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Last Updated: March 23, 2025, 07:26 IST
Delhi Entrepreneur Seeks Investment for Woodsmen Himalayan Whiskey on Shark Tank India
A young entrepreneur from Delhi presented his liquor brand, Woodsmen Himalayan Whiskey, on the popular television show Shark Tank India.
The founder requested an investment of Rs 1.5 crore for 0.5% equity in the company, prompting a mixture of curiosity and skepticism from the sharks due to the Rs 300 crore valuation he proposed. Aman Gupta humorously remarked, questioning if the founder was “high on his own supply,” highlighting the strong stance on such a valuation. Despite this, the entrepreneur shared impressive figures, revealing that his business generated Rs 125 crore in revenue over three years, with a projected Rs 80 crore for the current year—numbers that initially intrigued the investors.
When Vineeta Singh probed into the product performance, the founder acknowledged that the Himalayan whiskey accounted for only 10% of his total sales, with the majority stemming from a more budget-friendly whiskey offering. He emphasized the allure of the premium whiskey, attributing its appeal to its Himalayan origins. While Vineeta appreciated the concept, she opted not to invest, citing uncertainties surrounding the success of a high-end product in a competitive market.
Kunal Bahl praised the founder as a “stellar” businessman but expressed a preference for investing in earlier-stage ventures that offer greater equity and development potential. The founder’s candid admission that he participated in Shark Tank primarily for brand promotion and to initiate a new funding round brought humor to the discussion. Ultimately, Kunal decided against an investment, a sentiment echoed by Azhar Iqubal, who stated his lack of familiarity with the alcohol market. Aman Gupta followed suit, noting the inherent risks associated with the liquor industry.
Ritesh Agarwal found the founder’s passion and initiative commendable but stated he would have considered an investment had it been in a different sector. He candidly admitted, “I don’t understand this market at all. I have no knowledge about whiskey-making or tasting. However, I admire convincing entrepreneurs. If you were in another field, I would be eager to support you, but as an investor in this space, I’m out.”
After a challenging pitch and no offers on the table, the founder departed without securing a deal.
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