The Bear House Founders Secure a Deal on Shark Tank India 4

The recent episode of Shark Tank India 4 showcased The Bear House, a direct-to-consumer men’s fashion label. The entrepreneurs behind the brand successfully secured investment during their appearance. Established by Harsh Somaiya and Tanvi Somaiya, this Bangalore-based brand has become well-known for its adaptable sizing and European-inspired designs.

Harsh began his journey in the fashion sector in 2014, starting a factory with his uncle to produce clothing for leading brands. Tanvi, a graduate from NIFT, joined him later to manage operations for both the brand and factory. Together, they launched The Bear House in 2016, realising their shared vision.

Harsh recounts their experience, stating that in 2014, they set up their own factory, which focused on exporting garments for established brands. However, by 2016, despite the thriving nature of their business, they made a critical error by expanding the factory and accepting domestic orders. This decision proved detrimental, as payments within the domestic market were often delayed, leading to considerable financial setbacks. By 2019, they had to shut down the factory. At the height of their success, they had generated ₹55 crores in B2B revenue, but the mounting losses forced them to incur losses ranging from Rs 18-19 crores before ceasing operations. Harsh disclosed that investments came primarily from his uncle, who contributed around 25-30 crores. Fortunately, they managed to sell the factory to a multinational corporation, which allowed them to settle the losses.

Harsh also shared a humorous anecdote behind the brand’s name, ‘Bear House’, with his wife commenting that it was inspired by his teddy bear-like appearance. The panel was particularly impressed by Tanvi’s dedication, noting that she returned to work just 25 days postpartum. The Sharks applauded her commitment.

Namita provided a thoughtful piece of advice, stating that life doesn’t always unfold as anticipated, and in worst-case scenarios, women should prioritise their financial security. She firmly expressed her belief that women should not hastily relinquish their equity, encouraging Tanvi to reconsider her position.

Harsh and Tanvi captivated the Sharks by showcasing their product, highlighting a key feature of their brand: the 420 GSM fabric. However, Aman Gupta was initially sceptical of their impressive sales figures, suggesting they seemed almost unbelievable. He expressed doubts about the authenticity of their numbers, stating that he felt uncertain of himself, remarking it was too good to be true. If such a brand had existed, he would have been aware of it.

In response, the founders reminded him that he had recently presented them with an award. Namita playfully teased Aman, questioning his memory, while Anupam jested that he only remembers awards he has given out.

Kunal stepped forward with an offer of Rs 3 crores for 3 percent equity, while Viraj decided to withdraw. Aman and Anupam also chose to back out, believing that Namita’s offer was more advantageous. Following extensive negotiations, Namita Thapar secured the deal, proposing Rs 1 crore for 1 percent equity, alongside Rs 2 crores in debt with a 10 percent interest rate for five years.

Investor Rejection: A Path to Opportunity

Experiencing investor rejection may appear as a dead end, yet for numerous founders, it serves as a redirection. This scenario compels them to reassess strategies, enhance pitches, and seek out alternative funding avenues. Vineeta Singh, a judge on Shark Tank India 4 and the CEO of SUGAR Cosmetics, understands this intimately — having encountered over 100 investor rejections herself, she now motivates founders to regard these challenges as stepping stones rather than obstacles.

Investor Rejection is Not the End

Vineeta Singh recently shared an insightful post on LinkedIn, reminding entrepreneurs that facing investor rejection is far from “the end of the world.” She reflected on her own experiences, stating that she too once believed investor rejections signalled the conclusion of her journey.

Highlighting a noteworthy example, she mentioned The Ring, a startup that initially faced difficulties in securing funding but ultimately was acquired by Amazon for over $1 billion. Stressing the necessity of persistence, she remarked that “a NO from an investor is not actually a NO — it’s a NOT YET. Investors who decline today might change their minds as your business evolves.”

Learning and Growing from Rejection

Acknowledging that rejection can lead to feelings of self-doubt, Vineeta encouraged founders to embrace the feedback they receive from investors. She noted that “there is a lot to learn from these conversations.” Investor feedback can reveal weaknesses, improve strategies, and, at times, even safeguard a business.

Furthermore, she reminded entrepreneurs that relying solely on investor capital isn’t the only avenue for scaling a business. Vineeta mentioned alternatives such as “customer capital, which can render a company profitable,” as well as raising funds through debt, family, or friends.

According to Vineeta, facing rejection may sometimes prove to be the most beneficial experience for a founder. She stated, “It forces you to be profitable and to never give up.”

A Community of Resilient Entrepreneurs

Her post resonated deeply with numerous entrepreneurs, generating a wave of comments. One user expressed, “My issue isn’t with rejections. I’m determined to build, no matter what. My real challenge is how to connect with a shark just to hear a NO at least!”

Another individual echoed her thoughts, commenting, “Great point, Vineeta. Investor rejections may feel intimidating, but they are hardly the endpoint. Resilience often opens doors to larger opportunities.”

“Every rejection is merely a redirection,” added another commenter, urging founders to remain focused and sharpen their approach.

For countless individuals within the startup ecosystem, Vineeta’s message served as a potent reminder: while setbacks are part and parcel of the journey, persistence is what truly makes a difference.

Tintbox: A Lifestyle Kitchenware Brand Making Waves

Tintbox, a lifestyle kitchenware brand, recently showcased its business on the fourth season of Shark Tank India. The founders likened their products to the iconic Stanley Cup, known in the US for its blend of functionality and style.

The brand offers pitchers and glassware equipped with a durable silicone sleeve, ensuring both protection against breakage and safety from heat for users.

Investment Pitch and Business Performance

The founders were seeking an investment of ₹70 lakh in return for a 5 per cent equity stake and shared with the investors that they have been generating ₹2 crore in revenue consistently over the past three years. However, according to insights from Anupam Mittal, founder of Shaadi.com, the brand has faced challenges due to a lack of alignment with market demand.

Feedback from Investors

Mittal pointed out that the branding and packaging do not meet industry standards, encouraging the founders to improve these areas. He remarked on the expectation that businesses should evolve significantly within a few years, particularly since Tintbox has been operational since 2017.

While Kunal Bahl shared Mittal’s views on the branding challenges, he commended the founders for building a profitable venture. Nevertheless, he chose not to invest, highlighting that the business remains in its early stages.

Marketing Insights from Industry Experts

Vineeta Singh, co-founder and CEO of SUGAR Cosmetics, expressed that numerous kitchenware and glassware brands are successfully growing their revenues without heavy marketing investments. She stated, “There are businesses reaching ₹10 crore in revenue, so there may be an underlying issue for Tintbox stalling at ₹2 crore.”

Peyush Bansal from Lenskart and Aman Gupta from boAt agreed that a fresh perspective is needed to strategise effectively for Tintbox’s growth. Bansal advised the founder duo to consider bringing in a co-founder who could provide guidance in these critical areas.

In response, one of the founders stated that they are currently collaborating with an agency; however, Bansal insisted that having a committed individual with equity in the company would yield better results. Ultimately, the founders left the show without securing a deal, as various issues represented hurdles for their business.

Celebrity Endorsements and Future Aspirations

Following their pitch, the daughter of the founder shared that their products are popular among celebrities. She mentioned, “Discussing packaging may seem trivial. Our products are endorsed by celebrities, and we have successfully built a reputable business.”

Zingavita Ayurveda: A New Era of Shilajit Products on Shark Tank India Season 4

Shilajit wellness products are gaining traction as Shark Tank India season 4 showcases innovative ideas and intense negotiations. On the 7th of March, entrepreneurs Dheeraj Nagpal and Sachin Goel from Chandigarh took the stage to present their unique venture, Zingavita Ayurveda, with the aim of transforming perceptions surrounding Shilajit-based wellness offerings.

During their presentation, they unveiled a range of products, which included pure Himalayan Shilajit, Shilajit honey, effervescent tablets in various flavours, and coffee. Their objective was to dispel the notion that Shilajit is solely associated with men’s sexual wellness. They requested an investment of ₹1 crore for 1.25% equity in their burgeoning company.

Located in Gurugram, Zingavita aims to bridge traditional Ayurveda with modern nutritional science. Their lineup features high-quality supplements, including pure Himalayan Shilajit and various Shilajit-infused products such as resin, effervescent tablets in flavours like elaychi and cola, along with honey and coffee. These products are designed to support health and fitness among users.

As the sharks reviewed the offerings, Ritesh Agarwal was the first to raise issues regarding the premium pricing. Vineeta Singh asked about the consumption patterns of the products, while Aman Gupta humorously pointed out the inclusivity of Shilajit in their products by saying, “Aap ne sab Shilajit banaye hain, Shilajit, Shilajit…” (You’ve made everything from Shilajit). He jokingly declined to taste the Shilajit honey, stating, “Ye humein nahi zaroorat” (I don’t need this).

The founders defended their business model by highlighting the successful adoption of their product in the US market, citing this as evidence of increasing demand within India. Nevertheless, Namita Thapar expressed disappointment over the absence of clinical testing backing their claims. Kunal Bahl forthrightly commented, “Aapko lagta hain ye saman bik raha hai market mein toh hum bhi bech le” (So you thought since the product is selling in the market, let us also sell the same product).

Despite the entrepreneurs’ enthusiasm and detailed pitch, their efforts did not persuade the sharks to invest, resulting in them leaving without securing a deal.

Fitelo Impresses on Shark Tank India 4 with Ambitious Valuation

A pair of young entrepreneurs took the stage on Shark Tank India 4, captivating the judges with a bold request — Rs 1.5 crore in exchange for just 0.5% equity, placing their company, Fitelo, at a remarkable valuation of Rs 300 crore. The ambitious valuation prompted Anupam Mittal to humorously remark, “Your valuation is obese.”

Fitelo’s Founders Share Their Journey

Mehakdeep Singh and Sahil Bansal, the minds behind Fitelo, conveyed that their own challenges with weight management inspired them to develop a wellness application that goes beyond just diet and exercise. It also considers the psychological facets of controlling weight. While Anupam recognised this as a significant differentiator, he noted that their approach resembled that of competitors such as HealthifyMe.

A Stronger Pitch After Initial Setbacks

The founders disclosed that they had faced rejection in the initial two seasons of Shark Tank India, during which their turnover was Rs 1 crore and Rs 4 crore, respectively. Now boasting a projected revenue of Rs 100 crore, they returned with a more robust pitch. “There has to be something magical about your app,” noted Vineeta Singh, clearly impressed by their impressive user retention metrics.

Experts Share Opinions on the Business Potential

Kunal Bahl referred to their metrics as the “smile curve,” indicating that customers found genuine value in their product. Nevertheless, he, along with Anupam Mittal and Ritesh Agarwal, opted to decline, believing that the business might undergo significant shifts in the upcoming year. However, Vineeta identified potential in Fitelo and proposed an offer — considerably lower at a valuation of Rs 75 crore.

Emotional Moments Influence Deal-Making

The pitch took an emotional turn as Namita Thapar and Kunal Bahl recounted their personal experiences with body shaming. Namita reflected on her childhood, recalling being labelled ‘moti’, while Kunal shared his battle with weight, revealing that at 17 years old, he weighed 112 kilograms, often facing ridicule. “People didn’t call me by my name, they called me ‘mota’. Those who haven’t faced this won’t understand how humiliating it is,” he mentioned.

Fitelo’s Innovative Focus Captivates Investors

Responding to Fitelo’s commitment to providing psychological support, Namita proposed that the app could branch into supplements. She opted to join forces with Vineeta, and together they made an offer of Rs 1.5 crore at a Rs 150 crore valuation, alongside a royalty agreement. The founders graciously accepted, securing a deal that, while lower than their original request, represented a significant accomplishment.

Good Monk: The Tasteless Supplement Revolution on Shark Tank India

A husband-wife team introduced their innovative supplement brand, Good Monk, in a recent episode of Shark Tank India. Their selling point was the product’s ability to mix effortlessly into meals without changing the flavour. To demonstrate this feature, they challenged the sharks to conduct a blind taste test, which resulted in no one accurately identifying the dish that included their supplement, much to the founders’ delight.

The founders of Good Monk, Amarpreet and Sahiba, sought Rs 1 crore in exchange for 1.67% equity in their business. Designed to be incorporated into everyday meals, their product piqued the interest of the sharks, as they aimed to cater to all demographics, including children and seniors. This positioning made it an easy solution for fulfilling daily nutritional requirements.

Despite this, Shark Azhar Iqubal expressed concerns regarding the product’s effectiveness. While the founders assured that the supplement was free of side effects, Iqubal questioned whether it truly differed from conventional supplements that people have relied on for years.

In contrast, Vineeta Singh, CEO of SUGAR Cosmetics, recognised the opportunity. As a mother, she understood the common challenge of encouraging children to consume nutritious food, commenting that it is a very real issue faced by families everywhere.

The founders shared that they had secured over Rs 12 crore in funding; however, they were also spending Rs 45 lakh a month. A surprising revelation was that 85% of their expenses were directed towards marketing efforts, leading to a staggering loss of Rs 11 crore. While they had aspirations to transition from online sales to brick-and-mortar stores, the sharks were not persuaded by this plan.

Vineeta Singh highlighted the flaws in their expenditure strategy and suggested reducing marketing costs while bringing a celebrity mother onboard as their brand ambassador.

She then made a conditional proposal: Rs 50 lakh for 1.25% equity along with Rs 50 lakh in debt at 1% interest for three years, contingent upon the founders minimizing marketing to 20% of sales, decreasing fixed costs, and achieving an EBITDA margin of -5% to -10% within three months.

The other sharks stepped back from participating in the deal. Aman Gupta, addressing various business challenges, humorously stated that he did not want to be the monk who would sell his Ferrari to invest in their enterprise.

After some negotiation, the founders put forth a counter-offer, yet Vineeta remained resolute. Ultimately, they agreed to her terms, successfully closing the deal.

Shark Tank India 4: Chhail Khalsa’s Innovative Smart Textiles

The recent episode of Shark Tank India 4 showcased Chhail Khalsa, an entrepreneur from Ahmedabad, who presented her brand Anuvad and its extraordinary smart textiles. This new venture merges fabric with technology, demonstrating the skills of Indian artisans. Chhail revealed how her textiles integrate circuits, enhancing their functionality. Nevertheless, the pitch encountered doubt from the panel of ‘sharks’, who raised concerns about the practicality and scalability of her concept.

What Defines Smart Textiles?

When Vineeta Singh inquired about what constitutes a “smart textile,” Chhail elaborated that it signifies any fabric boasting a functional advantage over standard textiles. She mentioned that she possesses an Indian patent for incorporating circuits into fabric, thereby creating an electronic medium. As an illustration, she pointed to heated cushions but unfortunately did not have a prototype onhand, leaving the sharks confused.

Challenges Faced During the Pitch

Kunal Bahl questioned Chhail about the absence of the heated cushions during her presentation, but she was unable to provide a convincing response. This led Anupam Mittal to bluntly state, “You thought you’d get funding with this. Why show the others?” indicating the difficulties in her pitch.

Funding and Market Potential

Chhail disclosed that she has dedicated more than eight years to developing this technology and has obtained three grants from the IKEA Foundation, amounting to ₹44 lakh. She was seeking ₹50 lakh in exchange for 5 percent equity in the company, thereby valuing it at ₹10 crore.

Mixed Reactions from the Sharks

Despite the skepticism, Vineeta probed whether Chhail realistically believed in the market demand for her product. Kunal, however, praised her determination. Namita Thapar opted out of the investment, citing that the business is at a nascent stage. Anupam also withdrew, branding it as a “college project, craft center, research-oriented textiles looking for a use case,” although he expressed interest in commissioning a project from her brand.

Vineeta declined the offer as well, asserting that “no one needs” her product, suggesting that it seemed more like a novelty rather than a practical alternative to traditional textiles. Kunal Bahl and Ritesh Agarwal echoed the sentiment, resulting in Chhail exiting the pitch without securing any funding.

Determined for the Future

After the pitch, Chhail remained confident in her vision, maintaining that e-textiles present substantial opportunities ahead.

Glow Glossary’s Pitch on Shark Tank India

Glow Glossary, a brand focused on wellness that specializes in matcha-based products, recently sought Rs 60 lakh for 4% equity on Shark Tank India, which would value the company at Rs 15 crore. Unfortunately, the founders, Pratishtha and Kavya, left the show empty-handed after the sharks criticized the business’s clarity and structure.

Feedback from the Sharks

During the presentation, Anupam Mittal, the founder of Shaadi.com, provided blunt feedback regarding the entrepreneurs, particularly focusing on Pratishtha’s insufficient business acumen and self-assurance. He expressed his sentiments openly, implying that facing challenges is essential for growth and learning in the world of entrepreneurship.

Mittal’s feedback followed concerns from him and other sharks about the scalability of Glow Glossary and the limited industry knowledge of its founders. The brand, which obtains its matcha from Japan, aimed to generate Rs 1.5 crore in revenue during its first year and expected a profit margin of 45%. Nevertheless, the investors were not convinced by these ambitious figures due to the absence of a solid financial strategy.

Concerns Raised About Backgrounds

Another significant issue raised was Pratishtha’s background. Although she mentioned that her passion for matcha began during her six-year residence in New York, she conceded that she had never visited Japan, where their matcha is sourced. Kunal Bahl queried, “Then how do you source the powder?” to which Kavya responded that a Japanese friend oversees the supply chain. While Bahl recognised the quality of their matcha, he deemed their other products as “ordinary.”

Vineeta Singh also shared her doubts. Despite acknowledging the financial data, she concluded that the venture was “not investable at this stage,” highlighting the necessity for a more defined strategy.

Pratishtha’s Experience Under Scrutiny

Mittal continued to press Pratishtha regarding her work history, inquiring, “Have you had a job before?” Her negative reply led him to quip, “I thought so.”

The founders envisioned Glow Glossary as a Rs 300 crore enterprise, aspiring to collaborate with clients like Fig in Delhi and Soho House in Mumbai. However, the absence of a polished business strategy and industry experience ultimately dissuaded the investors from supporting their venture.