help startups through the complexities of scaling and thriving in competitive markets.
With season four of Shark Tank India already in the making, we can anticipate more hidden gems emerging in the Indian entrepreneurial landscape.
Also read:
- 3 Innovative Startups Transforming Food Waste into Eco-Friendly Products
- Friends to Founders: 3 Inspiring Stories of Startups Sprouting from Friendships
- Cleantech Innovations: Pioneering Startups Shaping the Future of Sustainability
Header Image by SonyLiv
