Burger Bae, a rising D2C clothing brand, took the stage on Shark Tank India 4 with a bold pitch. The founders, Rohan Kashyap, Ojasvee Kashyap, and Janvi Sikaria, stepped in with confidence, ready to showcase their vision. Their brand had already built a loyal customer base of over 2.5 lakh buyers and a strong Instagram following of 2.67 lakh. Rooted in Ludhiana and Delhi, the trio aimed to redefine fashion with stylish yet functional apparel.
Rohan, sharing his journey, spoke about his love for numbers that began in ninth grade. He mentioned being deeply inspired by Narayan Murthy and expressed his dream of becoming “Ludhiana’s Narayan Murthy.” Hearing this, Aman Gupta chuckled, “Sahi hai, bas 70 ghanta kaam karna padega.”
The entrepreneurs sought Rs 1 crore for a 2.5% equity stake. Ojasvee explained her entry into the business, saying she stepped in when she saw her brother struggling and knew he needed support. Janvi, on the other hand, had a unique story. She was initially a customer, but when her second order never arrived, she persistently followed up for two months. Rohan personally reached out, apologizing and assuring her that he would compensate her with additional merchandise in future purchases. She appreciated his sincerity and soon became part of the team as a co-founder.
During the pitch, the sharks were momentarily thrown off by the brand’s name, assuming it was a food venture. However, the founders quickly shifted the focus to their mission, creating a ‘Make-in-India’ fashion label that blends comfort, quality, and trend-driven designs. They were determined to prove that Indian brands could compete globally.
The trio emphasized that Burger Bae wasn’t just about selling clothes; it was built on three core principles—quality, community, and sustainability. They insisted these were not just trendy buzzwords but the backbone of their company. Stepping onto the Shark Tank India platform was a defining milestone for them, marking their commitment to scaling their business. They believed this was just the start of a much larger journey.
As the discussion progressed, an interesting personal revelation came to light. Janvi and Rohan disclosed that they were also in a relationship, adding another layer to their story. While the sharks listened with curiosity, they remained focused on the business aspects of the pitch.
Anupam Mittal, Kunal Bahl, and Aman Gupta saw potential and made identical offers: Rs 1 crore for 10% equity or Rs 2 crore for 20% equity. The founders, however, wanted all three sharks on board. Understanding their intent, Anupam advised them to make a firm decision and eventually agreed to lower his demand to 7% equity.
After a round of discussions, the trio made their choice. They accepted the deal, sealing Rs 2 crore for 20% equity with Anupam, Kunal, and Aman. It was a moment of triumph, marking a significant step forward for Burger Bae. The brand, which started as a passion project, now had the backing of three experienced investors, paving the way for greater expansion.
The episode highlighted not just an entrepreneurial journey but also the resilience, ambition, and vision of young founders who believe in the power of Indian brands. With the right mentorship and funding, Burger Bae is now set to make an even bigger mark in the world of fashion.