SRINAGAR: In the latest episode of Shark Tank India 3, the spotlight of the episode fell on two Kashmiri college-going boys, Hamaad and Saad Tramboo, aged 18-20, who pitched their brand of Kashmir willow bats. What was at display was a blend of innovation, sharp salesmanship, and the fulfilment of young dreams.
The duo, currently pursuing BBA, sought Rs 30 lakhs for a three per cent equity stake in their business. The Sharks, including Aman Gupta (CMO, BOAT), Ritesh, Peyush Bansal (Lenskart), and Anupam, conducted a rigorous discussion on financial scalability and scrutinised the revenue charts presented by the young entrepreneurs.
Saad and Hamaad highlighted their unique selling proposition: being the sole market players crafting Kashmir willow bats at faster and more affordable rates. The Sharks were intrigued, and the negotiation began.
Vineeta made an offer of Rs 30 lakhs at 10 per cent equity, followed by Anupam joining in with the same offer. Ritesh proposed Rs 30 lakhs at four per cent equity, while Aman humorously criticised the high equity stake offered by others. He eventually made an offer of Rs 30 Lakhs at six per cent, playfully taunting Anupam in the process.
Peyush, delving into a more personal conversation, asked Saad about his favourite cricketer, to which Saad promptly replied, “MS Dhoni.” Peyush then mirrored his initial offer, matching the Rs 30 Lakhs at a three per cent equity proposition. Ritesh altered his offer to align with Peyush, creating confusion for the young entrepreneurs.
Leaving the Sharks momentarily, Saad and Hamaad discussed the offers. Returning to the tank, they countered with a joint deal, requesting Aman and Peyush to partner at Rs 30 lakhs for a four per cent equity stake. Aman expressed their solidarity, stating, “Hardik Pandya, K L Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, sab apne hai.”
Peyush recalled his previous investment from Season 2 in a delivery app founded by Kashmiris, to which Saad clarified, “We partner with them only for delivery in Kashmir.” Anupam added a humorous touch, saying, “Aman will decide which cricketer will use your bats.”
In the end, a deal was struck at Rs 30 lakhs for 4 per cent equity, marking a successful innings for the young Kashmiri entrepreneurs on Shark Tank India 3.
The Srinagar-based Tramboo Sports has been making bricking bats from English willow and Kashmiri willow. The Kashmir Willow is heavier and the Tranmboo duo said they have successfully managed it. They said they own the largest manufacturer of Kashmir Willow Bats and they use Premium Grade 1 Kashmir Willow to craft their products, ensuring a lighter and better quality cricket bat. Since its inception in 2021, the duo told the Sharks that their brand has sold over 20,000 bats, even securing a deal for 1,000 bats in Qatar.
Shark Tank India 3 airs on Sony LIV, providing a platform for budding entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas and secure investments from successful business leaders, the Sharks.
Saad and Hamaad are from business background. They are grandsons of Nazir Ahmad Tramboo, once the poultry Czar of Kashmir.
