The much-awaited Shark Tank Nepal aired its first two episodes on July 2nd and 3rd, bringing a new wave of energy to the Nepalese business scene. Entrepreneurs from different backgrounds pitched their ideas to the panel of Sharks, hoping to win investment deals. Some succeeded, while others didn’t, but all showed great courage and innovation.
Entrepreneurs who made Deals with the sharks
In the first two episodes, several startups managed to secure investments. Here are the highlights:
- Saathi, founded by Priya Lamichhane, is a company focused on producing biodegradable sanitary pads that are safe for both women and the environment. Aiming to make menstrual hygiene products more sustainable and accessible, Priya appeared on Shark Tank Nepal seeking NPR 50 lakhs for 25% equity in her business. Her pitch, which combined a strong business model with meaningful social impact, impressed the Sharks. In the end, five Sharks — Hem Raj, Cabinet, Anand, Ritu, and Saurabh — teamed up to offer NPR 50 lakhs for 40% equity, securing Saathi a rare and powerful All Shark Deal.
- Mero Coding: Another remarkable pitch came from Mukul Bhatta and Sabin Karki, the founders of Mero Coding, a platform that teaches coding to students through schools and online programs. Their mission to make digital education accessible and future-ready struck a chord with the Sharks. They entered the Tank asking for NPR 30 lakhs for 10% equity. Impressed by the scalability and relevance of the idea, Sharks Cabinet and Hem Raj teamed up to offer a much larger investment — NPR 1.02 crore for 34% equity. This significant deal reflects the increasing value placed on tech education and digital skills development in Nepal’s growing startup ecosystem.
- Artmaya: Another impressive pitch came from Palak Kumari and Kousal, a creative duo behind a business that specializes in decor and furniture manufacturing. Their products blend functionality with aesthetic appeal, aiming to elevate modern living spaces in Nepal. They entered Shark Tank Nepal asking for NPR 1 crore for 6% equity, showcasing strong design innovation and market potential. Recognizing the scalability and craftsmanship of their business, Sharks Saurabh, Cabinet, and Hem Raj joined forces to offer a much larger investment — NPR 3 crore for 30% equity. This bold investment reflects the growing investor interest in homegrown design brands and the rising demand for quality furniture and décor solutions made in Nepal.
- Sandhya Pote House: Another notable moment came from Sandhya Garie Poudel, who showcased her business centered on handcrafted traditional Pote necklaces, blending cultural heritage with modern entrepreneurship. Selling directly to customers through online platforms, her business empowers local artisans and promotes Nepali craftsmanship. She came to Shark Tank Nepal seeking NPR 20 lakhs for 35% equity, and her clear vision and dedication impressed the panel. Shark Cabinet Shrestha stepped in to invest the full amount, matching her original ask of NPR 20 lakhs for 35% equity. This deal highlights the increasing value placed on cultural businesses that preserve tradition while embracing the digital marketplace.
- Bhola Food: Another pitch came from Sweta Pandey Dhital, who runs a business offering kitchen services, aiming to make home-cooked meals more accessible, efficient, and hygienic for modern households. Her service focuses on quality, convenience, and consistency, especially catering to the growing demand for trusted kitchen solutions in urban areas. Sweta entered Shark Tank Nepal asking for NPR 85 lakhs for 12% equity, and her business model impressed the panel with its potential to scale. In a collaborative deal, Sharks Saurabh, Cabinet, Hem Raj, and Anand offered NPR 1 crore for 20% equity. This investment shows growing support for women-led businesses and innovative food service solutions in Nepal’s evolving market.
Businesses that Misses Deals
Not all pitches ended with investments. Here are the businesses that didn’t get a deal:
- Santa Ko Achar: A heartfelt pitch came from Shanta Chaudhari, the founder of Shanta Ko Achar, a brand offering authentic Nepali pickles made using traditional recipes and local ingredients. Her vision aimed to bring the rich flavors of Nepali cuisine to a wider audience while supporting local farmers and preserving culinary heritage. She entered Shark Tank Nepal seeking NPR 2 crore for 30% equity, reflecting her confidence in the brand’s cultural value and market potential. However, despite the emotional appeal and authenticity, the pitch ended with a “No Deal.” This outcome often points to concerns around valuation, scalability, or the Sharks’ alignment with the business model, rather than the product itself.
- Sabko Phone: Uttam Kafle’s Sabko Phone is a business that sells refurbished phones, aiming to provide affordable and quality smartphones to a wider audience. Uttam sought NPR 2 crore for 20% equity on Shark Tank Nepal, hoping to scale the business quickly. Despite the growing market for refurbished electronics, the Sharks decided not to invest, resulting in no deal. This reflects concerns about the business’s valuation, competition, or growth potential in the eyes of the investors.
- ELLETRA: Arun Rathor and Sushmita Poudel pitched their cosmetic products business on Shark Tank Nepal, seeking NPR 1 crore for 10% equity. Their brand focuses on beauty and personal care products aimed at meeting growing consumer demand. However, despite the potential, the Sharks decided not to invest, and the duo left the Tank without a deal. This outcome suggests differences in valuation expectations or concerns about the business’s growth prospects.
Sharks show interest in Nepal’s startup scene
The first two episodes of Shark Tank Nepal showed a strong interest from the Sharks in Nepalese startups. Entrepreneurs had to negotiate hard to get the best possible offers, sometimes accepting a higher percentage of equity for larger investments. The show highlights the potential of Nepal’s growing startup ecosystem and encourages more innovators to step forward.
