Sony Pictures Networks India has procured the rights to the Indian version of the global business reality format Shark Tank, which allows budding entrepreneurs to make pitches to judges who, in turn, cut cheques for a stake in the company if impressed with the business models and founders. Shark Tank India has seven judges. Launching on 20th December, on Sony Entertainment Television & SonyLIV. It will air on Sony TV from 22:00 (UK) and 21:00 (India). For Shark Tank India, SonyLIV has partnered with upGrad- Asia’s higher EdTech major, Acko General Insurance, and Black Dog Drinking Soda as the co-presenting sponsors; Cashfree Payments as Payments Partner; Flipkart as Digital Partner and Dell Technologies as Technology Partner. Representing the diverse start-up ecosystem in India, meet the Sharks of the Indian edition – Ashneer Grover (Founder and Managing Director of BharatPe), Vineeta Singh (CEO & Co-founder of SUGAR Cosmetics), Peeyush Bansal (Founder & CEO of Lenskart), Namita Thapar (Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals), Anupam Mittal (Founder and CEO of Shaadi.com – People Group), Ghazal Alagh (Co-founder and Chief Mama of Mamaearth) and Aman Gupta (co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer at boAt.) With the ever-growing startup ecosystem in India, and the excitement of Indians to learn more about business growth and success. With maximum interest amongst categories like BFSI, E-Commerce, EdTech, Digital Payment Ecosystem, Consumer Durables and Technology Brands, SonyLIV sold out almost 75% of its ad inventory two months before the show goes on-air.
Rannvijay Singha has been confirmed as a host in the first season of the show. He will act as a guide for the audience. He will explain the format and the concept of the show, introduce the innovative business ideas, and simplify the key business facts/processes for the audience to understand. The investors aka sharks are paid as cast stars of the show, however, the money that they will invest in a company has to be their own. The show is an Indian adaptation of the hit US TV series and based on ‘Dragon’s Den’ aired in the UK. Shark Tank is not just about monetary gains but the exposure, mentoring, and support that they receive.
The Shark Tank America was first premiered on August 9, 2009, on ABC although; the history of the show goes much deeper than that. This show is actually an international franchise of Dragons’ Den, a show which was originated in Japan in 2001. The Shark Tank effect is so strong that after appearing in the show, entrepreneurs revenue gets increased 10 to 20 times. In the American version of the show, notable entrepreneurs like Barbara Corcoran, Daymond John, Kevin O’Leary, Mark Cuban, Kevin Harrington are present at the show as the sharks who invests in the businesses. Shark Tank is a multiple Emmy Award-winning show and is considered as World’s biggest and number 1 business reality show. The most successful Shark Tank product was with over $225 million in sales, are high quality socks for men, women and children. The socks have a blister tab, extra-long staple cotton to keep them breathable, and extra cushioning. Scrub Daddy is widely considered the most successful “Shark Tank” business. In 2012, Aaron Krause went on “Shark Tank” to pitch his durable, reusable, smiley-faced sponge that he called the Scrub Daddy. Lori Greiner invested $200,000 for a 20% stake after saying, “I know a hero from a zero. This is a hero.”
Ashish Mishra, EVP Marketing, ACKO, says, “We at ACKO definitely understand what it takes to turn a dream into a successful venture. So, we are excited to be associating with the first ever season of Shark Tank India, a show that we believe can help boost India’s start-up ecosystem and encourage entrepreneurship across India. I wish all the contestants of Shark Tank India the very best in the show.”
Arjun Mohan, CEO – India, upGrad, says, “We are really thrilled to be associating with SonyLIV for its first season of Shark Tank India. At upGrad, it is our aim to support professionals in their Lifelong Learning journey and equip them with evolving skills required to venture out into the professional world, which shall also help them survive the market roller-coaster. This is similar to what Shark Tank India aims to do with the aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking forward to creating successful businesses for a better future of our country. We are sure we will have a productive and long-lasting association with SonyLIV and are excited for the launch of the world’s most popular business reality show in its Indian edition.”
