Startup Pitches and Investor Feedback

Summary

The meeting shared multiple startup pitches from young entrepreneurs on Shark Tank India, with the core focus on college counselling, affordable electric bikes, and a customized gifting business.
Key decisions included an investment offer made to Project Clay, while other startups received mentorship and strategic advice in lieu of funding.
Main topics included business models, market size, scalability, founder journeys, and challenges of operations and automation.
Attendees included several Shark Tank India judges/investors and young founders (Dhyumna, Shivom, Meet Devre, Khushi Mandle).

Dhyumna & Shivom: Incorporate feedback regarding market focus and defensibility for Project Clay; work with Namita on scaling and responding, not reacting (ongoing).
Meet Devre: Consider reaching out to auto industry leaders for feedback and mentorship as suggested; seek a co-founder for the e-bike venture (no deadline).
Khushi Mandle: Build a team, explore automation for scaling, and outreach to Vinita and Aman for mentorship; increase revenue and revisit funding options once larger scale is achieved (no deadline).
Namita (Investor): Begin mentorship and guidance for Project Clay.
Vinita (Investor): Provide ongoing mentorship to Khushi as discussed.

Founders: Dhyumna (Northeastern University) and Shivom (Emory University), both 19.
Business aims to democratize international college counselling for Indian students via "elder sibling" near-peer mentorship.
Over 300+ vetted mentors from 10+ study destinations; 65% organic growth in 5 months; primarily Zoom-based sessions.
Revenue model: Students book sessions (~₹2,500/session), mentors get 54.5% cut, with gross margins at 45.5%.
Addressed trust and bias issues in traditional counselling, stressing unbiased advice as their USP.
Clarified market size assumptions (TAM: ₹2,000 Cr; SAM: ₹400 Cr); monthly revenues and growth trajectory outlined.
Scaling strategy includes school/B2B channel partnerships, leveraging zero customer acquisition cost via social media and word-of-mouth.

Concerns raised about platform defensibility, mentor churn, and informal networks.
Multiple investors praised the founders’ energy, articulation, and complementary skills, but declined to invest due to scalability and differentiation doubts.
Suggestions included narrowing the market focus, aggressively pursuing B2B with schools, and productizing services for stickiness.
One key investor (Namita) offered exactly the requested amount: ₹15 lakh for 10% equity, emphasizing the need for the founders to “respond, not react,” and to incorporate macro-level feedback and data in decision-making.

Founder: Meet Devre, 16, aspiring mechanical engineer from Pune, self-taught inventor.
Developed a high-speed, fully made-in-India, affordable electric bike (~₹40,000 to produce), with previous projects including go-karts and automation tools.
Aims to address the lack of affordable electric motorcycles for low-income groups.
Product currently home-built, using frugal engineering and off-the-shelf parts.
Target market: "E-Luna" segment (mid-speed, affordable electric bikes, top speed 50 kmph); limited direct competitors.
Unique features: chain drive system, lithium-ion batteries, fast charge, 75 km range per charge.
Acknowledged shortcomings in current prototype (suspension, maneuverability), and plans R&D upgrades if funded.
Faces challenge of balancing business growth with education (preparing for engineering entrance exams).

Investors praised Meet’s clarity, technical skill, and focus, advising him to pursue education while refining the product and business model.
Advised to reach out to industry leaders (e.g., Yulu) for feedback, be open to pivoting to last-mile mobility, and consider adding a non-student cofounder.
Recognized niche market potential but cited high commercialization costs and operational challenges as reasons for not investing.
Investors offered to provide connections and ongoing mentorship outside of funding.

Founder: Khushi Mandle, 21, MBA student from Mumbai.
Sole founder/operator; built a successful customized gift business (over 10,000 orders, ₹18 lakh lifetime revenue, ~62% net margin).
Product line: Polaroids (₹6 each), music plates (₹550), 3D photo frames (₹2,500), targeting Gen Z and millennials.
Operations are fully manual; founder seeks investment to build a team, automate processes, and establish a warehouse.
Aims to become a one-stop shop for customized and ready-to-buy gifts, both online and offline.

Investors lauded Khushi’s grit, execution, and passion, highlighting the business's emotional resonance.
Main concerns were scalability, automation requirements, and building a team for sustainable growth.
Recommended focusing on raising revenue, systematizing operations, and learning management before seeking investment.
Several investors declined funding but offered mentorship and encouraged further development; Vinita provided her phone number for continued advice.

Namita explained her rapid decision-making process: excitement for the industry, inspiration from founders, and financials are key drivers.
Stated that delaying decisions does not change outcomes due to her well-honed investment framework.

Investment in Project Clay approved: ₹15 lakh for 10% equity — Rationale: Strong founder team with unique approach, viable market size, and willingness to learn; investor (Namita) sees potential for impactful change and is committed to mentoring the founders.

Will school partnerships (B2B) accelerate Project Clay’s scaling and defensibility as planned?
Can Pretty Little Shop transition from a solo, manual operation to a scalable business through automation and team building?
Will Meet Devre find a suitable co-founder and industry mentor to accelerate his motorcycle project and clarify future direction?