The latest episode of Shark Tank India featured an intriguing pitch by the founders of Kavi – The Poetry Project. Though the name might suggest a literary endeavor, the business revolves around sustainability. The two entrepreneurs have found a unique way to upcycle discarded liquor bottles into stylish glassware, giving waste a new purpose.
The founders walked in with confidence, explaining their mission. They revealed that a single glass bottle takes around 4,000 years to break down. Their goal is to ensure that every discarded bottle gets transformed into something useful. They sought an investment of ₹60 lakh for 1.5% equity, valuing their company at ₹40 crore. They justified their valuation by projecting a revenue of ₹6 crore for the year.
Their journey had unconventional beginnings. Both were journalists before stepping into the world of business. They had started with just ₹10,000 and relied on their network to enter the art world. Initially, their brand also incorporated poetry, but when that idea failed to gain traction, they shifted focus. The name, however, remained unchanged.
Anupam Mittal immediately raised a concern. He pointed out that Kavi – The Poetry Project didn’t align with what they were actually doing. He suggested that they reconsider their brand identity to reflect their work more clearly. He also questioned why they needed funding at all. Given their strong profits and steady operations, he felt that external investment wasn’t essential for their growth.
The founders had a clear answer. They wanted to expand internationally, as they had recently received a large overseas inquiry, far bigger than any order they had ever handled. The response made them realize the vast potential in global markets, where sustainability is more than just a trend; it’s a core value for many businesses.
Peyush Bansal had his own doubts. He pointed out that bottles previously used for alcohol were now being repurposed for other uses. “Wouldn’t these brands have a problem if people started drinking milk out of them?” he asked.
Madhuri, one of the founders, reassured him. She disclosed that major liquor brands were actually backing their initiative. She also highlighted the social impact of their business. Their work was providing rag pickers with a significant boost in income of almost four times their usual earnings. Currently, they had built a network of 200 rag pickers and even set up their own manufacturing unit.
Despite the positive impact, the sharks remained hesitant. Anupam raised another issue, how he would eventually get an exit if he invested. Namita Thapar advised the duo to refine their long-term vision before seeking funding again. She believed that while the idea was promising, they needed a clearer roadmap.
One shark, however, was visibly impressed. Ritesh Agarwal liked the product so much that he immediately placed an order for 100 units to use in his hotels. Yet, even he refrained from making an investment.
With no deals on the table, the founders left disappointed. Their idea had won admiration, but not financial backing. Even so, the exposure and feedback from the sharks could help them refine their approach as they continue on their journey to make sustainability a lifestyle choice.