‘Shark Tank Nepal’ Arrives July 2nd: Meet the Powerhouse Judges

The highly anticipated business reality show, ‘Shark Tank Nepal,’ is gearing up to launch, promising to revolutionize Nepal’s entrepreneurial landscape. Starting July 2nd, audiences can tune into Himalaya TV every Wednesday and Thursday night at 9 PM to witness aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to a panel of five formidable business leaders, known as the ‘Sharks.’

This season’s lineup of Sharks is a true testament to Nepali innovation and success, bringing together diverse expertise from across various industries. With a collective commitment to fostering the next generation of business ventures, these Sharks are poised to invest between 35 to 40 crore Nepali Rupees (NPR 350-400 million) into promising startups.

The Nepali edition marks the 54th franchise of the globally renowned ‘Shark Tank’ format, which originated as ‘Money Tigers’ in Japan in 2001. Distributed worldwide by Sony Pictures Television, the show has already filmed 20 episodes, featuring 100 entrepreneurs ready to make their mark. The show is directed by Saimon Sunuwar, famed for his work on ‘Himalayan Roadies.’

Meet the Sharks:

Hem Raj Dhakal: The Remittance Revolutionary and Global Visionary

From the humble beginnings of Baglung to the hallowed halls of Harvard Business School, Hem Raj Dhakal embodies a truly pioneering spirit. As the co-founder of IME Conglomerate, he didn’t just build a company; he revolutionized Nepal’s remittance industry, creating a vital financial lifeline for millions of Nepali citizens working abroad. Under his astute leadership, IME has blossomed into a diversified powerhouse, with interests spanning banking, digital finance, energy, tourism, and cutting-edge technology. The conglomerate now provides over 13,850 jobs within Nepal and boasts a global footprint with operations in Malaysia, the UK, the USA, and Japan.

Dhakal’s proven track record of successfully expanding businesses, coupled with his genuine passion for nurturing startups, makes him an invaluable asset to the ‘Shark Tank Nepal’ panel. His strategic investments in ventures like Sastodeal and Fuse Machine underscore his dedication to growing Nepal’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Armed with an MIT Entrepreneurial Master’s degree, the prestigious Harvard Business School’s OPM program, and the esteemed Suprabal Janasewashree award from the Government of Nepal, Dhakal is uniquely positioned to guide entrepreneurs aiming for global recognition. His focus on social entrepreneurship through IME Foundation further highlights his commitment to impactful business.

Cabinet Shrestha: Automotive Pioneer and Sustainable Innovator

With over three decades of diverse entrepreneurial experience, Cabinet Shrestha stands as a pioneering force in Nepal’s automotive and technology sectors. As the Chairman of Agni Group, he transformed a modest IT company founded in 1990 into a formidable multi-sector business giant now operating across 65 locations nationwide. His journey from launching Himalayan Business System to securing the highly sought-after Mahindra Motors distributorship showcases his exceptional ability to identify and capitalize on groundbreaking opportunities – a critical skill he brings to the tank as an investor.

Shrestha’s extensive business portfolio highlights his adaptability, encompassing automotive, education, hospitality, and technology. A true visionary, he made history by being an early champion of environmental sustainability, notably by introducing electric vehicles to Nepal. His investments in both traditional and modern ventures demonstrate his keen understanding of evolving market dynamics. Known for his philosophy that continuous personal development fuels business excellence, Shrestha offers contestants not just capital but also invaluable mentorship on balancing innovation with the discipline essential for building successful enterprises. His mantra combines dedication, hard work, investment, and discipline.

Saurabh Jyoti: The Multi-Industry Maestro and Entrepreneurial Catalyst

At the helm of one of Nepal’s most diversified business groups, Saurabh Jyoti brings a wealth of expertise in manufacturing, trading, and strategic investments to ‘Shark Tank Nepal.’ As a Director of Jyoti Group of Companies, he oversees a vast enterprise that employs over 3,000 individuals across Nepal, with leadership roles including chairmanship of Syakar Trading and White Hat Co., and numerous directorships in industries ranging from steel and oxygen production to pharmaceuticals and agriculture.

An Industrial Engineering graduate from Bangalore, Jyoti’s sharp business acumen is complemented by his deep commitment to fostering Nepal’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. His past leadership as President of the Nepalese Young Entrepreneurs Forum and Chairperson of the SAARC Young Entrepreneurs Forum underscores his dedication to cultivating business leadership across the region. Currently serving as an Advisor to FNCCI’s Start Up & Innovation Committee, he brings valuable insights for early-stage ventures. His passion for automobiles and motorsports, combined with his experience leading the Nepal Automobile Dealer Association, adds a unique and dynamic perspective to his role as a Shark. With investments in diverse sectors including hospitality (Aloft Kathmandu), healthcare (Grande City Hospital), and power (Butwal Power Company), Jyoti offers contestants not only funding but also access to an extensive network and multi-industry knowledge. He is also a popular YouTuber and a sought-after public persona.

Ritu Singh Vaidya: From Beauty Queen to Business Powerhouse

Ritu Singh Vaidya’s journey is a compelling narrative of transformation – from a beauty queen to one of Nepal’s most influential business magnates. She brings her diverse experience and acute business acumen to ‘Shark Tank Nepal’ as the Managing Director of United Traders Syndicate (UTS), the authorized Toyota dealer in Nepal, and a key leader in the Vaidya’s Organization of Industries and Trading House (VOITH). Her oversight extends across a vast business empire covering automobiles, heavy machinery, finance, and agriculture. Her recent strategic moves include the distribution of XCMG and SUNWARD heavy equipment and leading the upcoming HUAXIN CEMENT project, set to boast a 3000-ton daily production capacity.

Beyond her remarkable corporate success, Ritu’s profound commitment to women’s entrepreneurship makes her an indispensable addition to the ‘Shark Tank Nepal’ panel. As a board member of both the SAARC Chamber of Women Entrepreneur Council and the Federation of Woman Entrepreneurs Associations of Nepal, she is actively engaged in elevating women in the business world. Her latest initiative in microfinance banking, specifically designed to provide entrepreneurial financing for Nepalese women, powerfully demonstrates her dedication to creating tangible social impact through business. With a unique trajectory from fashion designing and modeling (including achievements in Miss World and Miss India Universe) to becoming a leading business figure, Ritu brings both inspiring personal story and sharp strategic insight to the tank, making her an exciting mentor for aspiring entrepreneurs. She also holds the distinction of being the first woman founding President of the Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturer Association.

Anand Bagaria: The Agribusiness Innovator and Sustainable Leader

A true visionary and pioneer in Nepal’s agribusiness sector, Ananda Bagaria brings his extensive expertise in agricultural innovation and business scaling to ‘Shark Tank Nepal.’ As the founder of NIMBUS, an impressive Rs. 13 billion enterprise established in 2000, Bagaria has been instrumental in transforming Nepal’s agricultural landscape. He has achieved this through revolutionary initiatives in feed production, food processing, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) distribution. His engineering background, combined with sharp business acumen, has enabled him to build a company that now connects with over 35,000 farmers across 70 districts of Nepal, employing more than 500 professionals, including veterinarians, engineers, and agricultural experts.

Bagaria’s entrepreneurial journey perfectly embodies the spirit of innovation that ‘Shark Tank Nepal’ celebrates. From establishing Nepal’s first ISO 9001:2008 certified pellet feed mill to launching the country’s first locally-made dog food brand (Himalayan Happy Pet), he has consistently broken new ground in the agricultural sector. His investments span diverse areas, including agri-processing, FMCG distribution, and technology ventures like Tootle, Nepal’s pioneering ride-sharing app. As a Shark, Bagaria offers not just capital but also a deep understanding of how to scale businesses and create sustainable impact. His commitment to social responsibility, evident through initiatives like the Himalayan Climate Initiative and various agricultural infrastructure projects, makes him an ideal mentor for entrepreneurs aiming to build businesses that generate both profit and positive purpose. He is recognized for his commitment to resource management and business innovation.

Himalaya TV, already a veteran in producing and broadcasting international reality TV shows like ‘The Voice of Nepal,’ ‘Voice Kids,’ and ‘Himalayan Roadies,’ is further expanding its portfolio. This year, another international fashion reality show, ‘Nepal Next Top Model,’ is also set to hit the screens. ‘Shark Tank Nepal’ promises to be a game-changer, offering a platform for innovation and investment that could redefine Nepal’s entrepreneurial future.o preparing for broadcast.

Note: All images are from Himalayan TV