The latest episode of Shark Tank India season 4 featured Aditya Poddar, the founder of FitFeast from New Delhi. He walked in with confidence, sharing his incredible weight loss journey. Holding up his before-and-after pictures, he explained how the transformation made him realize that protein is a game changer. This led him to create FitFeast, a brand offering protein-rich snacks like peanut butter, chips, bars, and shakes. Over the past two and a half years, FitFeast has reached more than 50,000 customers across India. His mission is to make protein-rich snacks accessible to every Indian household. He came seeking an investment of Rs 1 crore for 6.5% equity.
Aditya began his pitch with a demo of his products and a heartfelt revelation about his encounter with Aman Gupta at a D2C event in 2023. He recalled greeting Aman at the event and shared how he had been trying to get on Shark Tank India for three consecutive years. The Sharks tasted the products, and while Aman felt the chips were ordinary, Namita Thapar and Anupam Mittal praised the protein bars, calling them delicious.
Kunal Bahl noticed similarities in the packaging and asked, “It seems you have seen 3-4 brands in the market and launched them all under FitFeast?” Aditya admitted he took inspiration from an existing brand. Anupam, however, challenged him, questioning, “Why did you agree with Kunal that you copied the protein brand’s design? Did you really?” He added that he personally didn’t see any resemblance. When Aditya denied copying, Anupam quipped, “Then why didn’t you object? The way to sell is not by agreeing to everything.”
Aditya revealed that FitFeast is growing rapidly, thanks to quick commerce orders, and even announced that cricketer Axar Patel would acquire 3% equity in the company. Just as the discussion was heating up, Viraj Bahl dropped a shocking offer of Rs 5 crore for 51% equity. Aman clapped while Aditya looked stunned. “Are you looking to acquire the company?” he asked. Viraj reassured him, saying, “I will not acquire the company, you run the company as your baby. You can do it from my office if you want. We enter this category, you will get our distribution.”
For those hesitant about giving up control, Viraj also offered an alternative deal of Rs 1 crore for 20% equity. In this case, Aditya would continue running the company independently, without giving up distribution rights. Wanting to explore more options, Aditya asked if he could hear other offers. Aman, growing impatient, asked, “Tujhe apni company bechni hai ke nahi bechni?” Aditya firmly responded that he had no plans to sell; he wanted to scale his business.
With that, Aman, Namita, and Kunal stepped back. Anupam, however, made an offer of Rs 1 crore for 12.5% equity, demanding an immediate response. He warned Aditya that if he left to think, the deal might change. Aditya chose to step out and call someone for advice. The Sharks burst into laughter at his move. While he was gone, Anupam and Viraj decided to combine forces.
As soon as Aditya returned, Anupam informed him that the situation had changed. “Viraj bhai ko tu stalwart maanta hai food industry ka, hum bhi maante hain, gunde nahi maante hain woh.” Aditya, amused, responded, “Gunde toh aap ho…” which sent the room into fits of laughter.
Aditya then attempted to negotiate, requesting that they match the last valuation of Rs 1 crore for 11% equity. Viraj assured him that having his backing would be highly beneficial. Anupam immediately responded, “Bhai phaad daalenge, stalwart aur gunda saath mein aarahe hain, aur kya chahiye, tune bola maine khud nahi bola.” Aditya persisted, but Anupam remained firm, saying, “Bahot saare log hain joh apne zabaan se mukar jaate hain, par main ek baar joh maine commitment kar di toh main apne aap ki bhi nahi sunta, bhagwan ki bhi nahi sunta, kisi ki bhi nahi sunta.”
In the end, Anupam and Viraj made a joint offer of Rs 1 crore for 18% equity. The deal was set, marking another dramatic and entertaining pitch on Shark Tank India.