Shark Tank India: Aman Gupta asks 13-year-old AI startup founder’s dad, ‘Kya khake paida kiya hai?’; teen quit JEE coaching to build business

13-year-old founder left JEE coaching to build AI model

Jaiwardhan spoke about his journey and shared that he developed an interest in chess while growing up and once aspired to become a grandmaster. However, he later found block coding fascinating, which eventually led him to coding and web development. He said he even tried to build an all-in-one social media website when he was just 10 years old. He also shared that he once attempted to make a rocket, but it couldn’t fly due to technical issues. Jaiwardhan named Napoleon and Steve Jobs as his inspirations.

He also revealed that his father is a mathematics professor and credited him for helping build his logical temperament through maths. Jaiwardhan said he created Neurapexai after a friend suggested that he work on a project worthy of adding to his résumé.

When the Sharks asked about his future plans and whether he intended to focus on building the AI platform or pursue higher education, he responded, “This is not a school project. I left my JEE coaching for this.” He added, “I value education a lot, but this opportunity doesn’t care if I am 13 or 21.”

However, the Sharks raised concerns about whether Jaiwardhan’s AI platform would be able to compete with ChatGPT. Jaiwardhan argued that his model would soon be monetisation-ready, as healthcare providers would pay for patient leads generated through diagnoses.

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How did the Sharks react?

All the Sharks were visibly impressed with Jaiwardhan’s pitch. However, since the AI model is still at an early stage, they did not find it investable at the moment. Kunal Bahl was the first to opt out. He said, “The approach is innovative and interesting, but the product is not ready and it’s monetisation model is also not ready, which is why I am out, but contact me when this is ready. It is the most inspiring pitch of season 5.”

Vineeta Singh opted out as well, calling it not investable at the moment. Ritesh Agarwal offered to spend a day or two with Jaiwardhan and provide guidance but chose not to invest in the company.

Aman Gupta, however, decided to invest in the business without negotiating. He said, “I don’t know how good this AI model is. But I know that you will make something big in future. I would like to support you and give you what you asked.” He also joked with Jaiwardhan’s father and said, “Kya khake paida kia hai? Mujhe do aur karni hai aise (What did you eat before having him? I want to have kids like him).”