Prominent investor Anupam Mittal has taken a firm stance on the ongoing controversies surrounding the highly popular reality show, Shark Tank India. Dismissing the allegations as baseless and lacking in evidence, Mittal stresses the importance of relying on factual data when evaluating the show’s integrity.
Among the accusations leveled against Shark Tank India are claims suggesting that the Sharks do not invest their own money, the show is scripted, and the Sharks solely fund profitable companies. Mittal firmly asserts that these claims are nothing more than predetermined narratives lacking substantial evidence or credible sources. Expressing his disappointment with the flimsiness of the controversy and the absence of concrete information, he calls for a more rigorous and evidence-based discussion.
In response to the alleged accusations, Anupam Mittal offers his perspective and clarifies his position. Acknowledging the challenge of directly addressing the allegations without specific instances or names, he draws from his experience and observations within the show to provide valuable insights.
Mittal emphasizes the significance of the Completion Ratio (CR) as a crucial indicator of the show’s integrity. Globally, approximately 60% of the deals on Shark Tank are successfully completed, and in Shark Tank India Season 1, an impressive two-thirds of the deals were finalized, setting a noteworthy record. With the CR data for Season 2 set to be available in August, Mittal expresses confidence that the completion rates will continue to demonstrate a positive deal momentum.
Delving into the factors influencing completion rates and timelines, Mittal highlights several key points. He notes that many of the businesses featured on Shark Tank are in their early stages, often operating as proprietorships. As a result, founders may lack experience in crucial areas such as company registration and shareholder agreements. To address these challenges, the show’s teams provide guidance and support, which can contribute to the length of time required for deal completion, ranging from 3 to 9 months.
Mittal also acknowledges that not all deals come to fruition due to various factors. Founders may change their minds, fail to meet legal, financial, or tax requirements, or not fulfill obligations agreed upon when accepting a conditional deal. He emphasizes that such occurrences are inherent to the nature of deal-making and can impact completion rates.
Furthermore, Mittal acknowledges the possibility of founders engaging in renegotiation or seeking better deals elsewhere, leading to delays in the completion process. While he personally discourages such behavior, he remains open to finding mutually beneficial structures that serve the interests of both parties involved.
Taking a broader perspective, Mittal highlights the positive impact of Shark Tank India in democratizing Indian entrepreneurship. With over 200,000 entries and 388 pitches, nearly half of which were presented by women, the show has emerged as a powerful catalyst for nurturing entrepreneurial talent in India. The approximately 200 offers, totaling around 150 crores, further exemplify the show’s role in fostering the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
In conclusion, Anupam Mittal urges critics to back their critiques with data and specific information rather than relying on incomplete anecdotes and expert opinions that generate sensational headlines but fail to capture the full truth. He extends an open invitation to any founders who have made such claims, encouraging them to come forward and engage in a constructive dialogue. If genuine grievances exist, Mittal expresses a willingness to address and rectify them. However, he cautions against baseless complaints stemming from frustrations over not receiving investment without fulfilling obligations, emphasizing the importance of viewing such incidents as valuable learning experiences.
The controversies surrounding Shark Tank India serve as a reminder of how unsubstantiated allegations and sensationalism can overshadow the positive impact of shows like these. As Anupam Mittal rightly points out, it is essential to base assessments on data and specific information rather than succumbing to narratives lacking substantial evidence.
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Ankur Srivastava 
TET