Shark Tank 4: 19-year-old Goa girl backed by Nikhil Kamath wows Namita Thapar, Vineeta Singh. Who is Dyumna Madan?

The latest episode of Shark Tank India Season 4 featured a special Campus episode, where young entrepreneurs showcased their unique ventures. Among the standout participants were 19-year-olds Shivom Sood and Dyumna Madan, the brains behind Project Clay. Their innovative approach to college counseling, termed the "Elder Sibling" model, immediately captivated the Sharks. The initiative connects high school students with mentors studying in their dream universities, offering them tailored guidance and insights into the admissions process.

The Pitch: Innovation Meets Ambition

Shivom and Dyumna sought Rs 15 lakh for 10% equity, valuing their business at Rs 1.5 crore. They presented Project Clay as a modern solution for international college counselling, emphasizing the affordability and practicality of their "near-peer mentorship" approach. Unlike traditional counselling services, their model relies on current university students as mentors, bridging the gap between aspiration and reality for students aiming for prestigious global institutions.

The duo’s confidence and clarity impressed the Sharks, with their presentation standing out for its passion and innovation. The pair also highlighted previous achievements, including a grant of Rs 2.5 lakh from entrepreneur Ankur Warikoo and recognition in Nikhil Kamath’s funding program, where Dyumna was among the top 3% of participants.

Shark Reactions and Feedback

The Sharks lauded Shivom and Dyumna for their entrepreneurial spirit, acknowledging the significance of the problem they aimed to solve. Peyush Bansal praised the affordability and relevance of their solution but pointed out certain flaws in their business model. Vinita Singh and Aman Gupta also appreciated their efforts but chose not to invest. Meanwhile, Anupam Mittal commended their pitch but ultimately decided to step out of negotiations.


Namita Thapar, however, took a different stance. Drawing on her personal experience with international college admissions, she recognized the value of the duo’s approach and the potential impact of their business. She emphasized the importance of deliberate decision-making and offered them the exact deal they sought—Rs 15 lakh for 10% equity at a valuation of Rs 1.5 crore.

Who is Dyumna Madan?

Hailing from Goa, Dyumna's entrepreneurial journey was particularly inspiring. She shared how she secured internships with two ed-tech startups by demonstrating initiative and a willingness to learn. At just 15 years old, she impressed startup founders with her resourcefulness, teaching herself content writing in a week to land a position typically reserved for college students. Her determination and leadership qualities left a lasting impression on the Sharks, with Peyush Bansal highlighting her storytelling skills as a significant asset.

The Deal

Despite initial reservations from some Sharks, Namita Thapar’s confidence in the duo’s vision ultimately secured the deal. Her investment not only validated their business model but also provided them with the resources and mentorship needed to scale Project Clay to new heights. Namita Thapar also added, “If a girl at that age pushes you to think, she’s got something.”