Shark Tank India 4: Anupam Mittal drapes a saree after investing in a ready-to-wear saree brand; Namita Thapar says 'Bas yahi dekhna baaki tha'

The latest episode of Shark Tank India season 4 featured a ready-to-wear saree brand Aseem Shakti. Aseem by Aseem Shakti, founded by Swati Singh from Mumbai, presents itself as "India's 1st Ready-to-Wear Pocket Saree." These sarees come with lining attached and no petticoat is needed while draping this saree. These sarees are tailored to customer's size and height for a perfect fit. During her pitch on Shark Tank India, Swati showcased the product by draping a saree in front of the Sharks, earning applause from Vineeta and Namita for the innovative concept because it had a huge pocket. Vineeta called it a game changer and they couldn't stop themselves from praising the innovative concept.
Founded in 2018, the brand has sold 10,000+ sarees and now their goal is to bring saree to every boardroom, dinner date, vacations and festival around the world. Swati's ask is Rs 50 lakhs for 2.5 percent Equity and the valuation is Rs 20 crores. Swati shows a small video where they talk about their vision of making the women employees the providers at home and not just a naturer. All the Sharks love Swati's presentation.
Swati shared her inspiring journey, revealing that she began her career as a teacher, teaching spoken English to underprivileged students. Although she loved teaching, her focus shifted to preparing for the UPSC exams, during which she learned about Self-Help Groups. Motivated by the concept, she gathered women from her community, including a relative and a few neighbors, to form her own group and explore starting a business. Swati affectionately calls them "Pushpa and Gang" and explained that these women, coming from lower-middle-class families, faced significant financial challenges.
She recalled a moment when she saw the group enjoying themselves, chatting, but noticed bandages on their backs. Upon inquiring, she discovered they were participating in cosmetic patch tests as a means to earn money—a risky endeavor they had begun treating as a job out of necessity. One lady lost her ear during the test as it got burnt. This incident fueled Swati’s determination to create safer and better opportunities for them. She came up with the concept of ready to wear saree and one of her videos went viral in 2021. Their own website contributes 95 percent of sales and they have started on Myntra in September 2024.
Swati talks about her numbers and shares in 2024 April to now, they have made Rs 1.3 crores. In FY 23-24, they did Rs 65 lakhs and FY 22-23 they did Rs 22 lakhs.Their net-profit is 20 percent. The price of mul cotton hand block printed saree is Rs 3100. The price range is from Rs 3100 to Rs 6000. She works with 18 women employees and has outsourced an NGO which has 17 women. Total women impacted by the business are 35 and the women get Rs 300 individually. The cost per ready-made saree is Rs 720.
While talking about the numbers, Swati doesn't look confident and Sharks explain to her how numbers are very important during pitch. Namita says, "Numbers are very important for an entrepreneur. For you to scale, you need to focus on execution, where numbers are very critical. You don't always need to ask for investment. Because when an investor comes, their expectation is to have numbers in mind. She asks her to make herself an investor ready."
Peyush Bansal, however, felt that Swati seemed unclear about her vision. He pointed out that while she initially started her business to address issues faced by women, her current focus appears to be building a Rs 100 crore business. Citing this lack of clarity, Peyush decided to opt out. On the other hand, Vineeta Singh disagreed with Peyush's assessment. She argued that Swati does have a clear sense of purpose but highlighted that the real challenge lies in delivering value to the customer through her business.
Kunal Bahl shares that Swati's business lacks building blocks and foundations and hence he backs out. In his turn, Anupam asks Swati about her feelings as four Sharks have backed out of her business pitch. He says, "Mat bura lagao as the biggest Shark is yet to speak." Anupam finds clarity, honesty in Swati. He mentions that Swati is struggling at Marketing and Finance and he will hire a marketing and finance person. He further adds, "I want to treat you as a businesswoman."
Anupam makes an offer of Rs 50 lakhs for 10 percent Equity at the valuation of Rs 5 crores. Swati accepts the deal. She gifts sarees from her brand to all the Sharks.
But what caught everyone’s attention was when Shaadi.com founder Anupam Mittal tried wearing the saree on set, prompting laughter and remarks. Namita says, "Hey Bhagwan, bas yahi dekhna baki tha!" She later praises him and says, "Gorgeous you are looking, Anupam." Kunal adds, "But I must compliment you, you are a great sport."