In this exciting episode of Shark Tank India, we witnessed the impressive pitch of London Bubble Co., a brand that brings the continental breakfast experience right to your doorstep. Founded by the dynamic duo of Darshaan Shetty and Mustakeen Sheikh, London Bubble Co. offers a variety of waffle and pancake premixes, as well as delectable spreads and waffle chips in a multitude of mouth-watering flavors.
However, their journey hasn't been without its challenges. With the lockdown forcing the shutdown of all 126 of their stores, the founders found themselves with a surplus of 30000-kilo atta and 8000-kilo chocolates that they were unable to sell. But these resilient entrepreneurs didn't let this setback bring them down. They pivoted their business model and launched London Bubble Co. 2.0, bringing their cafe experience to customers' doorsteps through e-commerce and their own website.
With a capacity of 45000 packets per day, the founders invested in automation to increase production rates. And their hard work has paid off, as their products are now available in over 800 stores across four different cities. But they have even bigger aspirations, with a goal of reaching a sales target of 10 crore rupees per year.
To achieve this ambitious goal, the founders came to Shark Tank India seeking a 75 lakh rupee investment for a 5% equity stake in their company. However, the sharks had other ideas. Namita, in particular, saw the potential in London Bubble Co. and made an offer of 75 lakh rupees for a 15% equity stake, valuing the company at 5 crore rupees.
While the founders were initially hesitant to part with such a large stake in their company, they ultimately saw the benefits of Namita's offer. With her expertise and resources, they could expand their reach to more cities and increase their production capacity even further. And to sweeten the deal, the sharks even offered to provide the additional funding in the form of debt, allowing London Bubble Co. to expand their operations even faster.
After much deliberation, the founders of London Bubble Co. accepted Namita's offer and closed the deal at 75 lakh rupees for a 15% equity stake. The sharks were impressed by the founders' determination and ability to adapt in the face of adversity, and they saw a bright future ahead for London Bubble Co.
In the end, this episode of Shark Tank India was a shining example of the power of entrepreneurship and the resilience of small business owners. With hard work, determination, and a little help from the sharks, anything is possible. So whether you're a budding entrepreneur with a great idea, or just a fan of delicious waffles and pancakes, keep an eye out for London Bubble Co. as they continue to take the breakfast world by storm.
ALIPPO LEARNIGNS:
Here are some learnings that London Bubble Co. can apply to help them continue to grow their business:
- Adaptability is key: London Bubble Co. demonstrated an impressive ability to adapt their business model during a challenging time. This is a critical skill for any entrepreneur, as unforeseen circumstances can arise at any moment. By being open to new ideas and pivoting when necessary, businesses can continue to thrive even in the face of adversity.
- Embrace technology: Investing in automation has allowed London Bubble Co. to increase their production rates and reach more customers. As technology continues to advance, businesses that stay up to date with the latest tools and software will have a significant advantage over their competitors.
- Focus on scalability: The founders of London Bubble Co. have a clear goal of reaching a sales target of 10 crore rupees per year. To achieve this, they need to focus on building a scalable business model that can support growth. This means investing in systems and processes that can handle increased demand, as well as building a team that can help take the business to the next level.
- Build a strong team: No business can succeed without a talented and dedicated team. The founders of London Bubble Co. recognized this early on, and invested in hiring daily wage laborers to help them produce their products. As the business grows, they will need to continue building a team of skilled professionals who can help take the business to the next level.
- Seek out mentorship and advice: The sharks on Shark Tank India offered valuable insights and resources to help London Bubble Co. grow their business. By seeking out mentorship and advice from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts, businesses can gain valuable insights and avoid common pitfalls.
