Namita Thapar’s Top Shark Tank Investments

The debate and discussion over startups have increased over the past few years. Undoubtedly, a lot of the credit for this goes to Shark Tank. Since its release in December 2020, it gained a wide fan following.

India enjoyed watching young and old entrepreneurs work hard and come on the show to make their dreams come true. The judges soon became famous for helping these entrepreneurs get centre stage and showcase their products and companies.

Among the 7 judges was the pharmaceutical queen, Namita Thapar. She became quite the internet sensation during the show with her “I’m Out” meme going viral.

However, she embraced the meme, making the audience love her grace and calling her PharMaa.

She explained multiple times during interviews that her investment decisions are highly based on whether the company and its motto resonate with her. She also mentioned that she keeps a close relationship with the founders she invests in to guide and mentor them through the challenges they face.

Before we look at Namita Thapar’s best deals on the show, let's learn more about her.

Also see: Aman Gupta’s Best Shark Tank Deals.

All you need to know about Namita Thapar

Namita is one of the most successful businesswomen in the country. As the executive director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, she leads the company's business in India and oversees about 4000 medical representatives all over the country. Additionally, she's a Trustee on the TiE Mumbai Board and is involved with the Young Presidents Organization.

After completing her bachelor's degree from Savitribhai Phule Pune University, she completed her Chartered Accountancy course from ICAI. Once she completed her CA course, she pursued higher studies to complete her MBA from Fuqua Schools of Business at Duke University.

Shark Tank judge Namita previously worked at Guidant Corporation in the United States for six years before transitioning to her father's business, Emcure Pharmaceuticals. Since assuming the role of CFO in 2007, Emcure has experienced remarkable growth, evolving from a revenue of Rs 500 crore to becoming a Rs 7,000-crore entity today. Namita’s role in this growth has been extremely valuable and evident.

Top Shark Tank Investments of Namita Thapar

Namita Thapar has made many successful shark tank investments. We shall examine their performance after their appearance on the show and the extent to which their best investments have paid off.

1. Bummer

Bummer is a premium undergarments brand offering comfortable, stylish, and chic underwear for both men and women. Bummer was one of Namita Thapars best investments. The startup came into the tank asking for INR 75 lakhs for 4% of their company.

They received an earful from Ashneer Grover, who snubbed the entrepreneurs. However, they secured a deal with Namita and Aman for INR 75 Lakhs for 7.5% of their company.

At the time of pitching, Bummer was doing INR 60 Lakhs in annual sales, but according to a recent tweet by Namita herself, Bummer closed FY23 with a whopping 11 Crores in sales.

This means they have increased sales by 18 times in less than 2 years!

Buy Bummer Products on Amazon.

2.  Skippi Ice Pops

Skippi Ice Pops, owned by Kabra Global Products Pvt Ltd., is India's first Ice Popsicle brand. It delivers Ice Pops made entirely from natural ingredients, including natural colours, preservatives, and sweeteners. Namita Thapar invested INR 20 lakhs in Skippi Pops for a 3% stake in the company.

This was one of Namita Thapars best shark tank deals as it turned her investment of INR 20 lakhs into a staggering INR 6 crores. This translates to a 2900% return on her investment in Skippi Ice Pops.

Buy Skippi Ice Pops on Amazon.

3.  Rare Planet

Rare Planet is a retail startup based in Kolkata. It launched in 2017 with the aim of providing a platform to promote and sell indigenous Indian arts and crafts. The company's aim was to promote and provide a steady income source for the artisans and karigars while at the same time supporting sustainability.

They came into the tank with an ask of INR 65 lakhs for 1% equity in their company. Namita, connecting with their motivation and aim, made a deal with them at INR 65 lakhs for 3% equity.

Before Shark Tank, Rare Planet had only 4 stores. But but but... post-Shark Tank, they opened 50 more new stores with the help of Namita.

No doubt Rare Planet is Namita Thapar’s best Shark Tank deal, as she became the first shark in the history of Shark Tank India to have a successful partial exit from the company in January 2024.

Buy Rare Planet Products on Amazon.

4. Beyond Water

Beyond Water introduced India's first liquid enhancer, aiming to make drinking water enjoyable and nutritious. Namita Thapar, with her focus on health startups, found Beyond Water's concept appealing.

The startup added nutrients to water to make it more healthy and motivate people to drink enough water each day. She invested INR 37.5 lakhs, securing a 7.5% ownership stake in the company.

They came in asking for INR 75 lakhs for 4% equity, giving it a valuation of INR 18.75 crore. Namita, with Aman, invested in Beyond Water, and after the show, the company exploded. A huge sales boost led to their current market value being INR 18.75 crores.

Buy Beyond Water Products on Amazon.

5. Nuutjob

A company focusing on men's intimate hygiene aims to challenge taboos and break prejudiced stereotypes in India. Founded by two sisters from Ahmedabad, Namita Thapar invested Rs 8.33 lakh for a 6.66% stake in the business.

She, along with Aman Gupta and Peyush Bansal, saw the value in the company and together invested INR 25 lakhs for 20% equity in Nuutjob. After the show, they had another round of investment on Tyke. They recorded an 800% oversubscription for their company on Tyke.

Buy Nuutjob Products on Amazon.

Conclusion

Namita Thapar has made several successful investments on Shark Tank. Her investments become successful because she cares deeply and works hard for every entrepreneur she invests in. Her success mantra can be described as her strong belief in entrepreneurs and sheer hard work. And now, again, she has proved herself by making some of the best Shark Tank deals in 2023.

To know more updates about Shark Tank judges and the companies they invest in, visit SharkTankSeason.com.