Shark Tank India Season 4: Influencer Gaurav Taneja Brings Beast Life to the Table
With three successful seasons under its belt, Shark Tank India continues to grab attention. The latest buzz surrounding the show comes as it gears up for its fourth season, promising fresh faces among the ‘sharks’ and exciting new business ideas.
One standout moment from the recently released promo features social media influencer Gaurav Taneja, also known as Flying Beast, pitching his sports nutrition brand, Beast Life.
Popular Influencer Gaurav Taneja Pitches at Shark Tank India
In the clip, Gaurav highlights his massive online following, prompting shark Vineeta Singh to quip, “Ek crore to aap ek ghante mein kama lete ho, yaha kya kar rahe ho? (You earn Rs 1 crore in an hour, so what brings you here?).” Beast Life, the fitness brand Taneja introduced, offers a variety of health supplements, including protein powders and mass gainers, aimed at fitness enthusiasts.
While it remains to be seen whether Taneja’s pitch secured funding, his appearance has certainly thrilled his fanbase. With over 9.27 million YouTube subscribers and 3.6 million Instagram followers, Gaurav’s presence on the show has generated significant excitement among viewers.
Shark Tank India Season 4 is set to premiere on January 6, 2025. The panel of investors for this season includes Namita Thapar, Anupam Mittal, Amit Gupta, Vineeta Singh, Ritesh Agarwal, Peyush Bansal, Azhar Iqubal, Kunal Bahl, and Varun Dua. As anticipation builds, fans are eager to see the innovative pitches and dynamic interactions that the new season will bring.
Building the Unilever of E-Commerce: Baby & Mom Retail’s Journey to Rs 100 Crore GMV
In the competitive landscape of Indian e-commerce, Baby & Mom Retail has emerged as a resilient player. With a General Merchandise Value (GMV) of Rs 100 crore this year, the company has carved a niche for itself in diverse categories, including baby care, home furnishing, beauty, and pet care. Founder and CEO Shish Kharesiya shared insights into the company’s growth journey and plans for the future.
Omni-Channel Growth Strategy
Initially operating with a 95% focus on online sales, Baby & Mom Retail is now exploring the offline segment to complement its digital presence. “We are putting our bets into offline as well,” said Kharesiya. According to him, omnichannel strategies and category-specific stores are the way forward.
Following Mensa’s acquisition of one of Kharesiya’s companies, Bey Bee, the business successfully raised funds, enabling further expansion. The company now plans to launch its first physical store under the Baby & Mom brand, aiming to combine the reach of e-commerce with the brand-building power of offline retail.
“We are excited to onboard our first offline store, which will operate as a multi-brand outlet. This store will prominently feature our branding alongside other competitive brands. We aim to launch the store within the next six months and are currently in the process of finalizing the location, which we expect to confirm within the next month,” he informed.
This year, the company is on track to achieve a GMV of approximately Rs 100 crore, up from Rs 23 crore and Rs 44 crore in previous years.
Besides that, in the next six months, Kharesiya is targeting consistent month-on-month growth of around 10-15%. “While February and March tend to be relatively lean periods for us, we are confident about capturing market opportunities during this time. Our goal is to achieve a monthly top-line GMV of approximately Rs 15 crore by the end of this period,” he added.
Multi-Category Expansion
Since its inception in 2013, Baby & Mom Retail has evolved into a house of brands. Its portfolio includes Oyo Baby for baby care, Gadda Co. for home furnishing, Amorite for pet products, and Newish for essential oils. The company also recently launched RedCop for electronic gadgets.
“Our vision is to be the Unilever of e-commerce,” said Kharesiya. “From day one, our focus has been on building products in India, adhering to US standards, and supporting the ‘vocal for local’ movement.”
This approach, combined with extensive market research, allows Baby & Mom Retail to develop unique products that address specific consumer pain points. Highlighting the popular products in their portfolio, Kharesiya noted that Oyo Baby has been a standout performer, offering talc-free baby powder at affordable prices. Similarly, Gadda Co.’s dual-comfort mattresses and mattress protectors, endorsed by Mukesh Khanna as brand ambassador, have received an overwhelming response.
“Whether it’s our baby care, home furnishing, or pet care products, we always aim to provide value to consumers,” said Kharesiya.
Meanwhile, with ambitious plans to scale, Baby & Mom Retail is focusing on innovation, market research, and customer engagement. The company also aims to expand its international footprint, reflecting its motto: “Local for vocal, going global.”
Competing in a Crowded Market
Highlighting market challenges, Kharesiya explained that operating in highly competitive categories requires a focus on cost efficiency and backward integration to maintain an edge. “We control pricing factors by sourcing materials directly and binding suppliers with minimum margins,” he said. “This allows us to deliver high-quality products at economical prices.”
Baby & Mom Retail’s strategy also involves closely monitoring competitors and safeguarding its market share. “In the last six years, we’ve seen over 300 competitors enter our space, but many couldn’t sustain themselves,” Kharesiya noted.
Another challenge for market players is online competition. Commenting on the perceived market saturation in online retail, Kharesiya remains optimistic about digital sales. “Online is still growing for us,” he said. “Sustainability is a concern due to increased competition, but our 100% growth in online sales proves there’s still room for expansion.”
The company plans to continue prioritizing online growth while leveraging offline stores for branding purposes. “Offline builds branding; online drives sales,” he added.
Having said that, Kharesiya believes, a significant part of Baby & Mom Retail’s success lies in its penetration into Tier 2, 3, and even Tier 4 cities. “Earlier, orders were primarily from metros. Now, we see demand coming from the interiors of the country,” said Kharesiya. “Digital penetration and increased disposable income have made consumers in these areas more aware and willing to shop online.”
Fitsol Raises $1 Million to Help Manufacturers Meet Net-Zero Goals
Climate tech startup Fitsol has raised $1 million in seed funding from Transition VC to expand its AI-driven decarbonization platform, tailored for the manufacturing sector.
About Fitsol, the Innovative New Startup
Launched in 2022 by Anand Pathak, Akshay Tandon, Manoj Sharma, Sunil Bansal, and Vikas Kalra, Fitsol focuses on helping manufacturers address carbon emissions with a particular emphasis on the challenging Scope 3 emissions, which often constitute the largest share of a company’s carbon footprint.
At the heart of Fitsol’s offerings is its Kyoto platform, which monitors emissions across Scope 1, 2, and 3, providing advanced analytics and real-time reporting to help businesses track and reduce their environmental impact effectively.
Fitsol’s Fascinating Systems
In addition to Kyoto, the company operates a sustainability marketplace that integrates solutions such as green logistics, eco-friendly packaging, sustainable procurement, waste management, and carbon offsetting. This comprehensive approach positions Fitsol as a one-stop partner for manufacturers aiming to achieve net-zero goals while optimizing operational costs.
“As a bootstrapped company for over two years, Fitsol has built a reputation as a reliable decarbonization partner for the manufacturing industry,” said Anand Pathak, Founder and CEO. “Our mission goes beyond simply tracking carbon emissions. We actively collaborate with manufacturers to cut down Scope 3 emissions, which typically account for 70-90% of a company’s carbon footprint.“
From Sarson Ka Saag to Litti Chokha: Highlights of SARAS Food Festival 2024
The SARAS Food Festival 2024, held from December 1-17 at Baba Kharak Singh Marg in Connaught Place, Delhi, offered a vibrant showcase of India’s rich culinary heritage.
A Beautiful Selection of Dishes
Visitors were treated to a delightful array of regional dishes, from the iconic Punjabi sarson ka saag with makke ki roti to the spicy, crunchy litti chokha from Bihar, the coastal fish recipes of Goa and Odisha, Himachal Pradesh’s siddu, and Rajasthan’s famous daal baati churma. Traditional sweets like piping hot jalebis and kulhad tandoor chai added the perfect finishing touch to this gastronomic experience.
This annual event, organized by the Ministry of Rural Development under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), aims to celebrate and promote India’s regional cuisines while supporting small businesses and local farmers. This year, the festival featured 150 self-help groups (SHGs) across 30 stalls, representing products from 25 states.
A Platform Empowering Women
Not only did the event highlight the diverse food culture of India, but it also served as a platform to economically empower women artisans, farmers, and entrepreneurs. Through initiatives like “One District, One Product” and support for Geographical Indication (GI) products, SARAS 2024 celebrated India’s traditional food systems while providing opportunities for growth and recognition to rural communities.
A Legacy of Innovation: Epigamia Co-Founder Rohan Mirchandani Passes Away at 42
Rohan Mirchandani, the co-founder of Epigamia, a prominent Greek yogurt brand in India, passed away on December 21 at the age of 42 after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Drums Food International, the company behind Epigamia, confirmed the news in an official statement.
Rohan Mirchandani was an Entrepreneur Par Excellence
A graduate of NYU Stern and The Wharton School, Mirchandani established Drums Food International in 2013. What started as Hoki Poki, an ice cream brand, evolved under his guidance into Epigamia, a well-recognized name in the Indian dairy industry. Today, the brand boasts a presence in over 20,000 stores across 30 cities and had been eyeing expansion into the Middle East by 2025-26.
The company’s senior leadership, including Ankur Goel (COO and founding member) and Uday Thakker (co-founder and director), will continue to steer the organization with support from the board, investors such as Verlinvest and DSG Consumer Partners, and Mirchandani’s family.
“Rohan was not just our leader but a mentor and a friend,” Goel and Thakker shared in a heartfelt joint statement. “We are committed to honoring his vision and taking his dream forward with determination.” The board of directors described Mirchandani as a “trailblazer” whose passion and innovative mindset shaped the company’s identity. “We will collaborate closely with the leadership team to ensure his legacy continues to thrive,” they stated.
Amazon Faces Historic Strike as Workers Walk Off Amid Contract Dispute
Amazon is facing a massive strike after the company missed a key deadline to start negotiations for a union contract.
As of December 19, approximately 10,000 workers have walked off the job, with picket lines forming in cities such as New York, Atlanta, Southern California, San Francisco, and Skokie, IL.
Union Takes on Amazon
The Teamsters union, which represents the workers, announced that additional employees at other Amazon facilities have authorized strikes as well. Local unions have set up picket lines at fulfillment centers across the country, potentially leading to delays in package deliveries as the holiday season approaches.
Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien expressed frustration, saying, “If your holiday package is delayed, it’s because Amazon refused to negotiate in good faith. We gave them a clear deadline, and they ignored it. Their greed has pushed us to this point.” He criticized Amazon executives for failing to respect workers who, according to him, are the backbone of the company’s enormous profits. “Now, they’re facing the consequences of their actions.”
A Significant Strike that has Broken Major Records
The Teamsters have labeled this the largest strike against Amazon in U.S. history. Despite the disruption, Amazon has stated that it does not anticipate the strike will have a significant impact on its operations, citing its vast workforce of 1.5 million employees across warehouses and corporate offices.
Bollywood Star Sharvari Becomes First Brand Ambassador for Godrej Professional
Godrej Professional has tapped Bollywood actress Sharvari as its inaugural brand ambassador, marking a major step forward for the brand in the hair and beauty sector.
Announcement of this Partnership Happened at a Special Event
The announcement took place at the grand finale of Godrej Professional Spotlight, an event that honors talented hairstylists from across India. Sharvari, known for her roles in films like Munjya, Maharaj, and Vedaa, was chosen for her stylish presence and her alignment with Godrej Professional’s core values of confidence and empowerment. With her influence as a fashion icon and connection to a wide fan base, she was seen as the perfect fit for the brand.
Speaking about her new role, Sharvari shared, “Being chosen as the first-ever ambassador for Godrej Professional is truly special. Godrej has been a trusted name in Indian households for over 120 years, and their contribution to revolutionizing the hair color category is remarkable. Hair has always been central to my style—whether on screen or at glamorous events—so partnering with Godrej Professional feels like a natural fit for me.”
Abhinav Grandhi, General Manager at Godrej Consumer Products Limited, added, “We are thrilled to have Sharvari join us as the first ambassador for Godrej Professional. Her remarkable fashion sense and elegance make her an ideal representative. As we continue to grow our presence in the hair and beauty space, Sharvari’s association comes at a time when our brand is expanding and making its mark in the industry.”
Arata Raises $4 Million to Expand Its Haircare Brand in India
Arata, a direct-to-consumer haircare brand, has raised $4 million (about INR 34 crore) in its Series A funding round, led by Unilever Ventures, with contributions from L’Oréal’s venture arm BOLD and existing investor Skywalker Family Office.
Arata Secures Crucial Funding
Launched in 2018 by Dhruv Bhasin and Dhruv Madhok, Arata has become a prominent name in India’s personal care industry, offering haircare products specifically formulated for Indian hair types. The brand caters to various needs, such as hair growth, dandruff control, styling, and maintenance for different hair textures including straight, wavy, and curly.
Arata plans to use this new investment to fuel product development, conduct consumer research, and expand its distribution channels. The brand’s products are already available through its website, quick-commerce platforms like Zepto, Blinkit, and Instamart, as well as major e-commerce sites such as Amazon, Nykaa, and Flipkart.
Arata Has a Thriving Business
Serving over 1.5 million customers annually, Arata has achieved an annual revenue run rate (ARR) of INR 72 crore, marking a threefold increase in the last year. Co-founders Bhasin and Madhok expressed their commitment to continuing their focus on innovation, consumer insights, and broader distribution to strengthen their position as one of India’s most beloved haircare brands.
Pawan Chaturvedi, partner and head of Asia at Unilever Ventures, shared his excitement about the partnership, stating, “With a robust innovation pipeline and a solid foundation, Arata is well-positioned for even greater success in the years to come, and we’re thrilled to be a part of this journey.”
From Bengaluru to Beyond: Namma Yatri Charts Growth in Indian Cities
Namma Yatri, the zero-commission ride-hailing platform, is gearing up to expand its reach to five or six additional cities within the next quarter.
“With this expansion, we are confident in scaling our operations while continuing to provide unparalleled value to both drivers and riders,” said Shan M.S., COO and Co-founder, during a virtual media briefing.
Enhanced Connectivity and New Features
The platform is also set to introduce integrated services for auto-rickshaws and metro systems in cities like Bengaluru. This includes further development of its “MetroWarrior” feature, which facilitates seamless last-mile connectivity between metro stations and auto services.
Additionally, the company plans to enhance ride-batching and shared mobility options, addressing issues such as drivers avoiding short-distance trips during peak hours. “These innovations aim to resolve longstanding structural challenges in urban transportation,” Shan explained.
Economic Impact and Open Network Model
Namma Yatri’s open network approach is expected to generate significant economic benefits. According to company estimates, it could contribute an additional ₹51,000 crore to ₹67,000 crore in annual economic activity and boost GST revenues by ₹1,000 crore each year.
“By scaling our zero-commission model and integrating public transport systems, we’re building an inclusive and future-ready mobility ecosystem,” Shan emphasized.
Sarovar Hotels Expands Vision with 80 New Highway and Resort Properties in the Pipeline
Sarovar Hotels is shifting its strategy to tap into the growing demand for highway hotels and resorts located near major cities, taking advantage of India’s expanding road network.
According to Ajay K. Bakaya, Chairman of Sarovar Hotels, the company has an ambitious plan with 80 projects in the works for the coming years.
Top Executive Explains New Strategy
Bakaya explained in an interview that highway hotels and resorts located within a few hours’ drive from urban centers are emerging as a high-growth area for the hospitality industry, especially as competition in city hotels intensifies. The company sees this as an opportunity to meet the rising demand for convenient and accessible accommodations.
“This shift comes at a time when the country’s road infrastructure is rapidly improving. The development of highways is creating new opportunities for both leisure and business travel,” Bakaya said. He noted that with around 10,000 kilometers of national highways being constructed annually, the road system is connecting more places, thus opening up new prospects for properties along major highways.
About Sarovar Hotels
While Sarovar Hotels currently operates 135 properties across 85 locations, only a small fraction—around four or five—are specifically highway and resort-focused. The company plans to expand this segment to meet the growing demand for high-quality, easily accessible accommodations.
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