Shark Tank India season 4 featured an inspiring story of innovation and perseverance with RBD Machine Tools. Founded by Devendra Kumar Tailor and Bhupendra Kumar Tailor, the startup is revolutionizing agriculture in India. Hailing from a small village in Rajasthan, the duo aims to provide farmers with advanced, affordable machinery to simplify their work. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has driven their brand’s success.
The company’s name honors their grandfather, Shri Ram Bilas Darji. Their products, a mix of imported and in-house assembled tools, are sold across India through marketplaces and direct sales via call centers. Devendra’s dedication to the company is so deep that he even tattooed the brand’s logo on his hand. A simple modification like a seat addition to their power reaper, significantly boosted their sales, showcasing their ability to innovate with practical solutions.
RBD Machine Tools has rapidly gained traction in the agricultural sector. Their Power Reaper Chaff Cutter vide000o went viral on YouTube, accumulating 4.5 million views. Their slogan, emphasizing saving both time and money for farmers, has resonated with many. Seeking further growth, they entered the tank with an ambitious ask of ₹1 crore for 1% equity.
During their pitch, they shared impressive numbers. Their revenue stood at ₹9.34 crore for FY 24-25 (till September), ₹14.37 crore for FY 23-24, and they projected ₹22-25 crore in FY 24-25. However, their approach to taxation raised concerns among the sharks. Devendra and Bhupendra admitted that high tax payments could hinder their expansion.
Anupam Mittal and Kunal Bahl stressed the importance of financial transparency. They explained that showing profitability would increase their company’s valuation. Aman Gupta advised them to clear outstanding taxes, including penalties, to avoid obstacles in their journey ahead.
A major revelation came when they disclosed that 100% of their sales happened through their call centers. Their products were delivered across India without additional shipping costs, leaving the sharks surprised. Their vision was clear, they aimed to scale their business to ₹100 crore.
Namita Thapar appreciated their business acumen and told them that despite not having an MBA, they could outperform those who do. She made an offer but insisted they resolve their tax issues. Her deal was ₹50 lakh for 1% equity, along with ₹50 lakh in debt at 9% interest for five years.
Anupam, Kunal, and Aman opted out, citing concerns over their financial compliance. However, Ritesh Agarwal showed confidence in their potential and extended a similar deal as Namita. In the end, both sharks decided to join forces and invest together. Devendra and Bhupendra walked away with a deal, securing the support needed to take RBD Machine Tools to new heights.