ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY STARTUPS ON 'SHARK TANK INDIA' SEASON 1

Let's take a look at startups that appeared on 'Shark Tank India' and are working towards a sustainable future. These environment-friendly startups not only have strong business potential but also contribute positively to our planet.

1. Booz

Booz is an app-based electric scooter company founded by automotive engineer Rutvij Dasadia in 2017. Rutvij came up with the idea during his engineering studies in Ahmedabad, seeking a temporary college commute solution without owning a vehicle. Booz, claimed to be South Asia’s first app-based electric scooter operator, offers electric scooter rentals in various locations including business parks, commercial parks, residential regions, industrial areas, educational campuses, tourist attractions, public spaces, hotels, clubs, and resorts. The company operates on a subscription-based model for services like charging stations, maintenance, and installation, and a pay-per-ride rental model in public places. In its first year, Booz generated a revenue of Rs. 4 lakhs. Rutvij secured Rs 40 lakhs in funding for a 50% stake from Vineeta Singh and Ashneer Grover, despite initially asking for a 15% stake for the same amount. This pitch was a notable example of innovative ideas on 'Shark Tank India'.

2. Motion Breeze

Motion Breeze, founded by brothers Anantraj Tomar and Shivrajsinh Tomar, is a smart electric motorcycle company. As pitched on 'Shark Tank India', Motion Breeze is the world’s first adaptive, smart electric motorcycle, featuring patented technology that adjusts the bike’s ergonomics to suit the rider’s requirements. The motorcycle boasts a 250 km battery range on a single charge and a top speed of 180 kmph. At the time of their appearance on the show, the motorcycle was still in the prototype stage. The company plans to establish a manufacturing unit in Vadodara, Gujarat, and launch its first bike in 2022, priced between Rs. 1.5 lakhs to Rs. 3.5 lakhs. Motion Breeze received Rs. 30 lakhs for a 6% stake from investor Ashneer Grover. This startup added to the diverse range of innovative pitches on 'Shark Tank India'.

3. Ariro Wooden Toys

Ariro, a Chennai-based startup founded by husband and wife duo Vasant and Nisha in June 2020, specializes in exquisite, environment-friendly wooden toys for children aged 0-3 years. These handmade toys, crafted from antibacterial and antifungal Neem wood, target Montessori kids and offer a variety of eco-friendly options such as Neem wood teethers, Pikler triangles, jungle gyms, and balance boards. Ariro makes 80% of its sales through its website and 20% through other platforms like Amazon, Nestree, and Hamleys. The company generates a monthly revenue of Rs. 25-30 lakhs. Given the harmful impact of plastic toys on children's health, Ariro's wooden toys are a safer, environmentally friendly alternative. They secured a deal for a 10% stake for Rs. 50 lakhs from Peyush Bansal and Aman Gupta, despite initially asking for Rs. 50 lakhs for a 2.5% stake. This startup highlighted the growing interest in sustainable products on 'Shark Tank India'.

4. Wakao Foods

Goa-based Wakao Foods, founded by Sairaj Dhond, produces plant-based meat products from jackfruit. Sairaj, a lawyer by education, discovered his passion for jackfruit and started Wakao in 2020. Jackfruit, considered a superfood, has long been used in India as a non-vegetarian substitute. Sairaj's pitch on 'Shark Tank India' sought Rs. 7.5 million for a 5% equity stake in Wakao. Three female Sharks, Namita, Ghazal, and Vineeta, offered the requested amount for 30% equity, which was negotiated down to 21%, valuing the company at Rs. 30 million. Jackfruit, known for its versatility, has garnered global attention as a vegan meat substitute. This pitch was a unique addition to the food and beverage segment on 'Shark Tank India'.

5. Revamp Moto

Revamp Moto, a Nashik-based electric vehicles company, was founded by Jayesh Tope, Pushkaraj Salunke, and Pritesh Mahajan. They introduced India's first modular utility platform for electric vehicles on 'Shark Tank India'. Revamp Moto showcased two models: Revamp Mitr and RM25. The Revamp Mitr has a battery range of 140 km on a single charge, a top speed of 65 kmph, and a load capacity of up to 200 kilograms. The back seat can be converted into various utility attachments, such as a folding table for vendors, a delivery basket for eCommerce executives, and a small mobile fridge for transporting dairy products or vaccines. With a significant order for 50,000 units valued at Rs. 250 crore, Revamp Moto secured a deal for a 1.5% stake for Rs. 1 crore from Aman Gupta and Anupam Mittal, despite initially asking for 1% equity for the same amount. This pitch demonstrated the potential of modular electric vehicles on 'Shark Tank India'.

6. Dandera Technologies / Otua

Dandera Technologies, founded by childhood friends Kanav Manchanda and Kshitij Bajaj, is an electric automobile company. Their first product, the electric three-wheeler Otua, focuses on ergonomics and features anti-tilt technology, a 165 km range, and a 1-ton carrying capacity, which is double the market standard. Otua also offers modular settings for use as a passenger vehicle, for logistics, or as a food truck. At the time of the show, Otua was still in the prototype stage. Dandera Technologies secured a deal for a 1% stake for Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 99 lakhs as debt from Ashneer Grover. This innovative pitch stood out on 'Shark Tank India'.

7. Bamboo India

Bamboo India, started by Yogesh and Ashwani Shinde, produces bamboo products as an alternative to plastic. Their pitch highlighted the environmental impact of plastic toothbrushes, which continue to pollute the planet. Bamboo India manufactures bamboo toothbrushes and other products such as jewelry, eye frames, tongue cleaners, combs, and gift items. The Pune-based company generated Rs. 2.8 crores in revenue in FY 2020-21. Bamboo India secured a deal for a 3.5% stake for Rs. 50 lakhs and Rs. 30 lakhs as debt from Ashneer Grover and Anupam Mittal, despite initially asking for Rs. 80 lakhs for a 4% stake. This startup is a shining example of sustainable innovation on 'Shark Tank India'.

8. India Hemp and Co

India Hemp and Co, founded by sisters Shalini and Jayanti Bhattacharya in 2019, produces food products from hemp seeds. Hemp, historically used for making rope, clothing, and paper, is often misunderstood. The founders emphasized hemp's nutritional benefits, including its high protein and dietary fiber content. The Bengaluru-based company offers 12 product categories, including pet food, hemp seed trail mix, protein powder, and hemp seed oil. Despite generating Rs. 20 lakhs in annual revenue in FY 2020-21, India Hemp and Co did not secure an investment on 'Shark Tank India'. This startup added a unique perspective to the sustainable food sector on 'Shark Tank India'.

These startups on 'Shark Tank India' exemplify the push towards sustainable and environment-friendly business models. From electric vehicles to eco-friendly toys and plant-based foods, these companies are making significant strides towards a greener future. The inclusion of these startups highlights the diverse range of innovative pitches on 'Shark Tank India', contributing to the show's appeal across various sectors, including Shark Tank India fashion and clothing.

[The images used in this blog post are not owned by Anime Devta, they are just for entertainment purposes]

~Mimansa Sharma