At a time when e-books and audiobooks are taking over, NearBook is proving that the charm of physical books isn’t fading anytime soon. Launched in 2020 by Sanjay Modi, a young entrepreneur from Rajasthan, NearBook has rapidly grown into India’s fastest-expanding marketplace for second-hand books. The platform not only connects buyers and sellers but also facilitates book donations, rentals, and requests, making books more affordable and accessible across the country.
Shark Tank India: A High-Stakes Pitch
Sanjay took NearBook to Shark Tank India Season 4, seeking ₹40 lakh for 20 percent equity, valuing his startup at ₹2 crore. His pitch focused on NearBook’s mission to democratize access to books, reduce costs, and build a thriving community of readers.
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The sharks appreciated the vision, but initially, all five investors hesitated due to concerns about scalability. Just when it seemed like Sanjay would walk away empty-handed, Anupam Mittal stepped in, offering the full ₹40 lakh for 20 percent equity—the exact valuation Sanjay had proposed. Along with the funding, Anupam also promised strategic mentorship to help NearBook scale.
How NearBook Plans to Use the Funding
With this investment, Sanjay and his team are gearing up for major growth. Their plan includes enhancing the app’s user experience to make book buying and selling smoother, expanding digital marketing efforts through influencer partnerships and referral programs, and launching a large-scale book donation and recycling initiative to add an eco-friendly angle to the business.
“Our goal is to not just sell books but also create a sustainable reading ecosystem,” says Sanjay.
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Growth, Expansion & Future Roadmap
NearBook is now eyeing pan-India expansion and eventually wants to take its model global. The team is introducing a subscription service, where users can access a rotating collection of books for a fixed monthly fee. This model will be powered by AI-driven recommendations, personalizing book suggestions based on reading preferences.
To improve efficiency, NearBook is also partnering with logistics companies, ensuring faster and more reliable deliveries.
“Our Shark Tank exposure has given us an incredible boost. We’re now focusing on acquiring more users, onboarding sellers, and strengthening our brand,” says Sanjay. He also hinted at the possibility of raising additional capital from impact investors in the future.
Challenges & Strategies for Growth
While NearBook is growing rapidly, it still faces key challenges. Scaling operations while maintaining book quality is a priority, as is competing with the rise of e-books and audiobooks. Ensuring reliable logistics for book deliveries across India remains another hurdle.
To tackle these, the startup is investing in technology, strengthening its logistics network, and launching targeted marketing campaigns. It is also working on partnerships with educational institutions to make books more accessible to students.
A Movement, Not Just a Marketplace
NearBook is proving that physical books still hold immense value, especially in a price-sensitive market like India. By making second-hand books more accessible, the startup isn’t just running a business—it is building a movement that encourages reading, sustainability, and affordability.
