Always On The Lookout: My Take on This Week’s Shark Tank Bangladesh Episode – 6
I’m always on the lookout for new Shark Tank episodes. This week was no different. I was a tad busy with work but finally managed to catch the latest episode. No new sharks this time, so no surprise there.
First up was Daily Goods, a grocery platform. You’re probably thinking, “Oh great, another online grocery store.” But wait—these guys accept plastic waste as payment. Yep, run out of cash? Just pay with your old plastic bottles for a kilo of meat! Sounds wild, right? They acted out the whole customer journey in their pitch, and the sharks were pretty amused. They asked for 50 lacs for 10%. But let’s be real, how much plastic would you need to pay for groceries? A lot. The sharks found out they weren’t making money and couldn’t gather enough plastic to recycle themselves. The worst part? The guy pitching had barely any equity, so he wasn’t even calling the shots. Farhan jokingly asked if he’d sell the company, putting him on the spot, and it was clear he couldn’t make that decision. With a risky business model and no clear uniqueness, the sharks decided to pass.
Next up was Mayfair, led by a real hustler. He started this jute products business while working full-time, following in his father’s footsteps. Jute, the “golden fiber,” is what they use to make their apparel. They asked for 30 lacs for 2.5%. Claiming to be the pioneer in jute-based fabric in Bangladesh, they make some stylish blazers, even supplying the Bangladesh cricket team. They seemed to want to focus on B2B and export, seeking the sharks’ help. The products impressed Leon and Sami, who tried on the blazers and liked the quality. But the sharks didn’t see a clear business model, and the pricing seemed high. They also weren’t impressed with the raw material sourcing since it was all from outside vendors. So, they passed on investing and asked Mayfair to work on the business and come back next season.
Then came FishVally, straight from Kuakata. As the name suggests, they sell fish, ensuring city folks get fresh fish from Bangladesh’s coastal areas, delivered right to their door. The guy started marketing on social media and racked up around a million followers! He sells over 20 lacs a month, keeping around 3.85 lacs in profit. That got the sharks interested. Farhan opened with questions about their unique economics and competition. The founder knew his stuff, explaining their business model and customer base, including Bangladeshi expats who make up 70% of their customers. He needed funding for marketing and setting up stores in Dhaka. Three sharks opted out, but Fahim and Farhan made a joint offer. After some fish-market-style haggling, they struck a deal: 60 lacs for 20% equity, with 30 lacs to be repaid through a 5% royalty from sales until the money is recouped.
The final pitch was Airwrk. The founders strutted in wearing shorts and formal blazers—funny and fitting for their pitch. They run a platform for tech talents in Bangladesh to find remote work with foreign companies. They asked for 40 lacs for 1.5% equity. They already have a list of top clients and manage remote teams, unlike other freelance platforms. Farhan joked they should wear lungis next time instead of shorts, cracking everyone up. But then it got serious—why choose them over established companies? Their high valuation raised eyebrows, but they defended it by mentioning they had to honor their current investors. In the end, the sharks thought the valuation was too high and didn’t make a deal.
This episode had it all: a sophisticated tech platform, a vital fish business, and stylish jute blazers. If you haven’t watched it yet, go check it out on Bongo and learn while having a blast!
A New Era of Funding Opportunities is Dawning in Bangladesh
Alright, folks, gather ’round! Let me tell you about the latest game-changer in town: Shark Tank Bangladesh! Our ecosystem for small and medium businesses? Yeah, it’s been a bit of a mess. Infrastructure is shaky, funding opportunities are scarce, and support policies? Well, let’s just say they haven’t been our best friend. Oh, and did I mention the glaring lack of mentorship and learning opportunities? For a small business to level up, we need a platform to nurture, coach, and get industry veterans on board.
Sure, we’ve had some incubator and accelerator programs. But guess what? They’ve mostly catered to tech-savvy city slickers from Dhaka, Sylhet, and Chittagong. Meanwhile, our heroic entrepreneurs from the remote corners of Kuakata, Jashore, Barisal, and Rajshahi have been left in the dust. And let’s be honest, while our tech bros are cool and all, we need to shine the spotlight on the problem-solvers from smaller cities who are tackling unique local issues.
But fear not, my friends, because Shark Tank Bangladesh is here to save the day! Let’s take a moment to appreciate the OG Shark Tank, which has rocked the socks off countries like Japan, the UK, the USA, and over 40 others. This show is like an MBA program on steroids—cramming the juiciest business wisdom into bite-sized, easily digestible chunks. And now, it’s finally our turn to ride the Shark Tank wave!
Shark Tank Bangladesh isn’t just another TV show. Oh no, it’s a full-blown movement! It’s helping entrepreneurs, giving the Sharks a chance to meet investment-worthy prospects, and teaching us all about the fine art of business and pitching. Think of it as a business school, but way cooler and less boring.
So, to all the dreamers out there with a burning desire to tackle Bangladesh’s biggest challenges—apply to Shark Tank Bangladesh! And for those eager to learn the secrets of raising funding in Bangladesh, tune in to Shark Tank on Bongo for free. Trust me, it’ll totally transform your mindset and attitude towards business.
Remember, folks: Shark Tank Bangladesh is here to change the game. Let’s dive in and make some waves!
Anika Chowdhury: Leading the Charge in Bangladeshi Business
Raised in a family that fuels entrepreneurship, Anika Chowdhury was destined to make it big in the corporate world. Nurtured in a joint family under the tutelage of her grandfather and business tycoon, Samson H Chowdhury, Anika attributes a large part of her success to the invaluable experiences gained during her early years.
Instilled with an unyielding entrepreneurial spirit, Anika enjoys brainstorming innovative ideas that can contribute to solving problems and enriching Bangladesh’s economy. Discussions about business strategies and growth were commonplace at family dinners, further inculcating in her a curiosity for venture, growth and success.
After years of working under her grandfather’s supervision, a blessing she cherishes, Anika ascended to the role of Managing Director of Square Group Ltd. Square Group, a top business conglomerate in Bangladesh, provided Anika with diverse challenges and opportunities that she tackled head-on. As a Managing Director, her noteworthy leadership skills and innovative business strategies have been driving the company towards new heights.
Anika wears many hats with aplomb. In addition to her leadership role at Square Group Ltd, she serves as a Director at Mutual Trust Bank Limited (MTB), upholding her esteemed family legacy. Her grandfather, the late Samson H Chowdhury, served as MTB Chairman, and her father, Tapan Chowdhury, was the Managing Director of Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd. and an Adviser to the Caretaker Government of Bangladesh in 2007.
On the educational front, Anika holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the prestigious University of Columbia, New York. This degree equips her with the theoretical knowledge and expertise to administer her various roles proficiently.
Anika’s other roles include Managing Director of Square Health Limited, Director of Square Fashions Ltd., Management Coordinator of the Square Group, and the Director of Business Development of Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd. These positions evidence her versatility and dedication in the world of business.
In conclusion, Anika Chowdhury, with her stellar lineage, rich experience, and strong educational background, has established herself as a formidable figure in Bangladesh’s business landscape. Her drive towards innovation and problem-solving is a testament to her pioneering character, promising an exciting future for Bangladesh’s business sector.
Triumph in the Shark Tank Bangladesh: How Mubashira Khan Nailed a Dream Deal for Quality Childcare
Drumroll Yo peeps, something omigosh-impossible went down in the tank. Picture this: a bold young chick, brimming with dreams, sass and a ‘I mean business’ attitude, triumphed BIG-TIME! And guess what? Her boon was a deal worth over half a crore taka. Mic drops
Enter our brave hero, Mubashira! A recent post-grad, she swapped her UN fancy-shmancy Internship in Geneva, and strutted back home to Dhaka to chase a, wait for it, entrepreneurial dream. Hold the phone folks, none of her parents have ever messed with the startup biz! She wasn’t deterred though. Nah uh. She got the entrepreneurial itch from Grandaddy dearest and decided to follow his footsteps.
So what’s Muby’s big idea? Aha! Daycare centers to have Moms’ backs when they’re breaking glass ceilings at work AND juggling kiddos. Challenging? Absolutely. Noble? Hell to the yeah! Let’s face it, Mommies need all the help they can get with their little human bundles of energy.
Our Muby had a home-alone moment you-know-who’d be proud of – a near-fatal accident when her nanny, lacking ninja childcare skills, left her alone. Fast forward to the present. Muby’s on a mission to tackle an issue Bangladesh hasn’t quite mastered – quality childcare. She knows the competition ain’t cutting it. Case in point – zero ways for parents to peep on their kiddos, and a workforce lacking proper care-giving x-factor. Her trump card: a double whammy of tech goodies and trained professionals.
At the get-go, our gutsy gal asked for a whoppin’ 25 lacs taka for a teeny-tiny 4% slice of her company. The sharks, bless them, freaked at the mere notion of investing in a company that was just an idea – not even a twinkle in the business world’s eye. Then an epiphany hit – Muby might be onto something BIG. She was a rockstar-in-waiting, oozing conviction, and a promise to get things rolling.
Sweat, tears and much to-ing and fro-ing later, KABOOM! A deal! Muby swagged out of the tank with 5 lacs taka now, a promise of 50 lacs based on plans and a gaggle of sharks’ approval, all for 20% equity. Now that, my friends, is how you hustle! Applause
Bite-sized Laughs From the Deep End: Shark Tank Bangladesh Episode 6 Promo
Hold on to your floaties, folks, because the fresh-off-the-press promo for Shark Tank Episode 6 just splashed down! First up to bat is this boisterous tech platform that’s gathered the geekiest gang of 4200+ engineers. Sounds like a geek-love dating app, right? If not, I reckon they’re building a tech titan in Bangladesh aiming to outshine the mighty Magnificent 7. A grand dream, but hey, no reality show is big enough for two miracles
Onto the next – a plastic recycling company. Now, I’m not one for spoilers, but I’m puzzling over their moneymaking mojo. Maybe they’ve somehow turned trash into cash, or maybe recycling is just their green ticket to the eco-friendly club. Nevertheless, can’t wait to dive into their green business aura.
Next, we’re in for a meaty clash – sharks and entrepreneurs butting heads over-valuations. Talk about spicy! We also get a sneak peek of the Sharks going full Sherlock on entrepreneurs who didn’t do their math homework. Oh boy, someone’s due for a wake-up splash.
But buckle up, because here’s the juicy bit. Sharks circle this techie whale of a company with their 4200+ nerd army, and state their tech stack is ‘far from basic’ (that’s the techie version of ‘talk to the hand’). Farhan even throws a curveball – an offer to captain their ship. A test or a takeover tease? We shall see!
The closing scene? It reels in a drumroll… fish-selling company. You got that right, one part Silicon Valley, one part Fish Market, all served chilled in our beloved Shark Tank. This episode surely baits with an intriguing buffet, and I’m mega pumped to dive into the incoming tide of Episode 6. Get your snorkels ready, it’s about to get wild in the tank!
Shark Tank Bangladesh Season 1, Episode 5: Empowering Entrepreneurs and Pioneering Bold Ventures
Dive Into the Latest Shark Tank Bangladesh Episodes: New Sharks, Bold Pitches, and Jaw-Dropping Deals!
Guess what, Shark Tank Bangladesh fans? We’ve got a brand-new shark in the tank, and she’s ready to make some serious waves. Say hello to Anika Chowdhury, the latest addition to our panel of Shark Tank Entrepreneurs. Hailing from one of the most decorated families in the country, Anika is the third generation of the Chowdhury clan, known for their immense contributions to the pharmaceutical industry. Her grandfather, the Ekushey Padak winner Samson H. Chowdhury, was a legend, and her dad, Tapan Chowdhury, isn’t too shabby either—he’s the managing director of Square Pharmaceuticals Limited and Square Textiles Limited. So yeah, Anika’s got some serious pedigree, and her addition to Shark Tank Bangladesh is going to take things to a whole new level!
Area 71: E-commerce Warriors
First up in the latest Shark Tank episode, we had Area 71. These guys are on a mission to help people in Bangladesh find gainful work by selling e-commerce goods both inside and outside the country. They rolled out one course and generated around 1.67 crore taka with a sweet margin of 35%. Their ask? A cool 30 lacs for 6%. Anika kicked off the questions, grilling the entrepreneurs about their uniqueness and value proposition. Turns out, they have over 1,300 students paying 15,000 taka each! Farhan and Golam opted out, but Sami and Sausan swooped in, sealing the deal for 30 lacs for 9%, plus a royalty plan. Boom!
CraftWorks: Gifts Galore from Rajshahi
Next, a young female founder from Rajshahi walked in with her business selling gift and novelty items. Talk about passion—she dropped out of university to chase her dreams. Currently, she’s selling through social media and pop-up events but believes a shark can help her scale up. Farhan checked out her products, and the sharks were amazed, especially with Golam’s picture with his mom on display. Anika, Sausan, and Sami didn’t see a fit, but Farhan and Golam struck a deal: 10 lacs of zero-interest working capital and 10 lacs worth of marketing and tech support for 10% equity. Now that’s a win!
Kothay Jaben: Car Rentals in Sylhet
Kothay Jaben, a car rental business from Sylhet, was up next. They own a fleet of 18 vehicles and have over 100 trained drivers. Their ask? 15 lacs for 1% equity. With three Sylheti sharks on the panel, things got interesting. Despite a solid pitch, the sharks had concerns about the asset-heavy model. Golam offered a deal with the condition to ditch the blended model, but the founders stood firm. No deal, but major respect for sticking to their guns!
Notun Kichu: Day Care Dreams
Lastly, we had Notun Kichu, a female-founded company aiming to set up day care centers for working mothers. The founder’s personal experience fueled her vision. With an ask of 25 lacs for 4% equity, she delivered a well-articulated pitch. Sami opted out, but the other sharks saw potential. Four sharks jumped in with a deal of 5 lacs now and 50 lacs later for 20% equity. Dreams are becoming reality, people!
So, what are you waiting for? If you haven’t watched the latest Shark Tank Bangladesh episodes, head over to Bongo and catch up on all the action. Get inspired and who knows, you might be the next big entrepreneur in the tank!
