Shark Tank India Season 5 Features Dual Brand Pitch from Pure Flow Tape Founders
The latest episode of Shark Tank India season 5 opened with an intriguing pitch from the founders of Pure Flow Tape, a brand specializing in breathing nasal strips. The three founders—Parikshit Batra, Jashanjot Singh Bindra, and Dev Sharma—presented their innovative product designed to enhance airflow, ease breathing, and alleviate everyday respiratory discomfort.
The Pitch and Valuation Ask
During their presentation, the founders requested Rs 1 crore for 3.3 percent equity, valuing their company at Rs 30 crores. They explained that Pure Flow Tape targets individuals living in polluted cities, those engaged in intense workouts, and people experiencing sleep-related breathing issues. Jashanjot Singh Bindra shared his personal struggle with mouth-breathing, which inspired the brand's creation.
Namita Thapar questioned Jashanjot about potential sleep apnea, leading to a discussion on respiratory health. The founders revealed that their products are manufactured in China and currently lack a dedicated research and development team, which raised eyebrows among the Sharks.
Surprise Revelation of a Second Brand
In a surprising twist, the trio disclosed they also run a cosmetic brand named Get Snappy, an all-purpose body adhesive that is skin-safe, long-lasting, and water-washable. They sought an additional Rs 60 lakhs for 5 percent equity at a valuation of Rs 12 crores for this venture. This revelation left the Sharks stunned, as they typically prefer founders focused on a single business.
The founders explained that their journey began when they met at a bar in Hyderabad in July 2023, instantly connecting and brainstorming business ideas. They later encountered their fourth co-founder, Harshita Joshi, at a bar in Goa, where casual conversations evolved into the foundation of their two brands.
Sharks' Reactions and Debate
Namita Thapar expressed disapproval, emphasizing that Sharks generally dislike founders managing multiple businesses simultaneously, citing concerns over focus and repeat customer numbers. Kunal Bahl declined to invest, viewing it as a product-selling operation rather than a brand-building endeavor. Mohit also backed out, noting the business model relied on dropshipping.
Anupam Mittal advised the founders to concentrate on one brand and avoid opportunism. However, Aman Gupta offered a contrasting perspective, sharing his own experience of launching multiple businesses before Boat succeeded. He stated, "It has worked for me; you may have 20 failures, but you need one success." Aman highlighted the importance of starting and evolving, even if it involves initial dropshipping, and expressed willingness to invest if the founders improved their structure.
Deal Negotiation and Final Agreement
After a break where Anupam remarked on Aman's past imports from China, the founders returned with a counteroffer: Rs 2 crores for 15 percent equity at a valuation of Rs 12.33 crores. Aman found them endearing but negotiated further, ultimately securing a deal for Rs 2 crores for 20 percent equity at a valuation of Rs 10 crores.
Founders' Vision and Reflection
Reflecting on their Shark Tank experience, the founders said, "Pure Flow was created with a simple mission—to help people breathe better, sleep deeper, recover faster, and perform stronger every day. Our journey on Shark Tank India was a rollercoaster with tough questions and moments of doubt, but it reinforced our belief in our brand and mission."
This episode underscored the dynamic nature of startup pitching in India, blending personal stories with strategic business discussions, and highlighted the evolving perspectives of investors like Aman Gupta on entrepreneurial diversity and growth.
