Shark Tank Nepal Deals & No-Deals: Who Secured Investment? Upto Now

As the latest season of Shark Tank Nepal continues to captivate audiences across the nation, it’s not just about high-stakes negotiations and dramatic pitches; it’s a living testament to Nepal’s burgeoning entrepreneurial ecosystem. From groundbreaking sustainable solutions to traditional Nepali enterprises embracing modern sales, the show offers a crucial platform for aspiring business leaders. But as the dust settles on recent episodes, who managed to impress the Sharks, and whose ventures will need to find alternative funding? Let’s dive into the investment outcomes up to now.

The Deal Makers

The Tank has seen several compelling pitches transform into significant investment deals, highlighting a diverse range of sectors that caught the Sharks’ eye:

One of the most inspiring successes is Priya Lamichhane’s Sathi Pad. Her pitch for Biodegradable Sanitary Pads resonated deeply, not just for its business model but for its social impact. Seeking 50 lakhs for 25% equity, Sathi Pad achieved the coveted “All Shark Deal,” with Hem Raj, Cabinet, Anand, Ritu & Saurabh collectively investing 50 lakhs for a higher 40% equity. This investment underscores a growing awareness and support for sustainable and essential consumer goods in Nepal.

In the realm of education and technology, Mukul Bhatta & Sabin Karki’s Mero Coding Classes secured a remarkable deal. Their B2B and B2C model for coding education, initially asking for 30 lakhs for 10% equity, saw Sharks Cabinet & Hem Raj invest a substantial 1.02 crores for 34% equity. This significant backing reflects the Sharks’ belief in the critical need for digital literacy and skill development in Nepal’s future workforce.

The creative and home décor sector also saw a major boost with Art Maya Exim. Founders Palak Kumari and Kousal, specializing in Decor and Furniture Manufacturing, asked for 1 crore for 6% equity. They left the Tank with an impressive 3 Crore investment for 30% equity from Sharks Hem Raj, Cabinet, & Saurabh, a clear signal of confidence in Nepal’s manufacturing and design capabilities.

Traditional services and products are also finding their footing. Sweta Pandey Dhital’s Bhola Foods, a Kitchen Service Provider, secured 1 Crore for 20% equity from Sharks Saurav, Cabinet Hem Raj Dhakal & Anand Bagaria. Similarly, Sandhya Gaire Poudel’s Sandhya Pote House, a manufacturer of traditional Nepali Pote with an online D2C model, successfully landed a 20 Lakh investment for 35% equity from Shark Cabinet Shrestha. These deals prove that even age-old industries can thrive with strategic business models and access to capital.

The Misses

While the successes are celebrated, Shark Tank Nepal also serves as a stark reminder of the challenges entrepreneurs face. Not every pitch, regardless of its merit, results in a handshake deal.

Shanta Chaudhari’s Shanta ko Achar, offering Authentic Nepali Pickle, sought a hefty 2 Crore for 30% Equity. Despite the cultural significance and potential market, the pitch concluded with a “NO Deal.” This often highlights a mismatch in valuation, growth projections, or the Sharks’ comfort level with the specific business model.

In the tech recycling space, Uttam Kafle’s Sabko Phone, focused on Refurbished Phones, aimed for 2 Crore for 20% Equity. Unfortunately, this innovative approach to reducing e-waste also resulted in a “No Deal.” It underscores the complexities of scaling businesses in newer, less traditional sectors.

Finally, Arun Rathor & Sushmita Poudel of Elletra DRP Enterprises, with their Cosmetics Products, asked for 1 Crore for 10% Equity but also walked away with a “No Deal.” The competitive nature of the cosmetics market and the Sharks’ specific investment criteria likely played a role in this decision.

The True Impact of Shark Tank Nepal

Whether a deal is struck or not, Shark Tank Nepal continues to be a vital platform. It not only provides much-needed capital and mentorship but also invaluable national exposure for these businesses. For those who didn’t get a deal, the feedback from seasoned investors is a powerful learning tool, often leading to refinement of their business models and future success.

As Nepal pushes towards economic growth and fostering an innovation-driven society, shows like Shark Tank Nepal are more than entertainment; they are a catalyst, inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs to dream big and, perhaps, step into the Tank themselves. The journey of Nepal’s startups, both funded and unfunded, will undoubtedly continue to shape the nation’s economic landscape.