Starting a new business is exciting, but it is not as easy as it seems, especially when you are new to it. Following your passion, being a successful entrepreneur, if it is your dream, finally your wait is over. Sony Entertainment Television has released the Indian version of America’s popular business TV show ‘Shark Tank’.
Undoubtedly, a business startup requires a strong business idea, hard work, and talent. But it is not all to start your business. Besides all these, a business needs investment. Without it, a business cannot start or survive. To invest in your business idea, India’s most powerful tycoons have come forward. This is what Shark Tank India is all about.
The idea of Shark Tank India is derived from Shark Tank America, the show that helped the pitchers by consulting with them if there are any flaws in their products, business model, services. Sony Entertainment Television, India’s popular TV Channel, brought this show with its own version, airing the first 30 episodes with seven tycoons or sharks committing funding worth Rs. 41.68 crore.
According to Sony TV, “the show received 62,000 aspirants from India out of which 198 businesses were selected to pitch their ideas to the sharks.”
Seven Shark Tank India Judges
Few popular names investing in startups are-
- Ashneer Grover, Founder, and MD at BharatPe
- Vineeta Singh, CEO and Co-founder at SUGAR Cosmetics
- Peyush Bansal, Founder & CEO at Lenskart
- Namita Thapar, Executive Director of Emcure Pharma
- Aman Gupta, Co-founder & CMO at Boat
- Ghazal Alagh, Co-founder and Chief Mamaearth
- Anupam Mittal, Founder at Shaadi.com
Shark Tank India is a reality show and claims to be absolutely real, according to Ashneer Grover. The ‘Sharks’ were initially apprehensive about facing the camera, but they were assured that the show would be completely unscripted. “For almost the last three months, we have been shooting in Mumbai every weekend. The show is absolutely real, with not a single script or dialogue” says Grover.
According to Grover, people from North and West India dominated the participation. He is pretty confident that after the first season, the show’s level, the quality of pitches, and the segment will be leveled up.
“We have already started transferring funds. By January 31, half the people would have got the investment. The idea is to capitalize early and help them grow their business,” he added. He has already spent time with the founders, helping them think through the business clearly and connecting them with the right people.
Shark Tank India is really a good idea and opportunity for those with solid business ideas & talent and dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur but doesn’t have the funds to invest in.