Pistabarfi Founders Experience Sales Boom After Shark Tank India 5 Appearance
In an exclusive interview, Tanay Agarwal, co-founder of the mithai brand Pistabarfi, revealed that their appearance on Shark Tank India Season 5 led to a remarkable surge in business, despite walking away without an investment deal. The brand, pitched by brothers Tanay and Harshit Agarwal—the latter being an executive producer of the Cannes-winning film All We Imagine As Light—saw sales double and generated revenue equivalent to an entire month in just one to two days after the episode aired.
Shark Tank India 5 Pitch: Praise But No Deal
During their pitch on Shark Tank India 5, the Pistabarfi founders received widespread acclaim from the Sharks, with Anupam Mittal notably calling the brand a goldmine. However, the deal fell through when Varun Alagh proposed a condition that Harshit Agarwal quit film production to focus full-time on the business. The brothers refused this demand, prioritizing their integrity over funding. Tanay Agarwal emphasized, Having a spine is more important than getting the deal, highlighting their commitment to authenticity.
Impact on Business: Exponential Growth and Exposure
The exposure from the show has transformed Pistabarfi's fortunes. Tanay shared that the episode triggered a flood of inquiries, including a significant wedding order from Delhi. He stated, We made one month's revenue within one-two days after the episode aired, and noted that growth has been approximately 2x since the broadcast. Despite January typically being a slow month for the brand, they anticipate further acceleration in the coming months.
Reflections on the Shark Tank Experience
Tanay expressed no regrets about their Shark Tank India 5 journey, calling it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. He explained that they anticipated Varun Alagh's condition and were prepared to decline it, as misleading the Sharks would contradict their ethos. From Varun's perspective, Tanay acknowledged that demanding full commitment is reasonable for an investor, but Pistabarfi remains focused on slow, purposeful growth aligned with their vision.
Why Harshit Agarwal Won't Join Full-Time
Harshit Agarwal's dedication to film production, underscored by his success at Cannes, means he will not transition to a full-time role at Pistabarfi. The brothers believe in balancing their passions without compromising on honesty, a stance that resonated with viewers and customers alike, ultimately driving their post-show success.
