If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur in India, chances are you’ve watched Shark Tank India at least once. This reality show has become an incredible platform for startups to gain visibility, investment and credibility in a highly competitive market. Since its debut, the show has been instrumental in changing the way people view entrepreneurship in India. But the real question is— What happens to a brand after it appears on Shark Tank?
In this blog, we’ll dive into the lasting impact Shark Tank has had on brands. With an upcoming Season 4 in 2024, now is the perfect time to understand how this show is also a marketing platform for entrepreneurs.
Table of contents
- The Phenomenal Viewership Of Shark Tank India and Its Impact on Brand Recognition
- Benefits of Appearing on Shark Tank India
- In Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Phenomenal Viewership Of Shark Tank India and Its Impact on Brand Recognition
The third season of Shark Tank India reached an astounding 12.5 million viewers, according to Ormax Media. This level of exposure is nothing short of a marketing goldmine. The national stage provided entrepreneurs with the kind of visibility that would otherwise take years to build.
But it’s not just about the numbers. Appearing on Shark Tank India propels brands into the spotlight, generating instant recognition not only from potential customers but also from investors, partners and media outlets. This is the kind of organic PR that money can’t buy.
Let’s look at a few standout examples to understand the kind of impact this exposure has had on brands:
1. The Quirky Naari: A Lifestyle & Apparel Brand
In Season 1, The Quirky Naari, a lifestyle and apparel brand, achieved massive growth after its appearance on the show and the pitch had a lot to do with it. The founder shared in her pitch how they were the first brand in India to offer painted denim and the only one to offer custom shoes to brides.
Her pitch told a story in a way people would love to listen.
Take a look at her pitch here:
The brand received an instant boost in visibility, with a Shark Tank pitch that has garnered over 903K views on YouTube alone. This attention wasn’t just about exposure—it translated directly into a 7.5X revenue growth after the show aired.
2. Nish Hair: Hair Extension Brand
Nish Hair, a haircare brand, saw a surge in its social media reach after appearing on Shark Tank. Parul Gulati, the founder, mentioned in an interview that before the show, the brand’s social media reach was modest, with an average engagement of 2 to 2.5 lakh. However, after their pitch, the numbers skyrocketed.
According to Gulati, Nish Hair gained over 1 lakh new followers overnight and their DMs were flooded with inquiries. So much so that their comment sections temporarily stopped working due to the overwhelming response. This type of virality, fueled by Shark Tank, is what every entrepreneur dreams of.
3. Bummer: Underwear and Loungewear Brand
Bummer, a brand focusing on underwear and loungewear, is another prime example of how Shark Tank can propel a brand to new heights. According to Sulay Lavsi, the CEO and founder of Bummer, the brand’s revenue grew 5 times after its appearance on the show. But the real magic happened in visibility—Bummer’s Google search volume even exceeded that of well-established brands like Jockey for a brief period.
In a market where competition is fierce, the opportunity to dominate the search results for even a few weeks can be a game-changer. Bummer capitalised on this newfound attention, making it one of the most talked-about brands in the category.
4. Nuutjob: The Male Intimate Hygiene Brand
Nuutjob, a brand that specialises in male intimate hygiene products, experienced massive growth from January 2022 to November 2022. This growth was a direct result of their appearance on Shark Tank India, which helped them tap into a previously underserved market.
The brand’s visibility exploded and with it came an increase in sales, credibility and demand. The founder spoke about the long-term benefits of the show, highlighting how it opened doors for collaborations and provided a massive PR push.
Benefits of Appearing on Shark Tank India
Let’s break down the key benefits that every entrepreneur can expect after their brand appears on Shark Tank:
1. Virality
One of the most significant impacts of appearing on Shark Tank is the virality that comes with it. Whether you make a deal with the sharks or not, the exposure alone is enough to catapult your brand into the public eye. With millions of viewers across India, your brand’s pitch will be seen by potential customers, influencers and media outlets. This level of virality is often unparalleled by traditional advertising.
2. Visibility
Shark Tank guarantees a spike in visibility. As evidenced by brands like Bummer and Nish Hair, entrepreneurs experience an immediate increase in social media followers, website traffic and even search volumes. The spotlight on your brand is intense and with the right marketing strategy, you can leverage it to build long-lasting recognition.
3. Organic PR
The attention brands receive after appearing on Shark Tank is invaluable organic PR. It’s not just about media coverage—this is genuine, word-of-mouth marketing that customers trust more than ads. Positive coverage from well-known media outlets and influencer can build your credibility and make your brand more appealing.
4. Founder Recognition
As a founder, your appearance on Shark Tank can lead to recognition that transcends the product itself. The media buzz and interviews following the show often focus on your entrepreneurial journey, leadership qualities and vision. This can turn you into a respected figure in the startup community, attracting further business opportunities and investments.
In Conclusion
With the upcoming Shark Tank India Season 4 in 2025, the excitement around this platform is set to grow even further. But the past seasons and words from the founders prove that it’s not just a funding platform. The exposure you get is huge and that can lead to overnight social media growth, increase in sales, visibility & what not.
But its also worth mentioning that you don’t need to wait for the golden opportunity to pitch on Shark Tank. If you have watched the show, you must have also heard the founders mentioning how they scaled dramatically through performance marketing, SEO etc. If you dont know digital marketing, you can outsource it from digital marketing agency like Flora Fountain. Reach out to us at hello@florafountain.com to know more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vasim Samadji is a partner at Flora Fountain, where he leads the Business and Marketing Strategy divisions. In a world where everyone is used to sugarcoating, his directness is often considered rude. But that shouldn't be a problem if you like the no-nonsense approach. Because he is a seasoned professional...