The Good Doll’s Journey on Shark Tank India Season 4

A couple recently presented their indigenous doll enterprise, The Good Doll, during an episode of Shark Tank India season 4. The founders, Suhas and Sunita, made a pitch seeking an investment of ₹50 lakh in exchange for 5 per cent equity.

During their presentation, the couple disclosed that they had previously secured ₹40 lakh from Nithin Kamath, the founder and CEO of Zerodha. They also shared their decision to leave behind their corporate jobs and capitalistic lifestyles to relocate to the mountains.

According to the couple, they left their families, friends, and material possessions behind and constructed their new home themselves. The inspiration for their doll company emerged from their interactions with local communities.

Ambitious Goals with Some Challenges

Although they have set an ambitious goal to empower 20,000 rural women by creating inclusive and sustainable dolls, the couple faced concerns regarding their current performance metrics.

Suhas and Sunita informed the ‘sharks’ that they are anticipating sales of approximately ₹1.5 crore this year. They noted that this achievement marks the first time in four years of operation that they have reached the ₹1 crore milestone.

They further acknowledged a lack of interest from customers in dark-skinned or male dolls. Additionally, they mentioned that they have not invested in marketing or their website, which has resulted in minimal online presence.

Shark Tank Reactions

In response to their pitch, Emcure Pharmaceuticals’ executive director, Namita Thapar, suggested that storytelling could be utilized as a marketing strategy, although she noted that this approach requires more time.

Thapar ultimately declined to invest, stating that the business model is not currently viable because the scale is too small, and the investment request was too high. Following her, Aman Gupta also decided to withdraw, expressing doubts about the business’s viability.

Vineeta Singh pointed out that while grants may be available from foundations, the business lacks the potential for profitability for an investor in its current state. She further explained that the founders have taken on too much responsibility.

Singh highlighted the challenges of achieving sustainability, inclusivity, and women’s empowerment simultaneously, suggesting that without scaling their business online, their goal to empower 20,000 women may be unfeasible due to the product’s appeal.

Although Kunal Bahl appreciated their narrative, he chose not to invest, though he expressed openness to providing assistance. As a result, this venture, which has backing from Nithin Kamath, left Shark Tank India season 4 without securing an investment.