In the most populous country on the planet, you’d think discussions on sexual health wouldn’t be so hush-hush. Yet, in one of the latest episodes of Shark Tank India 4, a pitch centered around the ayurvedic supplement Shilajit had the sharks giggling, raising eyebrows and throwing some sharp (and sensible) questions at the entrepreneurs of Zinga Vita.
Founders Dheeraj Nagpal and Sachin Goel walked into the tank with a mission: to remove the stigma around Shilajit and showcase its multiple benefits beyond just sexual wellness. They claimed it improves metabolism, boosts energy and is beneficial for both men and women. Confident in their brand’s potential, the duo sought Rs 1 crore for 1.25% equity, valuing their company at Rs 80 crore.
But as soon as the pitch got underway, the sharks weren’t just intrigued, they were thoroughly entertained. Holding up the products, Aman Gupta couldn’t resist a quip, “Aap ne sab Shilajit banaye hain, Shilajit, Shilajit (You’ve made everything out of Shilajit).” And when offered a taste of Shilajit honey, he laughed and declined, “Ye humein nahi zaroorat” (I don’t need this).
While the humor kept flowing, so did the concerns. Ritesh Agarwal was the first to question the high pricing of the products. The founders pointed out that their product was already a hit in the US and was gaining traction in India. But Kunal Bahl remained unimpressed, bluntly stating, “Aapko lagta hai ye saman bik raha hai market mein toh hum bhi bech le” (You thought since this product is selling in the market, let’s sell it too).
The tension rose further when the sharks pressed on the product’s efficacy. Namita Thapar was particularly unimpressed by the lack of clinical trials. Vineeta questioned whether the claims of increased energy, strength and muscle gain were backed by new research or just clever positioning. Dheeraj defended the product, explaining that Shilajit enhances metabolism, which can be marketed for various benefits, including sexual health and fitness.
But while the founders had answers, they lacked data. The absence of clinical trials proved to be the real deal-breaker. Aman Gupta, visibly unconvinced, called out their return rates and market strategy. “Focus on fundamentals and base it on evidence,” advised Namita, who emphasised the need for clinical validation even if the product was manufactured with quality control.
Ultimately, despite their enthusiasm and humor-filled pitch, the sharks weren’t biting. As Aman bowed out, citing uncontrolled burn rates and high return-to-origin (RTO) costs, it was clear that while the taboo around Shilajit may be fading, the road to investment was far from smooth.