Shark Tank India pitcher with Greg Chappell as investor refuses to divulge financial details, Aman Gupta accuses him of abusing platform for marketing

Shark Tank India 4: A trio of pitchers with huge losses and a massive valuation were very secretive on the latest episode of the show, much to Aman Gupta's suspicion.

Aman Gupta on Shark Tank India 4.

By: Entertainment Desk

New Delhi | February 4, 2025 02:02 PM IST

3 min read

A trio of entrepreneurs pitched their sports tech brand Str8bat on the latest episode of Shark Tank India, but their pitch left the panel of ‘sharks’ a little confused. The entrepreneurs said that their product can map a cricket batsman’s shots, and provide detailed data that can help them improve. They said that they have partnered with the IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals, and count Cricket Australia as investors. The founders asked for Rs 1.5 crore in exchange of 1% equity, valuing their company at a whopping Rs 150 crore.

But the ‘sharks’ were surprised to learn that they are burning crores every year. The founders said that they spent several years trying to find a product-market fit, and that category creation is an immense task. Kunal Bahl said that in the business world, there is a saying that goes something like, “Hardware is hard.” He acknowledged the difficulties that the founders must have faced in introducing customers to their technology, and teaching them how to use it. They said that after many years, big companies have bet on them. Over 50% of their cap table belongs to investors, they revealed, adding that former India coach Greg Chappell is one of them.

Also read – Vineeta Singh fails to recognise ex-schoolmate pitching fart-proof breakfast products on Shark Tank India

While the ‘sharks’ were impressed at the credentials, they weren’t so sure about the financials. Kunal backed out of the deal, as did Ritesh Agarwal and Vineeta Singh. But Namita Thapar showed some interest. “My biggest problem is the Rs 150 crore valuation. I want to know if you’re ready for a downround,” she asked the founders, who said that they wouldn’t do that. They also refused to divulge details about their deal with the cricket goods manufacturer SG. “I’m not comfortable sharing the pricing of a B2B deal, sorry,” their CEO said, stressing that the numbers he was sharing were completely accurate. “I’m not cooking these numbers up out of thin air, everything is signed and sealed,” he said.

Aman Gupta didn’t seem to believe them. “Koi question poocho, main bata nahi sakta. Iska kya price hai, main bata nahi sakta. Advisory de do, main de nahi sakta. Toh aaye kyun bhai?” he asked, and answered his own question, “Marketing ke liye.” The founders assured the ‘sharks’ that they want to make a deal, and Aman said that he would want to test how serious they are by making an offer. He offered them Rs 1.5 crore for 4% equity, and the founders said that they would like a moment to discuss it among themselves. Namita was taken aback, because she was told that they weren’t willing to lower their valuation. “Why did you reject me? I feel offended now,” she said.

The founders assured her that they simply want to discuss if they can even begin to negotiate. They were, and they countered by asking Aman to lower his equity ask to 3%. Aman and Namita joined hands, but refused to lower their terms. The founders accepted, lowering their valuation to Rs 42 crore.

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