Green Entertainment has raised the bar with the launch of Shark Tank Pakistan, making a bold mark in reality television. Known for its creative content, the network is inspiring Pakistan’s emerging entrepreneurs by giving them a one-of-a-kind platform to present their innovative ideas and ambitious business plans.
Episode 12 of Shark Tank Pakistan was full of exciting pitches! From smart tech to cool products, entrepreneurs brought fresh ideas to change Pakistan’s business game.
Pitch No. 1
Ashar, the CEO and founder, along with Shan Ul Haq, the CTO and co-founder of EZ Geyser, presented their innovative pitch on Shark Tank Pakistan. With Pakistan facing a severe energy crisis, the duo aimed to revolutionize energy consumption by targeting one of the most outdated and inefficient appliances: the gas-powered geyser. They introduced EZ Geyser, a modern device designed to reduce gas bills by up to 70%, addressing the country’s $2 billion annual LNG import challenge. Seeking an investment of Rs. 1 crore for 5% equity, the team outlined their ambitious plan to manufacture and sell 2,500 units within the fiscal year, backed by a 50% gross margin and a 25% net margin.
EZ Geyser is a Pakistan-based startup focused on creating energy-efficient solutions for domestic and industrial use. Their flagship product, EZ Geyser, is a state-of-the-art device that conserves energy, significantly reduces gas wastage, and lowers utility costs. The product is priced at Rs. 30,000, with a current promotional offer of Rs. 25,000. The team has already secured over 200 orders and plans to expand their manufacturing capacity to meet growing demand. Employing creative marketing strategies, such as WhatsApp marketing, social media campaigns, and flyer distributions, EZ Geyser is poised to make a significant impact in the energy sector.
The pitch attracted considerable interest from the Sharks. Romanna offered Rs. 1 crore for 25% equity and a 10% royalty, stating that the initial valuation was too high. Usman and Junaid matched her offer of Rs. 1 crore for 25% equity and a 10% royalty. After some negotiation, Ashar and Shan countered with an offer of Rs. 1 crore for 20% equity and a 10% royalty, which Usman and Junaid accepted, sealing the deal.
Pitch No. 2
Salman and Asqa, the husband-and-wife duo, introduced their innovative laundry service, Press My Clothes, on Shark Tank Pakistan. Sharing personal anecdotes about the hassles of ironing and timely laundry services, they presented their business as the ultimate solution to modern households’ laundry woes. Their service offers on-time delivery, insurance for lost or damaged clothes, and affordable family packages. They sought an investment of Rs. 5 million for 10% equity in their company, emphasizing their commitment to revolutionizing the laundry industry in Pakistan.
Press My Clothes is a subscription-based laundry service that addresses key consumer pain points, including unreliable delivery times, lost or burnt clothes, and unpredictable costs. The service operates on a fixed schedule with its own delivery staff and ensures safety by providing video updates to customers via WhatsApp. A standout feature is its family package, which caters to up to five members for Rs. 4,500 per month, offering unlimited clothes pressed and delivery eight times a month. With a gross margin of 53%, the business has already generated Rs. 4 million in revenue and is focused on expanding its customer base with value-driven services.
Despite the thoughtful pitch, the Sharks chose to step out of the deal, citing concerns about the business’s valuation and long-term stability. While the idea was well-received for its innovation and practical appeal, it did not secure investment during the episode.
Pitch No. 3
Aiza Naveed, the CEO and founder, along with her co-founder Alishba Naveed, pitched their business, Beyond Borders, on Shark Tank Pakistan. The duo presented their vision to solve the challenges Pakistani women face in accessing authentic international beauty products. Highlighting their extensive market research and a personal touch in their pitch, they sought an investment of Rs. 1 crore for 10% equity, aiming to scale their online store into Pakistan’s most trusted beauty destination.
Beyond Borders is an innovative e-commerce platform that caters to the growing demand for international beauty and wellness products in Pakistan. The business addresses key consumer pain points, including limited local options, concerns over authenticity, and the desire for personalized shopping experiences. With a focus on AI-powered beauty recommendations and exceptional customer service, the company aims to revolutionize how urban Pakistani women shop online. Their platform offers popular global brands such as Sephora, MAC, and The Ordinary, tapping into a market where over 70% of urban women express dissatisfaction with existing options.
Despite the compelling pitch, the Sharks raised concerns about the business model’s niche appeal and competitiveness in the local market. While Aleena Nadeem made an offer of Rs. 1 crore for 50% equity and 30% royalty, the owners countered with 15% equity, which Aleena adjusted to 40% equity and maintained the royalty. Ultimately, the deal did not materialize, as the entrepreneurs decided to step out, leaving Beyond Borders without an investment.
Pitch No. 4
Nausheen Barkat, the founder of Asqurr, presented her unique honey brand on Shark Tank Pakistan, seeking an investment of 6 million rupees for 10% equity. Asqurr is Pakistan’s first women-led honey brand, dedicated to promoting women’s empowerment in the male-dominated beekeeping industry. The brand also champions sustainability to balance the ecosystem. Nosheen highlighted the purity of their raw, eco-friendly honey sourced from the mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan. Run by a passionate mother-daughter duo, Asqurr combines tradition and innovation to deliver a premium honey experience.
Established in 2019, Asqurr has steadily grown its presence in the honey market, generating revenues that rose from 500,000 rupees in its first year to 2.5 million by 2022. Despite facing personal challenges in 2023, Nosheen remained optimistic, projecting revenue of 7-8 million in 2024. With gross margins of 55-60% and net margins of 35-40%, Asqurr stands as a profitable business with a strong social mission. Its products are not only popular across Pakistan but also among international customers who value authentic, high-quality honey.
The pitch garnered attention from the sharks, with Romanna offering 6 million for 27% equity and a 10% royalty. Usman and Aleena countered with an offer of 6 million for 26% equity and a 9% royalty, which they later revised to match Romanna’s offer of 25% equity and a 9% royalty. Nausheen ultimately accepted Usman and Aleena’s deal, securing the support and resources to expand Asqurr’s reach and further empower women through sustainable beekeeping.
After securing the deal, Nausheen shared an emotional revelation that left the sharks teary-eyed. She disclosed that she is a mother to a special-needs child and had tragically lost a baby who was just six days old. Nausheen explained that she started Asqurr after her special child was born, driven by a desire to become an example for others. Her heartfelt words emphasized resilience and determination, inspiring everyone by stating, “If I can do it, anyone can do it.” Her sincerity and strength moved the sharks, especially Junaid Iqbal, who was visibly emotional. The sharks expressed immense respect and admiration for her, offering their best wishes and heartfelt prayers for her future success.
Pitch No. 5
Pitch No. 5 of Shark Tank Pakistan introduced Mohammed Rehan and Haris, co-founders of Podvare.com. Mohammed Rehan serves as the CEO, while Haris is the company’s director. They presented their business of customizable acoustic meeting pods, requesting 22 million rupees for 10% equity, valuing their company at 220 million rupees. Podvare aims to revolutionize office environments by offering soundproof, ergonomic, and tailored meeting spaces that address modern workplace needs.
Podvare was established in 2022 to solve issues like noise and limited space in offices. The company began by producing single-person pods and gradually expanded to pods accommodating up to four individuals. Each pod is soundproof, features proper acoustic cushioning, and can be customized to client specifications. With a proven market need, Podvare sold 54 pods in 2023, generating a revenue of 35 million rupees. The founders highlighted a robust sales pipeline with over 30 orders in negotiation and expressed confidence in doubling their sales to over 100 pods next year.
During the pitch, Aleena opted out, citing concerns about the growing trend of remote work and the potential decline in global demand. Usman and Junaid also stepped out, leaving Romanna and Rabeel to offer 22 million for 35% equity and a 10% royalty. The founders countered with 13% equity for the same investment, but Romanna and Rabeel declined, resulting in no deal being made. Despite this outcome, Podvare’s innovative approach and promising growth trajectory showcased its potential to transform modern office dynamics.
About Sharks AKA The Investors In Shark Tank
- Rabeel Warraich, a former Morgan Stanley analyst, founded Sarmayacar, Pakistan’s leading venture capital firm, and has invested in notable startups like Abhi, Bykea, and SimPaisa; he holds degrees from Oxford and MIT, and teaches Venture Capital & Finance at IBA in Karachi.
- Aleena Nadeem, an accomplished MIT graduate, began her career at McKinsey and Goldman Sachs before transitioning to Ventura Capital and playing a crucial role in exiting investments in Lyft; now as CEO of EduFi, she drives innovation in educational technology, leveraging her extensive experience in finance and global fintech.
- Junaid Iqbal, CEO of Salt Ventures, is a key investor in the MENAP region with a strong background in financial journalism and notable contributions to Careem’s expansion and Careem Pay development.
- Karim Teli, a distinguished 30-year-old entrepreneur and speaker, is the Managing Director of IGLOO, founder of World Radio FM Network, CEO of Big Shot Technologies & Teli Technologies, and Director of Orient Textile Mills, with degrees from Greenwich University and Boston University, and over 50 ventures to his name.
- Faisal Aftab, a distinguished Pakistani American entrepreneur, has significantly impacted Pakistan’s tech industry as the co-founder and Managing Partner of Zayn VC, with notable roles at Lakson Capital Venture, Oxon Partners LLC, Cloudstream Media, National Financial Media, MTV, and Deloitte, leading investments in startups like Haball and NayaPay.
- Romanna Dada is a distinguished entrepreneur and UK-trained barrister, featured multiple times by Forbes, with a career spanning investment banking at Morgan Stanley, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, QIB (UK), and Qatar Venture Capital. She transitioned to the fashion industry, founding the largest modest fashion marketplace, successfully exited in 2018. Currently, she leads a new entity within the Saudi Sovereign Wealth Fund, focusing on innovative ventures and strategic investments.
- Usman Bashir, CEO of Brake Time and Breaktime Corner Market (BTCM) LLC, is a visionary leader with over 15 years of experience, managing over 300 U.S. retail outlets, including gas stations, fast food chains, and vape shops, while also investing in hotels like Marriott, the electric vehicle industry, and retail food and beverage franchises.
Great review of Shark Tank Pakistan’s Episode 12! It was an incredible experience presenting PodVare and showcasing how our customizable office pods can transform workspaces. A big thanks to Shark Tank Pakistan for giving us the platform to share our vision and take this journey forward.
Visit us at: http://www.podvare.com