Rubeina Karachiwalla, the visionary behind an organic beauty brand, stepped into the Shark Tank India seeking ₹1 crore for 2.5% equity, valuing her business at ₹40 crore. The panel of Sharks engaged in a lively debate over her brand’s market positioning, long-term vision, and authenticity in organic claims. While most Sharks chose to step away from the deal, Kunal Bahl saw potential and made an offer of ₹1 crore for a 10% stake. Rubeina, confident in her worth, countered at 4%, making a bold statement: “I am the future, Vineeta.” After a round of negotiations, both parties agreed on 8% equity, bringing the brand’s valuation down to ₹12.5 crore. Her determination and conviction earned her an investment and the Sharks’ support.
In an exclusive conversation, Rubeina reflected on her experience inside the tank, particularly with Vineeta Singh.
Describing her time on the show, she expressed that it was nothing short of extraordinary. She admitted to feeling anxious before the pitch but cherished every moment once it began. “There is just so much to say, it was the most incredible experience of my life,” she said, adding that she wished she could relive those moments. Despite the initial nervousness, she remained sure of her responses. The only uncertainty was how Vineeta would react.
During the pitch, Vineeta engaged with her and even supported her in negotiating with Kunal. Rubeina recalled that Vineeta treated her with grace and respect, making her feel comfortable within minutes. She dispelled any notions of competition, stating that Vineeta was nothing but supportive. “She was amazing with me. I really can’t say that she was threatened by me or I was uncomfortable,” she explained.
Addressing a moment when Vineeta appeared offended, Rubeina clarified that her intention was never to discredit other brands or chemicals used in the industry. She acknowledged that differences in perspectives were inevitable but emphasized her commitment to conscious ingredient choices. “I had clearly said that I am not here to demonize any chemicals or other brands,” she stated, underlining that consumers ultimately had the freedom to make their own choices.
When asked about being labeled as ‘sassy’ by the Sharks, Rubeina admitted that she was taken aback. The confidence seen on television was only a fraction of what she had actually felt in the moment. Inside the tank, she was overwhelmed with nerves and uncertainty, but the final edit captured a polished and poised version of her. While she wasn’t entirely sure about the label, she was happy to take it as a compliment.
Discussing whether the Sharks felt intimidating, she revealed that she had been familiar with most of them through previous seasons, except for Kunal Bahl. Having never seen him on television before, she had no idea what to expect from him. She was especially curious about his approach but, in the end, found his presence reassuring. “None of the sharks were intimidating,” she remarked, adding that bringing Kunal on board was one of the best outcomes.
On securing a deal with Kunal, she shared that the due diligence process started within a week after filming. Their first meeting was eye-opening, and she was amazed at how quickly he generated ideas and solutions. His insights, even in their initial conversation, left her in awe. “In an hour, my head was exploding with ideas,” she shared, praising his sharp business acumen. She expressed her gratitude for partnering with someone of his caliber, saying, “What a brilliant guy he is. He deserves to be where he is today.”
Looking back, Rubeina credited her unwavering self-belief and persistence for making the deal happen. Her journey on Shark Tank was not just about securing investment but proving her worth and standing her ground. With a seasoned investor like Kunal backing her brand, she is now ready to take her organic beauty empire to greater heights.