In the latest episode of Shark Tank India, a unique pitch came from a small village in Gujarat. Arpan Kalotra and Bhimsingh Ghanghal, dressed in traditional attire, introduced their brand, Panchal Dairy. The name pays tribute to the Panchal Rabari pastoral community, known for raising indigenous Panchali sheep. The entrepreneurs have created a niche in the dairy industry, making a variety of cheeses with a commitment to quality and innovation.
From humble beginnings, their journey has been nothing short of inspiring. They shared their achievements, including selling over 1,120 kg of cheese and earning recognition at the World Cheese Awards. Seeking an investment of Rs 20 lakh for a 10% equity stake, the duo passionately spoke about their mission. “We started in a small village, and today, we are proud to bring recognition to our community. Our cheeses, including goat cheese and pecorino, stand out for their uniqueness and quality. We are proving that even small businesses can make a big impact,” they shared.
The Sharks showed curiosity about how they learned the art of cheese-making. The founders revealed their connection with an NGO and the support they received from a woman who runs it. When asked if she had any stake in the company, they confirmed that she did not, earning appreciation from Namita Thapar.
The pitchers described life in their village, home to only 1,500 families. They started the venture using their own savings and financial assistance from the women’s community, which plays a crucial role in managing village finances. However, the Sharks believed the business was still in its early stages and would not benefit from their investment at this point.
While the Sharks decided against investing, Namita Thapar had a different approach. She offered them a Rs 2 lakh loan from her fund’s CSR initiative for the next six months. “If you can scale and exit with Rs 14-15 lakh after a year, I will invest in you,” she proposed. Along with financial assistance, she promised to mentor them through weekly Zoom calls, providing guidance on marketing strategies and business growth. The founders gladly accepted the challenge, marking the beginning of an exciting new phase in their journey.