Category: Shark Tank

“Namita Thapar Claps Back at Sabeer Bhatia’s ‘99% Indian Engineers’ Comment: A Call for Perspective”

Namita Thapar Responds to Sabeer Bhatia’s View on Engineering Education in India
Namita Thapar, the Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals and a judge on Shark Tank India, offers a different perspective from Hotmail co-founder Sabeer Bhatia regarding India’s engineering education and workplace environment.
During a recent podcast, Bhatia raised concerns over the shortage of hands-on skills and critical thinking among Indian engineers. He noted that a significant portion of engineering graduates in India tend to occupy management positions rather than engaging in product development.
Namita Thapar’s Perspective
In her Instagram Stories, Thapar expressed her views by mentioning her eight-year experience in the US, where she encountered many Indians who had a negative outlook on India. Thapar remarked that Bhatia’s latest comments were somewhat unbalanced, stating that many Indians in the US often criticise the country.
Thapar emphasised the importance of addressing brain drain, calling it a “real concern,” and shifted her focus back to Bhatia, asserting that it is easier for those living abroad to offer advice.
She stressed, “It’s easy to relocate to another country and advise from afar; however, the true impact and challenge is found in staying in one’s own country to promote change!”
Sabeer Bhatia’s Critique of Indian Engineers
What did Sabeer Bhatia actually say? In the podcast, Bhatia claimed, “99 per cent of Indian engineering graduates transition into management roles and begin lecturing others. Where is the work ethic? Where are those who truly work with their hands and strive to build something?”
He also pointed out the contradiction in India’s admiration for business leaders who, he believes, reinforce outsourcing rather than nurturing original software creation.
Bhatia stressed the need for India to change its mindset about technical skills and to start valuing those who write software, who code, and who engage with these challenges critically.
Drawing comparisons with China, the Hotmail co-founder remarked, “China ensures that everyone receives education. It’s akin to subsidised education and subsidised cars.”
In his commentary on India, he added, “Currently, education is accessible only to the affluent. And what do the wealthy do? They pursue education merely to secure a marriage and a dowry. What sort of mindset is that?”
April 9, 2025
Namita of Shark Tank India Highlights Netflix’s ‘Adolescence’ and Its Parenting Insights: ‘Choose Carefully Before Embracing Parenthood If You’re Committed to 70-Hour Workweeks’

Parenting Insights by Namita Thapar: Connection Between Adolescence and Work Culture

Parenting Insights by Namita Thapar: Connection Between Adolescence and Work Culture
Namita Thapar, an entrepreneur and judge on Shark Tank India, recently ignited an important discussion regarding parenting, the mental health of adolescents, and the hustle culture through a heartfelt post that links ideas from the Netflix series Adolescence to the debated 70-hour workweek.
On LinkedIn, Thapar shared her perspective under the title: “My take on parenting. Adolescence on Netflix and 70 hour work week — a correlation and evidence-based opinion.”
This discussion surfaces amid the ongoing dialogue surrounding long working hours in India, which was reignited last year by Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy’s statement advocating for young Indians to undertake 70-hour work weeks.
Thapar contended that parenting under stress—especially paired with an intense work environment—can leave deep emotional marks on children. Drawing from her experiences as a mother of two teenage boys, aged 19 and 14, she expressed:
“As a parent of teens, this show stirred something deep in me… Kids are fragile. They idolise their parents. If they feel they are not living up to the parents’ expectations… they have massive pent-up negativity… Parents may have no bad intent and may not even be aware.”
Using the character Jamie from Adolescence as an illustration, she discussed how he felt overlooked and misjudged by his father. Thapar related this to her teenage experiences:
“I had a thick voice, facial hair, very tomboyish… My mom made me take singing and Kathak classes… My father tried to move me to a better school. I felt he was ‘ashamed’. Bottomline — two good parents, great intent but their actions led to years of low self-esteem and emotional eating. I recovered, got stronger. Not everyone does.”
In addition, Thapar referenced the book The Self-Driven Child, which advocates for empowering children to make their own choices while consistently providing pride and emotional backing.
“Detach. Stop trying to fix things you feel they lack… But over-communicate how proud you are of them,” she articulated, emphasising that this message is more vital than any correction.
Thapar also conveyed a strong caution to supporters of hustle culture: “Say NO to 70 hour weeks — or if you want that life, say no to being a parent! I rest my case. Hope the proponents of 70/90 hour a week watch this show.”
Her message concluded with an affirmation that confidence is the most significant gift parents can bestow. Recognising early indicators of low self-esteem and pursuing professional assistance, she asserted, is crucial before emotional challenges escalate.
The series Adolescence, a four-part limited series featuring Stephen Graham, has garnered significant acclaim and has clearly resonated with Thapar—and numerous parents facing similar issues.

April 9, 2025
“Challenging Stereotypes: Investors React to Aman Gupta’s Endorsement of Goyal’s Take on Startup Culture”

Entrepreneur Critiques Startup Community’s Response to Piyush Goyal’s Comments
In a strong LinkedIn post, an entrepreneur and investor has expressed criticism towards the startup community’s reaction to recent statements made by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, particularly addressing boAt co-founder Aman Gupta for his appreciation of the minister’s words.
Gupta previously mentioned that it’s “not every day that the government asks founders to dream bigger,” in reference to Goyal’s remarks at Startup Mahakumbh. The minister had inquired why Indian founders predominantly focus on “consumer tech” rather than advancing in “deep tech” or innovation-driven projects. While Gupta perceived these remarks as motivation, entrepreneur and investor Sam Baisla took a significantly contrasting stance.
Baisla remarked, “Everything is wrong with this attitude,” asserting that Gupta’s comments suggested he required a minister’s “public ridicule and mockery” to inspire larger ambitions. Following this, Baisla issued three questions directed not only at Gupta but also at the larger Indian startup and investor ecosystem.
“The government’s responsibility is to facilitate and support the citizens, rather than to mock, blame, or label them as lazy. Why aren’t corporate leaders challenging the government?” he inquired.
Baisla further contended that the triumph of Indian entrepreneurs on the global stage counters the belief that Indian talent lacks ambition or diligence. “If individuals are lazy and unintelligent, why do they excel internationally?” he questioned, highlighting the success of Indians who migrate and establish globally recognized companies.
“The mentality of appeasing influential figures and failing to advocate for what is right poses a threat to our nation,” Baisla warned, stating that “this culture of ‘ji sir, hum hi gadhe hain’ will jeopardise the future for our coming generations.”
The comments echo a broader reaction from the startup community regarding Goyal’s statements. Numerous entrepreneurs took to social media to attribute the slowdown of India’s startup sector to bureaucratic hurdles and governmental red tape. Nevertheless, some view governmental criticism as a necessary form of accountability, while others interpret it as a collaborative push towards greater innovation.
April 7, 2025
“Shark Anupam Mittal Responds to Minister Piyush Goyal’s ‘Dukaandari’ Remarks: Founders Can’t Do It All!”

Indian Startups and their Growth Challenges

Indian Startups and their Growth Challenges
In response to Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s comments about Indian startups during the Startup Mahakumbh, Anupam Mittal, a judge on Shark Tank India and the founder of Shaadi.com, offered his perspective to emphasize the importance of the current business environment in India.
Mittal highlighted the emergence of tech startups, stating in an X post, “Recently, several deep-tech companies have truly impressed me. From advancements in AI and space technology to developments in material science, Indian entrepreneurs are prepared to compete on a global scale.”
He, however, noted the obstacles in these tech sectors due to insufficient funding and a lack of exposure within the ecosystem for development and interaction. In response to Goyal’s remark about ‘fancy ice creams’, Mittal remarked, “Founders can accomplish numerous tasks but cannot handle everything.”
In his address at the Startup Mahakumbh, Goyal encouraged entrepreneurs to reconsider their value propositions, indicating that an excessive focus on food delivery and logistics may have limited long-term economic contributions. He pointed out that many startups are transforming unemployed youth into low-wage workers instead of innovating in critical fields such as semiconductors, robotics, electric vehicles, and battery technology, where Chinese startups are making strides.
Mittal was not alone in his reaction; others have also reacted strongly to the Commerce Minister’s comments. Aadit Palicha, co-founder of Zepto, shared a robust defense of the role that consumer internet companies play in fostering innovation and employment on X.
“It is simple to criticise consumer internet startups in India, especially when juxtaposed with the technical prowess seen in the US and China,” Palicha expressed.
He provided statistics regarding Zepto’s economic impact: “Today, nearly 150,000 people are earning a living through Zepto — a company that began just 3.5 years ago. The firm contributes over ₹1,000 crores in taxes to the government annually, has attracted over a billion dollars in foreign direct investment, and has invested hundreds of crores into enhancing India’s backend supply chains, particularly for fresh produce. If that isn’t a testament to Indian innovation, I genuinely don’t know what is.”
Additionally, Mohandas Pai, former CFO of Infosys, criticized Goyal’s statements, asserting that the minister should not undervalue startups. Pai questioned the actions taken by the Commerce Ministry to support deep-tech ventures, highlighting the existence of numerous deep-tech startups in India that struggle with adequate capital for rapid growth. He urged the government to provide necessary assistance while cautioning that the ministry’s startup division appears to have become disengaged.

April 4, 2025
Koparo Secures $1.7 Million Funding With Shark Tank India Support

Koparo: D2C Home Cleaning Brand Raises Rs 14.5 Crore
D2C home cleaning brand Koparo is successfully raising Rs 14.5 crore, approximately $1.7 million, in an extended pre-Series A funding round. This round is led by existing investor Saama Capital and includes contributions from Vikramaditya Mohan Thapar Family Trust, DSG Consumer Partners, M Venture Partners, among others.
Previously, in February 2024, Koparo secured Rs 6 crore from 4P Capital Partners and the television show Shark Tank India. The board at Koparo has passed a special resolution to issue 2,314 pre-Series A2 compulsory convertible preference shares at an issue price of Rs 62,666 each to reach the target of Rs 14.5 crore ($1.7 million), based on regulatory filings accessed from the Registrar of Companies (RoC).
The funds raised will assist in fulfilling working capital needs, general corporate purposes, or financing current and future expansion plans of the company, according to the filings.
As per estimates from Startup Superb, the valuation of the company has grown by nearly 90%, now standing at Rs 124 crore (approximately $14.6 million) compared to its last funding round.
About Koparo
Founded by Simran Khara, Koparo provides natural alternatives to typical cleaning products. With a product portfolio exceeding 15 items and over 30 SKUs spanning core and specialty cleaning, their offerings include floor cleaners, laundry detergents, fabric conditioners, dishwash liquids, handwash, accessories, and fresheners.
Funding History and Shareholding
According to various sources from the startup data intelligence platform, the Delhi-based company has raised nearly $3 million prior to this latest funding round, with investors including Saama Capital, M Venture Partners, and 4P Capital Partners. Following this allotment, Saama Capital will emerge as the largest external shareholder, possessing a 15.36% stake in the company.
Financial Performance
In the fiscal year ending March 2024, Koparo’s operating revenue soared 2.3 times to Rs 10.22 crore, a significant increase from Rs 4.37 crore in FY23. However, the company reported losses amounting to Rs 5.86 crore in FY24.
March 29, 2025
“Anupam Mittal’s Unfiltered Perspective on Securing Promotions in 2025”

Career Progression in Today’s Workplace
For many years, career progression was straightforward: remain with a company long enough, and elevation in position would naturally follow. However, Anupam Mittal, the founder of People Group and a judge on Shark Tank India, asserts that this approach is now obsolete.
In a recent post on LinkedIn, Mittal addressed an interview question concerning the best route to promotion. His response was clear: simply staying in a position is no longer a guarantee for advancement. Instead, he identified three crucial factors that are key to thriving in today’s fast-paced work environment.
1. Speed and Agility Over Experience
Mittal pointed out that “the market is evolving at an incredible pace.” He stated, “If one takes months to analyse, plan, and adapt to trends, they will already be behind.” He highlighted that prompt decision-making, rooted in fundamental principles, is what truly counts.
2. Progress Over Mere Activity
Mittal shared insights from his own career: “He has dedicated 90-hour work weeks that yielded little, while witnessing one significant project generate more value than countless hours of trivial work.” He emphasised that true advancement is measured by the impact made, rather than just the number of hours worked.
3. Ownership Over Entitlement
“The modern workplace differs from a classroom setting where attendance equates to passing grades,” he remarked. Employees who display initiative, make decisions, and drive results—similar to business founders—are the ones who advance.
Mittal opines that relying on a company to acknowledge and reward efforts is “a poor strategy for career management.” He advises professionals to align their objectives with business goals, provide exceptional value, and actively pursue the positions and remuneration they merit.
“Prior to becoming a founder, he attempted to adhere to this outdated strategy,” he recounted. “Typically, he managed to come out ahead.”
In a time when industries are rapidly transforming, Mittal’s message is unmistakable: promotions are not based on tenure; they must be earned through significant contributions.
March 26, 2025
Kolkata Innovator Stuns Shark Tank India 4 Judges with Revolutionary Eco-Plastic Concept, Secures Quadruple Deal!

Bhavisya Plast: Transforming Bioplastic Innovation in India

Bhavisya Plast: Transforming Bioplastic Innovation in India
Bhavisya Plast entered the Shark Tank India stage when a young entrepreneur from Kolkata, Pallavi Luharuka, transformed the competition dynamics. She pitched her groundbreaking biodegradable plastic, prompting an intense bidding war amongst the sharks. By the end of her presentation, Pallavi emerged as a leading figure in the tank.
Introduction to Bhavisya Plast
The company, Bhavisya Plast, specialises in producing eco-friendly bioplastic derived from agricultural waste. This innovative material is designed to withstand heat and moisture, showcasing its potential across various sectors. Pallavi’s product range also includes sustainable lubricants and eco-friendly paints.
The Inspiration Behind the Innovation
The panel’s curiosity peaked when Pallavi shared her backstory — a fortunate accident that unfolded during a collaboration with Jadavpur University, which aimed to convert discarded rice into ethanol. This same agricultural waste now acts as the core component for her patented bioplastic. Namita Thapar and Anupam Mittal were visibly impressed. Namita acknowledged the innovation’s promise while urging Pallavi to consider scaling it further.
Pallavi’s Bold Pitch
Pallavi sought Rs 50 lakh for a 1.5% stake, estimating her business’s pre-money valuation at Rs 30 crore. She proudly presented existing collaborations with Maruti Suzuki and Berger Paints, emphasising that her product line could extend beyond plastics, providing economical alternatives to conventional emulsions and paints. Anupam expressed his astonishment, highlighting that such innovations come once in a lifetime and should be likened to historical breakthroughs like the telegraph and computer chips.
The Sharks Battle for Partnership
As the sharks vied for partnership, Namita reminded them to grant Pallavi some space to think. “Let her breathe,” she suggested, allowing the entrepreneur a moment of respite. However, the stakes remained high. Aman Gupta advised her to focus rather than be swayed by the competition, while newcomer Chirag Nakrani clashed with Anupam, each striving to prove why they would be the best mentor. Chirag boasted, “I have four factories,” but Anupam confidently countered with an offer of Rs 1 crore, which was double Pallavi’s original request.
Pallavi’s Confidence and Vision
Namita referred to the innovation as “earth-shattering,” questioning why other investors had not yet pursued her. In a calm manner, Pallavi stated that they actually had. She had declined a Rs 10 crore acquisition offer, expressing her ambition to establish a Rs 1000 crore enterprise.
The Final Deal
Ultimately, Aman matched Pallavi’s request, as did Anupam, Chirag, and Namita — although, initially, Namita was hesitant to collaborate with the others. Pallavi, however, was firm in her desire for a partnership involving all four sharks. After some discussion, Namita consented. The concluding agreement was for Rs 2 crore in exchange for a 10% equity stake, quadrupling the investment Pallavi originally sought.

March 21, 2025
“India’s UPI Set to Revolutionize Global Payments: Anupam Mittal’s Vision”

Global Expansion of UPI: A Challenge to Traditional Payment Giants

Global Expansion of UPI is being championed by Anupam Mittal, the founder of Shaadi.com, who has urged for the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to extend its reach beyond India. Mittal believes that UPI has the ability to challenge established payment powerhouses such as Visa and Mastercard. In a recent tweet, he underscored the transformative potential of UPI for the payments sector, highlighting its capability to remove transaction fees and facilitate smoother international payments.
He stated that UPI has enabled large-scale, effortless, and cost-effective transactions within India and posited that now is the time to confront companies like Visa and Mastercard, along with the banking sector, which often takes a slice of 2-5% from a multi-trillion dollar market. Mittal pointed out that India’s tech solutions are poised to serve the world, questioning what is delaying progress in this area, specifically addressing the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
UPI, a product of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has transformed digital payments in India by facilitating instantaneous, real-time transactions with minimal or no costs. Unlike conventional payment systems that impose considerable fees on users and merchants, UPI has streamlined routine transactions, thus enhancing financial accessibility for a broader audience in the country.
Mittal’s comments arrive at a moment when there is a push for the international adoption of UPI by India. Countries including Singapore, the UAE, Sri Lanka, France, and Nepal have started to implement UPI-based frameworks, with discussions under way with several other nations. Both the Indian government and NPCI are focused on broadening the reach of UPI through international collaboration, aspiring to position it as a worldwide alternative to existing payment systems.
Traditional entities such as Visa and Mastercard, along with international banks, typically charge merchants a fee ranging from 2% to 5% per transaction, a burden that ultimately affects both businesses and consumers. Mittal contends that UPI’s no-cost approach has the potential to disrupt this established system, ultimately reducing digital payment expenses on a global scale.
While there are hurdles to overcome, such as obtaining necessary regulatory endorsements, developing currency exchange protocols, and ensuring compatibility across various systems, Mittal’s comments reflect an increasing confidence in UPI’s potential capabilities.
On a related note, to ensure that the UPI environment remains economical and accessible to all users, the government has introduced an incentive programme aimed at promoting low-value BHIM-UPI transactions from individuals to merchants (P2M). This initiative provides incentives to the acquiring bank and other parties involved for P2M UPI transactions valued at less than Rs 2,000 made with small merchants, offering a rate of 0.15% based on the transaction amount.

March 20, 2025
“Srikanth Bolla Probes XL Cinema Founders on Scalability in Shark Tank India 4”

Cinema Accessibility with XL Cinema
XL Cinema is a cinema accessibility startup that focuses on providing descriptive audio for films and web series, enhancing the experience for individuals with visual impairments. This innovative venture was showcased during the season four finale of Shark Tank India, where two of its founders made their pitch.
Guest Appearance and Company Valuation
In this episode, Srikanth Bolla served as a guest shark, while Jeet Adani observed from a distance. The founders pointed out that their technology was utilised in the biopic about Srikanth, which added credibility to their proposition. They requested Rs 1.5 crore in exchange for 1.5% equity, which implied a company valuation of Rs 100 crore. This figure raised some eyebrows among the sharks, especially given the company’s revenue was only Rs 65 lakh.
Business Model and Efficiency
When explaining their business model, the founders stated they charge production houses Rs 4 lakh for each project and promise delivery within 30 hours, which is a notable improvement over the industry’s typical week-long turnaround. They attributed their speed to an efficient AI-driven workflow. Although Anupam Mittal acknowledged the merits of their process, he deemed the valuation excessively high and chose to withdraw. Aman Gupta and Namita Thapar also decided to opt-out, with Aman expressing concerns about the inevitable influx of lower-priced competitors, while Namita questioned the willingness of production houses to invest Rs 4 lakh per project.
Challenges in Scalability
Srikanth Bolla emerged as a critical voice, challenging the founders on their scalability. This led the founders to draw attention to a government directive that mandates all theatrical releases to feature descriptive audio by March 2026. However, Srikanth countered, stating, “Nobody’s implementing the plastic ban either,” which emphasised the gap between legislative measures and actual practice. The founders assured that the CBFC would enforce this regulation, but Srikanth remained sceptical, highlighting that government policies can shift over time.
He further remarked, “I don’t require a visual description either — I can estimate your height based on the sound of your voice. However, my case is unique. Let’s put that aside, as I recognise you are addressing a significant issue… However, new competitors may emerge. Growth possibilities seem remote.” Ultimately, he decided to withdraw from the deal.
Unexpected Support
Despite a challenging response during the pitch, there was a positive turnaround when Jeet Adani stepped forward after the episode aired. He proposed Rs 1 crore in two instalments, providing the founders with a crucial boost following their difficult experience in the tank.
March 20, 2025
Meet Srikanth Bolla: The Visionary Industrialist and New Judge on Shark Tank India Season 4

Srikanth Bolla Joins Shark Tank India as a Dynamic Investor

Srikanth Bolla Joins Shark Tank India as a Dynamic Investor
Srikanth Bolla, a notable industrialist and founder chairman of Bollant Industries, is poised to make an impactful appearance on Shark Tank India. With a story rooted in resilience and innovative leadership, he steps into the panel as a shark, ready to motivate and challenge aspiring entrepreneurs. His remarkable journey from facing personal obstacles to achieving significant success in the industry is sure to engage viewers and spark a new wave of entrepreneurial enthusiasm.
Insights from the Show Preview
In a sneak peek of the forthcoming episode, Srikanth Bolla was seen alongside the other judges. He shared images from the set, stating that to survive among sharks, one must become a shark. This opportunity to join Shark Tank India is something he cherishes.
Bolla expressed his thoughts on the rising entrepreneurial spirit in India, noting that the show has positively influenced many. He remarked that participants appear eager to tackle both longstanding challenges and modern societal issues with a visionary outlook.
Words of Encouragement from Srikanth Bolla
Bolla urged everyone with an idea not just to think about it but to take action before someone else does. His excitement for being part of Shark Tank India was clear, as he emphasised that this is merely the beginning of his journey.
About Srikanth Bolla
Srikanth Bolla is the CEO, co-founder, and Chairman of Bollant Industries Private Limited. Despite being visually impaired, he is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, recognised in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. His website highlights that he was the first blind international student to be admitted to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States.
Bollant Industries has achieved an impressive annual turnover exceeding $150 million and provides employment to over 500 individuals. Bolla’s educational journey began at age six when he walked long distances to school, eventually ranking among the top performers in Andhra Pradesh during his matriculation exams. He faced legal challenges when advocating for his right to study in the Science stream post-10th grade, despite restrictions on blind students pursuing that path.
After securing a 98 percent score in his class 12 examinations, Bolla encountered multiple rejections from Indian engineering colleges, including prestigious IITs, which claimed they were ill-equipped to support a visually impaired student. Undeterred, he applied to numerous international universities, ultimately selecting MIT.
Following his graduation from MIT in 2005, Bolla dedicated himself to being a Youth Leader in the Lead India Program, addressing poverty and unemployment issues by training over 800,000 youths in leadership, values, and employability. He created a Braille library in Hyderabad with funding from MIT’s Legatum Centre, co-founded the Samanvai Centre for Children with Multiple Disabilities in 2011, and launched Bollant Industries in 2012 with an initial investment of just $19,000.
Since its establishment, Bollant Industries has seen consistent growth of 20 percent monthly and a compound annual growth rate of 107 percent from 2015 to 2019.
In a separate social media post praising Anupam Mittal, the founder of Shaadi.com, Bolla noted the privilege of being on Shark Tank, highlighting Mittal’s insightful presence and appreciation for the efforts at Bollant. He noted that communication with Mittal is seamless due to his deep understanding of successful business building.

March 17, 2025