Scored a Shark Tank Nepal deal? Learn what comes next: timeline, due diligence, and when you'll actually receive the money (hint: it's longer than you think).

If you watched the first episode of Shark Tank Nepal, you probably cheered when Bhola Foods walked away with a cheque for 1 crore. Or when Sandhya Potey House struck a deal with Cabinet Shrestha. Or when Art Maya walked off with a massive 3 crore investment.

Three out of four startups in the first episode of shark tank Nepal walked away with promising deals. The founders hugged, the sharks smiled, and the big cheque boards were handed over like lottery wins. It all looked so final. 

But that handshake and cheque on TV? It’s just the beginning. And no, the money does not land in your bank account as soon as you present that cheque! It may take another 3 to 6 months to complete due diligence formalities before you can actually get the cheque that can be encashed. And what if we tell you that, in many cases, the deal may fall apart and you may not get that money at all. 

You may be scratching your head by now and wondering if Shark Tank Nepal is similar to other startup events before where crores of investment were announced, but then the startups did not get the committed investment! 

Well, it’s same same but different.   

In reality, the deal you see on screen isn’t done until months later, if it goes through at all. There’s a long road ahead full of paperwork, audits, negotiations. And sometimes, even heartbreak.

Just take Shark Tank India for example. Over a year after Season 1 aired, only 28 of the 65 promised deals had actually gone through. That’s less than half. The rest just got stuck in limbo, renegotiated, or quietly dropped. 

Because the truth is, on Shark Tank, the real test begins after the cameras stop rolling.

And that’s exactly what we’re unpacking in this article. We’re taking you behind the scenes. 

What does it actually take to get on Shark Tank Nepal? What happens after the handshake and the applause fade? And why is this platform so powerful that even those who walk away without a deal often end up winning in the long run? 

If you’ve ever dreamed of pitching your startup, or if you just enjoy watching Shark Tank and wondering “What happens next?”, this one’s for you.

How to Get Into Shark Tank Nepal (Spoiler: It’s Not Easy)

Most people think it goes like this:

Have a cool business idea
Show up with your product
Pitch to the sharks
Get a deal and go viral

But in reality, no matter how “good” your idea is, it ultimately comes down to how pitch-ready, visually appealing, and TV-friendly you are.

Step 1: The Application 

The first step is either:

• Filling out a detailed online application, or
• Attending an open casting call (if and when it’s held)

This isn’t just a name-and-number type form. You have to describe your business, explain how it makes money, how much you’ve sold, what makes you special, and what you’re asking for. Think of it as a dating profile, but instead of impressing a human, you’re impressing TV producers and investors at the same time.

Step 2: Screening and Auditions: Welcome to the Shark Tank Filter

If your application catches the casting team’s eye, you’ll be asked to:

• Submit a short pitch video
• Provide financial documents (like profit-loss, balance sheets)
• Answer tough questions about your team, competition, and growth

Some people are also invited for interviews, either virtual or in-person. The team is not just checking if your business works. They’re checking if your story connects with the average Nepali viewer? Or will your product even look good on screen?

If you pass this round, they do background checks. They’ll dig up everything from your company history, legal structure, even your past investors if any. WIth this, they just want to make sure no scams or shady stuff pops up after you’re on air.

Step 3: Final Selection

If you survive all of that, you finally get the green light to film your pitch in front of the Sharks. And guess what?

Even after filming, there’s no guarantee your pitch will be aired on TV. Some don’t make the final cut. Most common reasons being maybe the pitch dragged on too long, or the product wasn’t exciting enough, or the sharks didn’t bite.

How Long Does It Take?

The whole process can take anywhere from 2 to 6 months, or longer. From filling out the form to walking into the Shark Tank studio, it’s a full journey. And the Sharks don’t know anything about you until the moment you walk onto that set.

Which means, what you’re seeing on TV is literally the first time they’re hearing your pitch. That surprised us too.

In fact, for the first season of Shark Tank Nepal, some founders had applied as far back as 2022. But for one reason or another; maybe COVID, maybe production delays, the show didn’t move forward as planned.

Then, when the fresh application call finally came out, all the older applicants were rolled into the new season. So yes, some founders had to sit tight for nearly three years before they even got the chance to stand in front of the Sharks.

If you’re planning to apply, patience might be more essential than you think.

Now let’s talk about what actually happens after you shake hands and the cameras stop rolling?

What Really Happens After That Shark Tank Deal?

That handshake you see on Shark Tank Nepal? Think of it like saying, “Let’s get married” after the first date. It feels big and exciting, but it’s really just a starting point.

In investor lingo, it’s the equivalent of signing a term sheet, basically a non-binding “let’s explore this further” agreement. Nothing is final yet. The real work begins after that.

From there, both sides start digging into the details. The Sharks (well, usually their teams) will ask you to open up everything; your financials, tax records, legal documents, shareholder agreements. They want to make sure the numbers and the story you pitched actually line up.

Sometimes, it all checks out. The paperwork gets signed, the money comes in, and the partnership moves forward.

But other times? Not so much. Maybe a red flag pops up. Or maybe one side decides it’s just not the right fit. And the deal quietly fades away.

So let’s walk through what actually happens after the cameras stop rolling.

Step 1: The Follow-Up Call (Within 1–2 Weeks)

About a week or two after filming, someone from the Shark Tank team reaches out to the founder. Not with money, but with the next steps.

At this stage, it’s more of a check-in to confirm that the founder is ready for the due diligence process. By now, the team already has access to most of the key documents from the application stage (your financials, company details, ownership structure, and more.)

But if anything’s missing, unclear, or needs updating, they might ask you to send it over, or at least have it ready.

This is the first checkpoint to see if what you said in the tank can hold up in real life. Because if the basics aren’t in order, the deal could already be on shaky ground.

Step 2: Due Diligence (Takes 1–3 Months)

This is where the Sharks really start doing their homework.

Due diligence is a fancy term for:
“Are you telling us the whole truth?”

They go deep into a lot of things.

Like whether your company is properly registered or not, if you have any unpaid taxes or loans. 

They’ll also check if your trademark, design or product is legally protected. And most importantly, if your revenue claims are backed by invoices, bank statements, and real customers.

If the answers are clean, great! If not, that handshake starts shaking.

Fun fact: Globally around 40–50% of deals fall apart during due diligence. Even in the U.S. Shark Tank, only 27% of deals go through exactly as seen on TV.

So if you're a founder thinking, “I'm on TV now, it’s all smooth sailing”, you’re only halfway up the hill.

Step 3: The Deal Gets Tweaked, or Scrapped

Let’s say your business clears due diligence. That’s a huge win.
But it still doesn’t mean you’ll get the same deal you saw on TV.

Here’s what often happens:

1. The Shark lowers the investment amount
2. They ask for more equity (bigger share of your company)
3. They add conditions like: “We’ll give half now, and the rest when you hit these targets.”

Sometimes the Sharks change their mind. Other times, you, the founder, may feel the new terms are unfair.

And boom: the deal dies.
Even after weeks of discussion.

So when you see a founder smiling with a cheque on screen,  remember, that’s a handshake, not a bank transfer.

Step 4: The Legal Maze- Shareholder Agreement (1–2 Months)

If both sides are happy with the revised deal, it’s time to call the lawyers.

This is when they draft the Shareholder Agreement (SHA), the holy grail of startup documents. It decides:

• Who owns how much of the company
• What kind of decisions the Shark must approve
• What happens if someone wants to leave or sell their shares
• What the Shark can or cannot do with their rights

This process is not quick. Especially if you already had investors or silent partners, or there are disagreements about voting rights, control, or future funding

Pro tip: If you’re a founder, always get your own lawyer. Don’t just sign what the Shark’s team gives you.

Many founders skip this step and regret it later. Because when things go wrong, and they often do, the SHA is the first document everyone runs to.

Step 5: The Money Hits the Bank (Usually 3–6 Months After Filming)

Once due diligence is clear, deal terms are agreed and SHA is signed by both sides, only then do the Sharks transfer the money.

This can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months after your episode is filmed.

So basically, 

The cheque you see on TV is not real cash, just a promise.
The real deal takes multiple months, not minutes.
Many deals might get changed or cancelled entirely

And closing the deal is only the start of the startup journey, not the end.

So the next time you watch Shark Tank Nepal and see a founder smiling with a cheque, clap for them, yes. But also think:

Will this deal still be alive six months from now?

Shark Tank’s Real Magic: It’s Not Just About the Money

Let’s say the deal doesn’t go through. Maybe the numbers didn’t match. Maybe the Shark backed out. Or maybe the founder decided the new terms just weren’t worth it.

Now what?

Did the founder just waste their time on national TV?

Not at all.

Because here’s the truth: Even if you walk away from Shark Tank Nepal with no money, no deal, and no handshake, you’ve still won in many ways.

1. The “Shark Tank Effect”: Visibility & Viral Power

Shark Tank Nepal is watched across the country and beyond. And that kind of exposure is almost impossible to buy, especially for small businesses. Once your episode airs, website traffic can spike, calls start coming in, and orders begin flowing. People look you up, follow your page, and start talking about your brand.

Even founders who didn’t land a deal, might end up with new customers, media coverage, and potential partnerships. It’s called the Shark Tank Effect, and it’s very real.

In Nepal, where most businesses can’t afford big-budget marketing, Shark Tank gives you a spotlight that money simply can’t buy.

2. Credibility: The “As Seen on Shark Tank” Boost

Appearing on Shark Tank sends a powerful message: you’re serious. Your business was screened, selected, and featured on national TV. That kind of validation instantly builds trust with customers, investors, banks, retailers, even government offices.

For many small businesses, just being able to say “as seen on Shark Tank Nepal” opens doors they could never unlock before.

3. Mentorship & Business Wisdom

If a deal does go through, you’re not just getting money, you’re gaining a mentor.

Each of the five sharks brings deep, real-world experience from a different sector:

• Hem Raj Dhakal of IME Group understands scale, cross-border operations, and digital transformation. He’s seen what it takes to build an empire from remittance to fintech.
• Saurabh Jyoti, Chair of Padma Jyoti Group, has decades of experience in manufacturing, trading, and building global partnerships, like bringing Honda to Nepal.
• Ritu Singh Vaidya runs Toyota Nepal and Vaidya’s Organization. She’s laser-focused on customer experience and knows how to build trust in high-value product markets.
• Cabinet Shrestha of Agni Group brings expertise in automotive distribution and brand positioning. If you want to take a product from niche to national, he’s your guy.
• Anand Bagaria, Managing Director of Nimbus Holdings, has built Nepal’s largest agri-network, working with over 35,000 farmers. He’s a big believer in scale, sustainability, and innovation in traditional sectors.

Even if a deal doesn’t happen, the feedback during your pitch can be eye-opening. Sharks don’t hold back. They’ll tell you what’s working, what’s weak, and what you’ve completely overlooked. That kind of honest, blunt advice is rare, and valuable.

4. Lessons That Last a Lifetime

Getting on Shark Tank forces you to grow as a founder. You have to understand your margins, articulate your pitch, prepare your financials, and think like an investor.

Many founders admit that prepping for the show made them realize just how little they knew about their own business. That self-awareness? It’s priceless. Whether or not the business takes off, the founder becomes sharper, more confident, and ready for whatever comes next.

5. Rejection Can Be a Blessing in Disguise

Some of the most successful Shark Tank stories come from founders who got rejected.

Take DoorBot (now Ring), for example. The founder was told no on Shark Tank USA. A few years later, Amazon bought the company for $1 billion. Beard King didn’t close their deal but ended up making over $1.35 million in sales the year their episode aired. Chef Big Shake got zero offers, but after the episode aired, angel investors came knocking.

Sometimes rejection on Shark Tank means you keep 100% of your company, and still get the success you dreamed of. That’s not failure. That’s freedom.

What Founders Should Know Before Applying

So you’ve got a product, a team, and a big dream. Maybe your friends keep telling you, “Yo bro, you should totally go on Shark Tank!” And now you're seriously considering it.

Before you fill out that application for season 2 of Shark Tank Nepal, here's what you should keep in mind.

1. Be ready for the long haul.

If you think Shark Tank is just about showing up and giving a 3-minute pitch, think again. From application to filming, and even post-deal paperwork, it's a long, multi-month process. And it can be exhausting.

You'll need to prepare pitch decks, film videos, do interviews, share financial documents, and answer personal questions about your business.

This is not a shortcut. It’s a slow climb up a very public ladder.

2. Know your numbers inside out.

The Sharks are not going to be impressed by energy alone. You’ll need to know your sales, margins, costs, customer acquisition numbers, and future projections.

And if they catch you bluffing on TV? That moment will live on YouTube forever.

3. Don’t just chase the cheque, understand the Shark.

Not all sharks are created equal. Some are great for product businesses. Some are better for services. Some want fast exits, others want long-term partnerships.

Before you pitch, ask yourself: Is this the kind of person I want as a co-owner of my company?

Because once the deal goes through, they're in the driver’s seat with you.

4. Treat Shark Tank as your marketing moment.

Even if you don’t get the deal, the show gives you priceless exposure. So prepare your website, stock up your inventory, clean up your social media, and be ready to handle the spike in attention.

Shark Tank can bring customers, not just capital. Don’t waste that spotlight.

5. Build a business that’s built to last.

TV drama may focus on big numbers and flashy valuations, but sustainability matters more. Make sure your foundation is strong. Real customers. Real revenue. Real systems.

The Sharks may be impressed by growth, but they’re investing in stability.

So go in with your eyes open, pitch like a pro, and most importantly, be honest. With the Sharks, and with yourself.

6. Prioritize Regulatory compliance

The money may come fast, but the responsibilities come faster.

Once a Shark joins your cap table, you're no longer just running a business. You're now managing a company with investor expectations, legal obligations, tax consequences, and regulatory scrutiny. And more startups get tripped up by poor compliance than bad ideas.

You’ll now need to stay on top of:

• Shareholder agreements that actually hold up
• Regulatory filings that don’t invite penalties
• Tax planning that aligns with your growth strategy
• Monthly investor reports that build trust, not confusion
• And most importantly, a governance structure that doesn’t fall apart under pressure

Miss any of this, and even the best deal can unravel.

And that’s where we come in.

At Khatapana, we work behind the scenes to make sure your business is legally clean, financially sound, and investor-ready, not just for the Shark Tank stage, but for everything that comes after.

From company registration to shareholder structuring, from tax compliance to investor reporting, we’re the legal, tax, and finance partner that helps you move from idea to institution.

Because yes, Sharks invest in vision. But they stay for discipline.

Ready to build the kind of business investors trust? Let’s talk.

Final Thoughts

Let’s wrap this up.

Shark Tank Nepal is an incredible platform. For many founders, it’s the biggest stage they’ve ever stood on. It opens doors, creates buzz, and makes the startup world feel exciting, even glamorous.

But it’s important to remember: Shark Tank is not the finish line. It’s the beginning.

The real work starts after the handshake. After the applause. After the cameras stop rolling.

Yes, a deal can change your life. But so can rejection. And sometimes, walking away with your business intact, and the whole country watching, is the best thing that could ever happen.

Whether you land a shark or not, Shark Tank gives you something every founder dreams of: a shot at scale.

So if you're a Nepali entrepreneur thinking about applying, do it. Prepare well. Stay grounded. And remember, this journey is about more than just money.

It's about proving to yourself, and the world, that your idea matters.