The latest episode of Shark Tank India's fifth season delivered high entertainment value with the dramatic entry of an intimate apparel brand, though it concluded without an investment deal. Delhi-based founders Vikas Dahiya and Praveen Mishra presented their brand 'Panteazy' to the panel, aiming to secure funding with a memorable and humorous pitch that had the Sharks laughing out loud.
A Theatrical Entry and A Bold Valuation Ask
The duo made a striking entrance, chanting quirky slogans centered around men's undergarments, which immediately set a light-hearted tone. Their ask on the show was Rs 50 lakhs for a 5% equity stake, which pegged their company's valuation at Rs 10 crores. The founders revealed they have been friends for the past 27 years, registering their company in 2021 and commencing operations in December 2022.
Sharks' Banter and The Brand Ambassador Debate
Even before delving into business metrics, the pitch took a humorous turn. Shark Mohit Yadav of Minimalist posed a playful question, asking if Anupam Mittal invested, would he also get a chance to be the brand ambassador beyond his expertise. Co-founder Praveen Mishra enthusiastically agreed, calling Anupam the "most flamboyant and stylish," a comment Anupam took sportingly, jokingly threatening to throw something in response.
The banter continued with Namita Thapar defending her brother Aman Gupta's style, to which Aman himself quipped, "Nahi, jhangiyon ke liye wohi theek hai (he is good for underwear)." The founders cleverly expanded the offer, suggesting any Shark could be an ambassador since everyone wears underwear.
Business Details and A Heated Exchange on Brand Name
Presenting their business model, the founders shared that Panteazy sells various types of men's underwear priced between Rs 399 and Rs 799, along with bodysuits costing around Rs 2,000. Their average order value stands at Rs 725.
A significant point of discussion was the brand name itself. Shark Aman Gupta pointed out that 'Panteazy' sounded like it was meant to attract fantasies and highlighted potential mistakes. In a bold retort, Praveen Mishra stated, "With due respect sir, naam mein kuch nahi hota. Technically, audio equipment has nothing to do with boAt." They argued that once established, a brand can diversify, using boAt as an example of a company that could successfully sell mobile phones.
The Final Outcome: No Deal Secured
Despite the energetic pitch and the laughter-filled interactions, founders Praveen Mishra and Vikas Dahiya were unable to secure an investment from any of the Sharks and exited the Tank empty-handed. Their appearance, however, added a memorable and humorous segment to the episode, showcasing the unpredictable and entertaining nature of the entrepreneurial reality show.
