For decades, entrepreneurship in India was largely seen as a male-dominated area. However, a powerful wave of entrepreneurs is sweeping across India, leaving a lasting impact on the world. With this wave, women have emerged as a strong contender in the entrepreneurial world.
Not too long ago, there was skepticism and even resistance to a woman running her own business in India. “Isn’t that too risky?” “What about family responsibilities?” “Will people take her seriously?” These questions echoed in countless homes, often forcing dreams to take a backseat.
But today, as time changes, women are no longer waiting for permission to chase their ambitions. They are claiming their space on their own and this transformation is more clearly visible at the stage of Shark Tank India.
Mothers who have successfully transformed their passion projects into million-dollar brands and young visionaries poised to disrupt the market with their innovative ideas are demonstrating that innovation, resilience, and business acumen transcend gender boundaries in Shark Tank India.
In this blog, we will delve into the transformative and inspiring journeys of these trailblazing women entrepreneurs in India – the challenges they encounter, the empire they’ve built, and how Shark Tank India has provided them with a platform to add wings to their dreams.
“Since April 2021, the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) has approved ₹227.12 crore for 1,278 women-led startups, aiming to bolster early-stage ventures.”
1. Parul Gulati – Nish Hair
Nish Hair founder Parul Gulati’s story is one of tenacity, creativity, and self-assurance in action. Nish Hair was born out of Parul’s battle with hair loss, a problem that many people endure but seldom talk about.
For men and women alike, Nish Hair has the best hair treatments, including wigs, extensions, and volume enhancers, for those dealing with hair loss or just wanting more hair. Nish Hair stands out from the competition because of its dedication to providing clients with solutions that are natural, pleasant, and realistic, and because each product is customized to match the specific demands of each customer.
Parul’s sincere tale and unwavering goal captivated the sharks on Shark Tank India. Although Parul received offers from two other Sharks—Aman Gupta and Vineeta Singh—she ultimately decided to take 2% stock and Rs. 1 crore from CarDekho co-founder and CEO Amit Jain.
2. Anushree and Ananya Maloo – Nuutjob
Ananya and Anushree Maloo, cousins, set out on their business journey with a bold but simple idea: to provide men with high-quality personal care products while also shattering the stigma around men’s intimate cleanliness. They founded Nuutjob, a unique business specializing in men’s intimate hygiene products. Their goal was to bring attention to a neglected aspect of men’s health and encourage open discussion about it, all while selling hygiene products.
Originally, Nuutjob was a brand of men’s intimate hygiene products like wipes, sprays, and powders that aimed to make personal hygiene a more pleasant, secure, and covert experience. Their solutions effectively address hygienic needs while being soft on the skin due to the incorporation of natural components.
After hearing the Malloo sisters’ compelling pitch and innovative product, Peyush Bansal, Aman Gupta, and Namita Thapar invested Rs 25 lakhs in exchange for 20% ownership of their business. The pitch, which resonated with Peyush Bansal, Aman Gupta, and Namita Thapar, earned them valuable women owned business funding that will help scale their operations and expand their reach.
3. Aditi Gupta and Tuhin Paul – Menstrupedia
Menstrupedia, founded by Aditi Gupta and Tuhin Paul, is an innovative project that has broken down barriers related to menstruation in India and around the world. They set out on this adventure with a common goal: to provide young girls with an understanding of menstruation and how it affects their bodies in a way that is fun, interesting, and respectful of their culture.
Menstrupedia Comics, India’s first-ever comic book created to teach children, especially young girls, about menstruation, began as a simple idea but blossomed into a strong movement. Not only does the comic teach girls important facts about periods, but it also gives them the tools they need to take care of themselves, question social norms, and feel comfortable approaching menstruation. Menstrupedia has been utilized by educational institutions all around the globe since its launch, and it has reached more than 11,000 schools in India alone.
The notion was too heartfelt and motivating for Shark Tank judge Namita Thapar to pass up. She gave the pair fifty lakh rupees in exchange for twenty percent ownership and pushed their idea to unprecedented levels.
4. Malvica Saxena – The Quirky Naari
The entrepreneurial career of Malvica Saxena with The Quirky Naari exemplifies the ideal combination of artistic expression and economic acumen. The Quirky Naari is a footwear brand that has been around since 2018 and is known for its bold, hand-painted designs. Known for its dedication to daring and imaginative designs that honour uniqueness, Malvica’s business stood out, offering anything from eccentric sneakers to custom-made shoes.
The inspiration for The Quirky Naari came from Malvica’s passion for art and her wish to provide people with shoes that could serve their practical needs while also serving as a medium for personal expression.
Sharks Anupam Mittal and Vineeta Singh were interested in these creative and novel items. The judges were so enamoured with Malvica’s business plan that they had to invest when she presented it in 2018—Rs 35 lakhs in exchange for 15% ownership.
5. Aishwarya Biswas – Auli Lifestyle
Auli Lifestyle, Aishwarya Biswas’s company, is a stunning synthesis of contemporary skincare products with age-old Ayurvedic knowledge. Auli Lifestyle’s Ayurvedic skincare products are chemical-free and crafted from pure, plant-based ingredients.
The mission of the brand is to create skin care products that are both nourishing and protective without being too harsh. With a focus on skin health and attentive self-care, Auli has created a range of products, including face oils and body washes, to support these goals.
Male sharks were hesitant to invest in Aishwarya’s company, AULI, but female shark Namita Thapar showed faith in her as an entrepreneur and chose to do so. Being a mentor to a woman who expressed a preference for doing it alone rather than having a co-founder made Namita Thapar proud. Aishwarya received 15% ownership in her company in exchange for an investment of Rs 75 lakhs.
Conclusion: The Future is Female—Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
Observing the paths taken by these extraordinary female entrepreneurs, it is evident that the Indian business scene is undergoing a significant transformation. Not only have the women featured on Shark Tank India built successful enterprises, but they have also broken down social taboos and introduced new solutions. This has set a precedent for other generations of businesswomen in India to fearlessly pursue their entrepreneurial goals.
These women owned businesses have shown that the qualities of vision, resilience, and adaptability, rather than gender, are what defines an entrepreneur. Anyone who, despite all difficulties, dares to build an empire or start a business from home might find inspiration in their stories. The emergence of successful female entrepreneurs in India heralds a new age in which aspirations are the sole determinant, rather than constraints, of one’s future.
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