Shark Tank India Season 5 Features Teen Entrepreneur's Phygital Fashion Vision
The latest episode of Shark Tank India season 5 opened with a compelling pitch from a father-son duo. Arjun Goel, aged 18, and his father Sanjay Goel from Delhi presented their startup VKYD Labs to the Sharks. This innovative venture operates in the phygital clothing space, designing high-end fashion for virtual avatars.
From Gaming Passion to Business Venture
Arjun Goel revealed that his entrepreneurial journey began during the COVID-19 lockdown. Like many teenagers, he became engrossed in video games, particularly Roblox. He observed numerous peers enjoying the platform and found inspiration there.
"During lockdown, I got hooked on playing video games, especially Roblox," Arjun shared. "I saw so many kids my age playing and enjoying these games. That inspired me to do something in this space."
He started by understanding the game mechanics and collaborating with existing game distributors. His ultimate goal was joining the exclusive Roblox UGC program, where approved creators design, sell, and monetize virtual items. Arjun became the first Indian among approximately 300 creators to gain entry into this program.
His hobby gradually transformed into a business. Arjun hired 500 freelancers from India and sold over 20 units from their digital stores.
The Phygital Fashion Concept
VKYD Labs represents more than simple avatar creation. The company develops "digital twins" of physical garments. This approach enables users to maintain their stylish appearance in the metaverse just as they do in real life.
The founders explained that customers can purchase phygital products directly within games. Roblox does not charge commission for phygital twinning, creating favorable conditions for their business model.
Sanjay Goel brought decades of experience to the partnership, with background in garment manufacturing technology and fragrances. He decided to join his son's venture after Arjun secured Walmart as a customer, recognizing the business's potential for excellence.
The Investment Pitch and Shark Reactions
Arjun and Sanjay sought Rs 1 crore for 10 percent equity, valuing their company at Rs 10 crores. They disclosed that business numbers declined to Rs 50 lakh in 2024-25, which Arjun attributed to his focus on Class 12 board exams. This honest admission impressed the judges.
Sanjay revealed he earned Rs 71 lakhs from the business, investing the money in mutual funds and covering college expenses. This financial prudence earned enthusiastic applause from the Sharks.
The Sharks expressed amazement at Arjun's achievements. Viraj Bahl shared that his children love playing Roblox and frequently request Robux, the platform's virtual currency. When Vineeta Singh inquired about his total spending, Viraj responded, "Maine rupaye mein toh laakh rupaye se zyaada de chuka hoon" (I have given more than lakhs of rupees). He clarified this amount went to two children over two years, shocking Vineeta.
Kunal Bahl praised Sanjay for being a supportive father who didn't dismiss his son's ideas and passion.
Shark Concerns and Decisions
Despite initial fascination, several Sharks expressed reservations. Vineeta Singh explained she prevents her children from playing Roblox due to controversies surrounding violence and grooming on the platform.
"Like a typical Indian mom I haven't let my kids play this particular game," she stated.
Vineeta admitted the pitch educated her about Roblox's business aspects, but the commission structure made her hesitant. She suggested Arjun consider Roblox's biggest competitors.
Varun Alagh called the father-son duo inspirational and expressed desire for his son to meet Arjun. However, he declined investment because the space felt foreign to him.
Viraj Bahl also opted out, though he wanted Arjun to meet his 14-year-old son. Namita Thapar said the field fell outside her expertise. Kunal Bahl found the phygital space interesting but considered it too nascent, preferring to reconnect later.
All Sharks encouraged the founders to maintain their enthusiasm and continue pursuing their vision.
Industry Context and Future Vision
The phygital fashion space demonstrates growing demand. Physical factories already produce corsets and jewelry, generating substantial revenue and confirming multi-metaverse expansion.
VKYD Labs' pitch extends beyond clothing. It represents the future of commerce where physical purchases include digital counterparts.
The founders shared their broader vision: "Pitching in Shark Tank India S5 was the perfect stage to showcase a vision that is truly 'Made in India, for the World.' We are building the bridge where global trends are born inside games, but realized through India's manufacturing prowess. We aren't just selling clothes; we are positioning Indian factories to become the supply chain for the global digital economy."
Arjun and Sanjay started their innovative phygital venture in September 2024. Despite not securing investment in this episode, their presentation highlighted the evolving intersection of gaming, fashion, and digital commerce.
