Introduction
Nabhi Sutra, an Ayurvedic company, is dedicated to crafting high-quality, pure, and natural oils following Ayurvedic practices and authentic guidelines. Founded by Vaibhav Shah and Swati Vakharia, Nabhi Sutra seeks to revolutionize contemporary treatment methods, advocating for the preservation of traditional and age-old natural treatment approaches. Notably, all their products hold FDA certification, guaranteeing 100% natural ingredients. The formulations encompass pure essential therapeutic oils, cold-pressed oils, and Ayurveda Siddha oils. The founders, Vaibhav Shah and Swati Vakharia, appeared on Shark Tank India season 3 to showcase their Ayurvedic brand. During the pitch, they highlighted ancient Ayurvedic techniques, aiming to reintroduce these traditional practices to a broader audience.
| Startup | Nabhi Sutra |
| Founders | Vaibhav Shah and Swati Vakharia |
| Ask | ₹ 60 lakhs for 3% equity |
| Final Deal | No Deal |
| Sharks Onboarded | No Deal |
All About the Pitch
With a customer base exceeding 3 lakh, they presented a range of nine oils targeting different diseases and ailments. Vaibhav emphasized the products' natural composition, free from side effects and approved by the Ministry of Ayush and FDA. They were seeking funding of INR 60 lakhs for 3% equity at a valuation of INR 20 crores.
The Sharks engaged in insightful discussions, with Namita Thapar expressing her belief in Ayurveda and Homeopathy. She questioned the basis for trusting Nabhi Sutra, given the industry's reliance on trust. In response, Swati detailed their business journey and the presence of an expert team supporting their claims.
Anupam Mittal delved into the working process of their oils and their effectiveness. Peyush Bansal inquired about the addition of cream to their product segment, while Aman Gupta raised concerns about the niche market's limited scope, anticipating long-term challenges. Despite the discussions, Nabhi Sutra failed to secure an investment deal on Shark Tank India.
Namita Thapar, citing doubts about scalability and profitability, opted out of the deal. Consequently, Nabhi Sutra did not receive funding from the judges, highlighting challenges in their business process and growth potential.
Takeaways From the Pitch
From Vaibhav Shah and Swati Vakharia's pitch on Shark Tank India, several skills and insights can be gleaned:
Product Knowledge: They demonstrated in-depth knowledge about their Ayurvedic products, showcasing familiarity with ingredients, formulations, and their therapeutic benefits.
Regulatory Compliance: Highlighting FDA certification and approval from the Ministry of Ayush showcased their understanding of the importance of adhering to regulatory standards in the healthcare industry.
Business Journey Storytelling: Sharing their entrepreneurial journey, including challenges and milestones, helped build a connection with the Sharks, demonstrating resilience and commitment.
Team Management: Swati's mention of having a team of experts supporting their claims highlighted their ability to assemble and manage a competent team, instilling confidence in the business's capabilities.
Handling Investor Queries: Responding to queries from the Sharks, including questions about trust, scalability, and product effectiveness, showcased their ability to handle tough questions with confidence and transparency.
Industry Knowledge: Vaibhav and Swati's pitch demonstrated a deep understanding of the Ayurvedic and natural health product industry, including current challenges and growth potential.
Resilience: Despite facing scepticism from some Sharks and not securing an investment, the founders remained composed and resilient, an essential trait for navigating challenges in entrepreneurship.
Overall, the pitch highlighted a combination of business acumen, industry knowledge, effective communication, and adaptability, showcasing the skills necessary for entrepreneurs seeking investment in a competitive environment like Shark Tank.
