The latest episode of Shark Tank India 4 brought forward an inspiring pitch by Dr. Siddhant Bhargava, Shalmali Kadu, and Mitansh Khurana, who presented their stress-relief brand, InnerGize. The device, which aims to help users relax and destress, is backed by testing, certification, and a clear focus on well-being. Seeking Rs 54 lakh for 1.5% equity, the team introduced their innovative solution to the sharks.
Siddhant began with a demonstration of the product, explaining its functionality in detail. Siddhant, one of the pitcher shared his experience, mentioning he had been stressed and in need of relaxation, and InnerGize helped. This set the tone for a deeper dive into the founders’ journeys.
Siddhant shared his personal struggles and the turning points that led him to this venture. Born in Mumbai but now based in Delhi for his work, Siddhant recounted being diagnosed with lupus at 20. He explained how the autoimmune disorder caused severe inflammation in his body, affecting his organs and appearance. He reconteed his journey, “I lost all my hair, skin colour, and liver and kidney inflammations, I couldn’t breathe due to costochondritis. My whole body has become inflamed. I reckon once at the station a kid asked ‘woh kya hai’ and not kaun hai.” At one point, he was on heavy medication, leaving him vulnerable to infections. Reflecting on his experience, Siddhant said it was a transformative period that tested his resilience. Despite his challenges, he founded Food Darzee, gaining recognition as a celebrity nutritionist. However, this was not the entrepreneurial path he wanted.
Four years ago, he was diagnosed with stage 2 thyroid cancer. The condition, he revealed, is inoperable. Despite these setbacks, Siddhant shared a belief that tough times are temporary. His journey took a new direction when he met Shalmali, who became his co-founder.
Shalmali also spoke about her motivations. Graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic, she witnessed her family go through immense stress, which impacted their health. Losing her grandfather during this period was a significant moment for her. A year ago, she faced her own health crisis, discovering she had Type 1 diabetes. These experiences drove her to explore non-invasive methods to address stress, eventually leading to InnerGize.
The sharks examined the device closely and appreciated its sleek design and thoughtful packaging. They raised questions about its safety, efficacy, and recommended usage. Aman Gupta expressed concerns about safety, prompting Siddhant to explain the product’s features and the precautions in place. The founders assured the sharks that the device was both effective and safe.
When it came to the business side, the team shared their unit economics and hinted at interest from celebrities, including Alia Bhatt. This piqued the sharks’ curiosity. Ritesh Agarwal was the first to make an offer, matching their initial ask. He also commended Siddhant for his strength and determination, calling him a true fighter.
Kunal Shah chose not to invest but expressed his admiration for Siddhant. He remarked that Siddhant’s journey seemed guided by a higher purpose. Vineeta Singh also opted out, stating she didn’t see herself aligning with the product.
Aman Gupta proposed a collaborative deal, suggesting Namita Thapar join him in offering Rs 54 lakh for 2.5% equity. Azhar joined the conversation, presenting the same offer. The pitchers countered with Rs 1.08 crore for 3% equity, aiming for a higher valuation. Finally, Aman, Azhar, and Ritesh combined forces to present a revised offer of Rs 1 crore for 4.2% equity, which the founders accepted.
The deal marked a significant milestone for InnerGize. Beyond the investment, the founders’ perseverance and stories left a lasting impression on everyone in the room.