Women Entrepreneurs are shattering glass ceilings and stereotypes across fields in India. They are not only in the boardrooms but leading businesses single-handedly. According to a report by WISER, the share of women-led start-ups has risen by 18% in India. What’s more? 17% of the start-ups that became unicorns are those led by women.
Here’s another research round that we feel you need to know. According to a report by BCG, the average investment that companies founded or co-founded by women received was half of what was given to those founded by male entrepreneurs.
At such times, business reality shows like Shark Tank benefit women entrepreneurs by bringing them to the spotlight. They help women raise investments by presenting the strength of their business idea with a powerful pitch, as well as showcasing their grit and determination. Let’s learn about the top 5 women entrepreneurs secured funding in Shark Tank India Season 3. Also, find out how much funding they secured and which Shark/s they took home with them.
1. Simran Khara
"a brand loved by consumers, the planet, and now Sharks"
Simran Khara’s sustainable, plant-based, affordable premium home care brand, ‘Kopara Cleaning’, piqued the interest of all the Sharks. She began her pitch by debunking the popular myth on national television that “safedi” is synonymous with cleaning, whereas it just involves more bleach, ammonia, and other harmful chemicals. And that’s how she started making eco-friendly products that are safe to use at home.
Kopara appeals to millennial and conscious consumers who prioritize eco-friendly cleaning products. Her strength in understanding all business details and knowing her numbers truly wowed the Sharks. She closed a joint deal with Aman Gupta and Vineeta Singh for Rs. 70 lakhs for 1% equity.
2. Priyasha Saluja
"The real shark on the tank!"
The founder of ‘The Cinnamon Kitchen’, Priyasha’s unique pitch hooked Sharks right from the moment she said, “Khanna banana aur khanna khana meri puri personality hai.” She started this venture from her home kitchen in 2019, which offers healthy desserts and snacks – 100% gluten-free, plant-based, with no refined flour or sugar added.
Her innovative offerings, her “can do” attitude, and strong pitch with amazing numbers showcasing business growth, impressed all Sharks. She received a joint deal from Sharks Anupam Mittal and Vineeta Singh, but she ultimately closed the deal with Shark Aman Gupta, Co-Founder of boat, at Rs. 60 lakhs for 5% equity.
3. Arpita Aditi
"Clinched the best deal with 4 Sharks"
Arpita is the founder and CEO of Dil Foods, which operates as a virtual kitchen, offering diverse Indian State foods by collaborating with local restaurants. They focus on maximizing profits and reducing staff dependency on restaurant businesses to help build a profitable nationwide restaurant chain.
Impressed by her pitch and innovative model, the Sharks engaged in a bidding war. Finally, Peyush Bansal, Radhika Gupta, Ritesh Agarwal and Vineeta Singh decided to invest Rs. 2 crore at 2.67% equity jointly against the initially sought investment of Rs. 50 lakhs for a 0.5% equity stake.
4. Pratyusha Vemuri Venkata
"Shielding users against cyber threats"
Pratyusha’s ‘AI Kavach offers a solution against cyber threats. This AI-backed solution saves users from online scams by notifying them timely about fraudulent websites, calls and SMSs. In her pitch, the founder presented an alarming fact: India has about 70 crore active Internet users, and one out of two users have fallen victim of cyber fraud last year.
The company aims to protect user from cyber crimes and enhance the security during digital transactions. Pratyusha’s excellent pitch landed her two great offers from Sharks Peyush and Aman. Ultimately, she accepted the clubbed offer of Rs. 1 crore for 2.5% equity plus 2.5% advisory equity.
5. Kanikka Dewanii
"Bringing Premium Experience to the Sharks"
Bringing body and skin care products to Shark Tank can be intimidating of many Entrepreneurs, especially with Shark Vineeta, co-founder of Sugar Cosmetics at the Investor’s seat. Kanikka’s Mintree is not just premium products but all about enhancing their customer’s experience to a new level with her beautifully packaged and curated products. What’s more? Her products are organic and 100% Vegan.
The amazing growth she showcased, backed by strong sales and profit margins, impressed the Sharks. Kanikka received offers from 4 Sharks. She finally went with Piyush Bansal and Azhar Iqubal’s joint deal of Rs. 90 Lakhs for 1.5% equity.
We truly hope these pitches on Shark Tank by women entrepreneurs inspire many others to start, grow, and expand their own businesses. While the BCG Report showed women-led businesses receiving lesser funds than all-male-founded ventures, it highlighted one more important data we want all Women Entrepreneurs to know. Women-led businesses generated higher revenues than their male counterparts, giving almost double the return on investments given to them. So it’s time to stop doubting yourself, and trust your business acumen!
Also Read, Baking with Brilliance: Top 5 Female Bakers In Delhi
Also Read, Archhana Dutta: Empowering Transformations And Inspiring Journeys Through “SecondAct”
