Shark Tank India 5: Taasha Craft's Pitch Draws Praise and Caution from Sharks
The latest episode of Shark Tank India 5 featured a compelling pitch from Taasha Craft, a handcrafted bangle brand from Gujarat, that left the judges—Anupam Mittal, Kanika Tekriwal, Aman Gupta, Vineeta Singh, and Namita Thapar—deeply impressed. However, the episode took a surprising turn as both Anupam Mittal and Kanika Tekriwal advised the founders against accepting any investment deal in the tank, with Kanika delivering a stark warning: "Hum aapka business bigaad denge" (We will spoil your business).
Taasha Craft: A Women-Led Success Story from Gujarat
Founded by Anjali Wadiwala, Anjali Tandel, Khushbu Tandel, and Ankita Tandel from the small village of Kosamba in Gujarat, Taasha Craft has grown into a remarkable enterprise. The brand provides employment to 120 women artisans, creating unique bangles designed to match outfits, with over 500 designs in their collections. What began as an Instagram-based business during the lockdown has scaled significantly, especially after their Navratri collection went viral in 2022.
The founders appeared on Shark Tank India 5 seeking an investment of Rs 75 lakhs for 5 percent equity, valuing their company at Rs 15 crores. They shared impressive financials:
- In 2022-23, sales were Rs 69 lakhs with 10.8 percent EBITDA.
- In 2023-24, revenue reached Rs 1.15 crore at 19.3 percent EBITDA.
- In 2024-25, they earned Rs 2.25 crores at 11.9 percent EBITDA.
- Year-to-date sales were Rs 2.05 crores at 10 percent EBITDA, with projections to close the year at Rs 4 to 4.5 crores in revenue.
The sharks were further impressed by the brand's organic social media reach, which runs into millions, and a 4.5 rating on Amazon.
Anupam Mittal and Kanika Tekriwal's Candid Advice
While praising the founders for building a Rs 4 crore business and employing 120 women in a village setting, Anupam Mittal expressed concerns about the obligations of taking investment. He advised, "If you take this money, you will have to make the business worth Rs 100 crores from Rs 4 crores, and return 10-20 times more money to investors." He suggested they first build the valuation to Rs 20 crores before scaling further and opted out, stating they didn't need his capital.
Kanika Tekriwal echoed similar sentiments, opting out and offering a stark warning. She said, "I am an advisor in a company that empowers women in villages. I want you to meet them. It will help you train other girls in other villages and build your manufacturing base. You don't need people like us, hum aapka business bigaad denge, we will take away what you are trying to do. Please don't get stuck in this web of investments."
Aman Gupta and Namita Thapar Step In with an Offer
Despite the caution, Aman Gupta saw potential in the bangle market, noting the lack of a prominent brand in this evergreen category. He said, "I have no idea about this business, but if we don't help you, then who would we help?" He invited Namita Thapar to join him, and together they offered Rs 75 lakhs for 10 percent equity.
Vineeta Singh opted out, praising the founders' zero Customer Acquisition Cost and suggesting that Aman and Namita's offer was better for their growth. After negotiations, the deal was settled at Rs 75 lakhs for 5 percent equity with 1 percent royalty on net sales until the investment is recouped.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
This episode of Shark Tank India 5 highlighted critical lessons for entrepreneurs:
- Scaling Wisely: Anupam Mittal emphasized the importance of growing a business organically before seeking external investment to avoid undue pressure.
- Preserving Vision: Kanika Tekriwal's warning underscored the risk of investors potentially diluting the core mission of a social enterprise.
- Strategic Partnerships: Aman Gupta and Namita Thapar's offer demonstrated how the right investors can provide value beyond capital, even in niche markets.
Shark Tank India 5 continues to stream on SonyLiv and Sony TV, offering insights into India's entrepreneurial landscape with episodes airing every Monday to Friday at 10 pm.
