Startups
Know Your Sharks: Inside the Minds of Shark Tank Nepal’s Investors
by Khatapana
Dec 24, 2024 - 4 min read
Shark Tank Nepal has officially unveiled the sharks for its first edition, marking Nepal’s grand entry into the globally renowned business reality show franchise. The first season introduces a stellar panel of five Sharks, each a trailblazer in their respective fields. These visionary investors bring decades of experience, expertise, and a passion for nurturing innovative startups.
In this article, we delve deep into the profiles of the Sharks, their notable achievements, and what their inclusion means for Nepal’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Meet the Sharks of Shark Tank Nepal
1. Hemraj Dhakal: The Finance Visionary
- Position: Co-Founder, IME Group
- Industry: Remittance, Finance, Education, Tourism
Hemraj Dhakal co-founded IME Group, which revolutionized Nepal’s remittance sector and expanded into banking, healthcare, and education. With a vision for financial inclusion, Dhakal has empowered millions of Nepalis globally. His expertise in operational scalability makes him an asset for startups targeting broad consumer markets.
Key Achievements:
- Transforming Nepal’s remittance landscape by making financial services accessible to rural areas.
- Diversifying IME Group into multiple sectors, including tourism and healthcare, creating a robust conglomerate.
- Championing corporate social responsibility initiatives to uplift underprivileged communities.
What to Expect: Startups with scalable ideas, particularly in fintech, education, and tourism, are likely to catch Dhakal’s attention.
2. Saurabh Jyoti: The Industrial Strategist
- Position: Director, Jyoti Group
- Industry: Steel, Electronics, Energy
Saurabh Jyoti has played a pivotal role in modernizing Nepal’s industrial sector, focusing on renewable energy and infrastructure. Under his leadership, Jyoti Group has expanded its footprint into solar solutions and consumer electronics.
Key Achievements:
- Promoting local manufacturing to reduce import dependency and create jobs.
- Introducing innovative solar energy products to align with Nepal’s green energy goals.
- Modernizing the steel industry with cutting-edge technology and efficiency.
What to Expect: Jyoti is poised to invest in infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing startups with long-term growth potential.
3. Ritu Singh Vaidya: The Branding Maven
- Position: Managing Director, Toyota Nepal
- Industry: Automotive, Retail
Ritu Singh Vaidya is a trailblazer in Nepal’s retail and automotive sectors, bringing global brands like Toyota to the forefront. Her leadership in creating customer-centric strategies has made her a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Key Achievements:
- Establishing Toyota Nepal as a trusted name in the automotive sector with an emphasis on quality and customer service.
- Advocating for women in business, inspiring young female entrepreneurs to break barriers.
- Diversifying her portfolio into retail and trading, contributing to Nepal’s modern economic growth.
What to Expect: Vaidya will likely back startups focusing on customer-driven innovations, branding, and retail solutions, with a particular interest in women-led businesses.
4. Cabinet Shrestha: The Automotive Trailblazer
- Position: Chairman, Agni Group
- Industry: Automotive, Renewable Energy
Cabinet Shrestha has been at the forefront of Nepal’s automotive revolution. Through Agni Group, he introduced Mahindra vehicles and later expanded into electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy solutions, positioning himself as a sustainability champion.
Key Achievements:
- Spearheading the adoption of electric vehicles in Nepal through strategic initiatives.
- Diversifying into agricultural equipment and energy-efficient technologies to promote sustainability.
- Supporting job creation and infrastructure development across Nepal’s transportation sector.
What to Expect: Shrestha will likely favor startups in clean energy, electric mobility, and green technologies.
5. Anand Bagaria: The Agribusiness Innovator
- Position: Director, Nimbus Holdings
- Industry: Agriculture, Animal Nutrition
Anand Bagaria has revolutionized Nepal’s agriculture sector by introducing sustainable and modern practices. Through Nimbus Holdings, he has improved supply chain efficiency and created impactful solutions for smallholder farmers.
Key Achievements:
- Launching ProBio Feed, which transformed animal nutrition practices in Nepal.
- Introducing modern warehousing and processing technologies to enhance supply chain management.
- Partnering with global agribusiness firms to bring cutting-edge solutions to Nepal’s agriculture.
What to Expect: Bagaria will support startups tackling challenges in food security, agritech, and sustainable farming.
What Sets This Panel Apart?
The Sharks bring an impressive mix of expertise, ranging from traditional industries to modern innovations:
- Diverse Sectors: The panel covers key industries such as finance, agriculture, retail, and renewable energy.
- Mentorship Beyond Investment: Their leadership experience ensures startups receive valuable strategic guidance, not just funding.
- Global and Local Insights: With exposure to international markets, these Sharks can guide startups in scaling globally while staying rooted in Nepal’s unique business landscape.
Future Possibilities: Who Could Join Next?
While the current Sharks offer a strong foundation, future seasons could bring more diversity:
- Young Entrepreneurs: Startups like e-sewa, fonepay, Khalti, or Foodmandu represent modern business models that resonate with younger audiences.
- Women Entrepreneurs: More women entrepreneurs as sharks could inspire more women to take entrepreneurial leaps.
A Game-Changing Opportunity for Nepali Startups
Shark Tank Nepal is more than a show—it’s a platform that will redefine how Nepali startups access funding, mentorship, and global exposure. With NPR 35–40 crore on the table, the Sharks are ready to transform innovative ideas into reality.
Are you prepared to pitch your dream to these visionary Sharks? The stage is set, and the future of Nepali entrepreneurship looks brighter than ever.
Ready to Apply for Shark Tank Nepal? Let Khatapana Help You Succeed!
Before pitching your idea to the Sharks, ensure your business is fully prepared. At Khatapana, we provide end-to-end services to help startups thrive:
- Startup Registration: Get your business legally registered with ease.
- Legal Compliance: Ensure your startup meets all regulatory requirements.
- Accounting & Tax Services: Keep your finances in order with expert support.
- Pitch Preparation: Craft compelling business pitches and financial models to impress investors.
📢 Why Choose Khatapana?
- Trusted by startups across Nepal.
- Affordable, professional, and reliable services.
- One-stop solution for all your business needs.
Contact Us Today:
👉 Download our app or send us a message in WhatsApp/Viber or call us at +977-9818098098 to get started on your entrepreneurial journey.
Shark Tank Nepal provides an incredible platform to showcase your business to investors and a national audience. Let Khatapana be your partner in ensuring your business is ready for the spotlight. From registration to financial management, we've got you covered.