Startups That Made It Big Despite Not Getting Funded at Shark Tank

Startups That Made It Big Despite Not Getting Funded at Shark Tank

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 20, 2025

Shark Tank India has become a household name, with its fourth season exciting aspiring entrepreneurs seeking both investment and validation. Some businesses walk away with the sharks’ money, while others—who may not get the deal—still go on to achieve great heights. Here's a look at a few startups that made it big, despite not securing funding on the show.

On2Cook

A revolutionary cooking device designed to save time, energy, and preserve nutrients, On2Cook impressed the Sharks with its ability to cook chicken in just 7 minutes while saving 70% of the cooking time and 50% of the energy. Created by inventor Sanandan Sudhir, this product gained significant traction even after failing to secure investment on the show. Post-appearance, the company raised Rs 17 crore in seed funding, hitting a valuation of Rs 100 crore. With patents in India, the USA, the UK, and Russia, On2Cook is now a trusted name in commercial kitchens across India and parts of the USA.

Twee in One

Twee in One by Niti Singhal offers reversible and convertible clothing, making it a smart, sustainable solution for travelers and fashion lovers alike. Despite mixed reactions from the Sharks, the product gained immense popularity, with one of the Sharks’ wives even spotted wearing a Twee in One dress. This brand continues to flourish by offering consumers more choices and versatility in their wardrobes.

Shades of Spring

Founded by Nidhi Gupta and Anju Bhagat in 2018, Shades of Spring is a floral gifting business offering farm-fresh flowers and bouquets. The brand's unique subscription model for regular deliveries of fresh flowers has resonated with consumers, and Shades of Spring is now valued at Rs 300 crores. Though the Sharks couldn't agree on equity, the company’s rapid growth and success post-show highlight its potential.

Moonshine

A first in India and Asia, Moonshine is a meadery producing the world’s oldest alcoholic beverage made with fermented honey, fruits, and spices. Despite a strong pitch, the founders, Rohan Rehani and Nitin Vishwas, were unable to strike a deal with the Sharks. They had sought Rs 80 lakhs for only 0.5% equity, but the Sharks wanted more. However, the brand is now valued at Rs 160 crores, proving that their innovative product has found its niche.

Kunafa World

Founded in 2019 by Jameel Ruhi and Zamzeer Ahamad, Kunafa World introduced India to the Middle Eastern dessert Kunafa, which quickly became popular for its sweet, creamy flavors. Despite a glowing reception from the Sharks, the company couldn't close a deal. Today, Kunafa World is valued at Rs 18 crores, expanding its footprint and delighting dessert lovers across Bengaluru.

These ventures highlight that success in the startup world doesn’t always depend on a Shark Tank deal. These entrepreneurs' drive, innovation, and commitment have led them to rise above the rest, proving that passion and perseverance can make all the difference.


Novotel Cairo Airport Marks World Oceans Day with ‘From the Nile to the Ocean’ Initiative

Novotel Cairo Airport Marks World Oceans Day with ‘From the Nile to the Ocean’ Initiative

By Hariharan U

Published on June 25, 2026

Novotel Cairo Airport commemorated World Oceans Day with its "From the Nile to the Ocean" initiative, a sustainability-focused programme designed to highlight the connection between local environmental responsibility and global marine conservation.

The initiative brought together wellness, education, and responsible dining experiences to encourage greater awareness of the importance of protecting water resources. Through the campaign, the hotel sought to demonstrate how local actions can contribute to broader environmental preservation efforts.

The day began with an outdoor yoga session overlooking the Nile River, creating a reflective and mindful setting for participants. The wellness activity reinforced the campaign's message that meaningful environmental change begins with individual awareness and conscious choices.

Following the yoga session, hotel associates participated in an interactive educational presentation focused on water conservation and ocean safety. The discussion highlighted the role local waterways play in supporting larger marine ecosystems and emphasized the importance of protecting rivers such as the Nile as part of a global sustainability effort.

As part of the celebration, Novotel Cairo Airport's culinary team curated a special menu centred on fresh, local, and responsibly sourced ingredients. Served poolside, the dining experience showcased how sustainable sourcing and conscious food choices can contribute to environmental stewardship while supporting local communities.

By integrating wellness activities, environmental education, and sustainable dining into a single initiative, the hotel aimed to create a holistic experience that encouraged participants to reflect on their relationship with natural resources and the environment.

The programme further reinforces Novotel Cairo Airport's commitment to responsible hospitality and sustainability, while supporting Accor's broader vision of promoting environmentally conscious practices across its global portfolio.

Through initiatives such as "From the Nile to the Ocean," the hotel continues to engage both its team members and guests in conversations around sustainability, inspiring collective action toward the protection of vital water ecosystems and the preservation of the planet's natural resources.


The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre Celebrates International Yoga Day with Wellness Morning in Ahmedabad

The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre Celebrates International Yoga Day with Wellness Morning in Ahmedabad

By Hariharan U

Published on June 24, 2026

The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre marked International Yoga Day with a thoughtfully curated wellness initiative that brought together guests, wellness enthusiasts, and hotel associates for a morning dedicated to mindfulness and holistic wellbeing in Ahmedabad.

The event featured a guided yoga and meditation session designed to encourage participants to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and embrace balance in an increasingly fast-paced lifestyle. Attendees from different age groups took part in yoga asanas, breathwork exercises, and mindfulness practices in a calm and energising environment.

Positioned as a community-focused initiative, the celebration reflected the growing importance of wellness in modern hospitality experiences. The session aimed to create a shared space where participants could prioritise both physical and mental wellbeing while taking a conscious break from daily routines.

Speaking about the initiative, Kalpesh Prajapati, Managing Director of The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre, highlighted that wellness has evolved from being an occasional luxury to an essential part of contemporary living and travel. He emphasised the hotel’s commitment to creating experiences that promote mindfulness, balance, and overall wellbeing within the community.

As wellness continues to shape the hospitality landscape, The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre has been focusing on experiences that extend beyond accommodation and events, encouraging meaningful engagement with both guests and the wider Ahmedabad community.

The International Yoga Day celebration concluded with healthy refreshments and informal interactions among participants, reinforcing the importance of conscious living and collective wellbeing.


The Leela Gandhinagar Marks International Yoga Day with Wellness-Focused Celebration

The Leela Gandhinagar Marks International Yoga Day with Wellness-Focused Celebration

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 23, 2026

The Leela Gandhinagar celebrated International Yoga Day with a thoughtfully curated wellness experience that encouraged guests to slow down, reconnect, and embrace a more mindful way of living. Inspired by Aujasya by The Leela, the brand's philosophy centred on vitality, balance, and mindful living, the event brought together guests, wellness enthusiasts, and hotel associates for a morning dedicated to holistic wellbeing.

Hosted within the serene surroundings of the hotel, the programme went beyond physical exercise to focus on mindfulness and self-awareness. Participants took part in guided yoga sessions, mindful breathing exercises, and moments of quiet reflection, creating an environment that encouraged relaxation and inner balance.

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The experience was designed around the belief that true wellbeing is built through meaningful and enriching moments. As the session concluded, guests were invited to continue their wellness journey with an Aujasya-inspired breakfast featuring wholesome dishes, fresh fruits, herbal infusions, and nutritious selections curated to complement the spirit of the occasion.

The event reflected the holistic wellness approach of Aujasya, where movement, nourishment, and mindfulness come together to promote renewal and personal wellbeing. Through the experience, participants were encouraged to pause from their daily routines, recharge, and adopt a more balanced lifestyle.

Commenting on the occasion, Vikas Sood, General Manager, The Leela Gandhinagar, said, “Wellbeing is increasingly becoming an essential part of how people choose to live, travel, and engage with the world around them. Through Aujasya-inspired experiences, we aim to create meaningful opportunities that encourage balance, mindfulness, and a sense of inner renewal. International Yoga Day offered a wonderful occasion to celebrate this philosophy and share it with our guests and associates.”

As wellness continues to play a growing role in luxury hospitality, The Leela Gandhinagar remains focused on creating experiences that blend authentic hospitality with mindful living. Guided by the principles of Aujasya, the hotel continues to offer opportunities for guests to reconnect with themselves through thoughtful and restorative experiences.

More than a celebration of yoga, the event served as a reminder of the importance of mindfulness, nourishment, and inner balance in creating a healthier and more fulfilling way of life.

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