A trio of entrepreneurs stepped onto the Shark Tank India stage to present their brand, which specializes in intimate lifestyle products for women. The team included a brother-sister duo, supported by their mother, who played a crucial role in their journey. She shared her 25-year experience in running a boutique and interacting with customers. But what truly moved the investors was her personal story. After being diagnosed with cancer, she underwent a double mastectomy. The emotional moment brought tears to her eyes, and Anupam Mittal, noticing her distress, kindly offered her some water. He commended her strength in overcoming cancer, while Vineeta Singh honored her resilience by calling her “the Iron Lady of India.”
Peyush Bansal stated that she has overcome somrthing that every Indian fear today. And getting feedback from each customer on call everyday is the best strategy one can have. Anupam echoed the same thought saying people take years to understand the strategy which she has cracked in due time.
The founders sought an investment of ₹1 crore in return for 2.5% equity, placing their company’s valuation at ₹40 crore. They shared promising numbers, revealing that they were on course to generate ₹10 crore in revenue this year. Additionally, they had already secured over ₹2 crore from friends and family. Their vision extended beyond India. They had already launched on Amazon UAE and had plans to enter the markets in the US, Australia, and Canada.
Kunal Bahl was intrigued by their business model and questioned why they were still prioritizing sanitary pads when their primary revenue came from niche products like nipple covers, panty liners, and cameltoe concealers. One of the founders explained that while they intended to shift their focus to these bestsellers, they wanted to give sanitary pads another chance with better marketing. However, he admitted that this decision would cost them ₹2 crore in losses this year, a red flag for the investors.
Kunal was direct in his feedback, advising them to shut down the sanitary pad segment and concentrate solely on what was working. Vineeta echoed his thoughts and used an analogy to explain their predicament. She told them, “When a bucket is leaky, you can’t fix it with more water. You won’t solve your problems by raising investment, you’ll need to stop the leak first.”
Anupam agreed with the assessment, warning them against entering a market crowded with competition. He decided not to invest. Peyush Bansal also emphasized the importance of sticking to a clear vision. He urged them to stay on track and said, “It is my humble advice to you, don’t get distracted. You need to focus, focus, focus.”
Although none of the investors offered them a deal, they all appreciated the mother’s relentless dedication. They admired how she personally made over 100 calls daily to gather customer feedback, demonstrating her commitment to improving the brand. While the founders walked away without an investment, their passion and resilience left a lasting impression on the panel.