In a recent episode of Shark Tank India Season 3, Ankush R Barjata made a memorable entrance wearing a saree to pitch his startup, DEEVA: The Online Sari Store.

His unique approach not only caught the judges’ attention but also secured him a promising deal with notable investors.

Ankush, originally from the small village of Bangana in Himachal Pradesh, launched DEEVA in June 2022.

Despite the traditional view that sarees are primarily for women, he recognized a niche market for men interested in this attire.

His family’s history in the textile industry fueled his ambition to redefine the saree market.

DEEVA focuses on power loom sarees, which are affordable yet high quality. By sourcing directly from manufacturers, Ankush offers these sarees at prices significantly lower than traditional retail.

This strategy allows DEEVA to not only attract retail customers but also engage wholesalers and distributors effectively.

The company’s commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in its no-questions-asked return policy, which has helped build a loyal customer base.

Operating from a rural area has not hindered DEEVA’s success; it boasts a projected revenue of ₹7 crore for the year.

After facing rejection in the second season of Shark Tank India, Ankush’s persistence paid off.

He secured a deal worth ₹75 lakh for 6% equity and a debt of ₹1.25 crore at 10% interest for three years from various industry leaders.

Some of them are Aman Gupta, Radhika Gupta, and Ritesh Aggarwal. Their investment is set to help propel DEEVA into becoming India’s premier saree brand.

Ankush’s journey on Shark Tank India highlights the power of resilience and innovative thinking in entrepreneurship.

It shows how staying true to one’s vision, even when it challenges conventional norms, can lead to remarkable achievements.

His success is an inspiration, proving that entrepreneurial dreams can thrive, even from the most unexpected places.

Image Credit: Thedeeva Website Screenshot

Image Reference: https://thedeeva.com/