Shark Tank India: IIM dropout’s AI tool reveals some shocking truths to Namita Thapar: ‘Where am I?’

Even with only seven episodes aired so far, the newest season of Shark Tank India has already managed to hook audiences with sharp confrontations, unexpected twists, and lively exchanges. One recent episode, in particular, stood out as it forced the investors to confront the real-world visibility of their own brands and the startups they have backed over the years, turning the spotlight back on the sharks themselves.

A Young Founder Takes the Stage

The episode featured Ashish Kamathi, a fresh graduate who walked into the tank to present his artificial intelligence–driven optimisation platform, Vryse. The tool is designed to help companies improve how their products appear across various AI-powered platforms, ensuring better digital exposure and stronger online discoverability. Ashish faced a formidable panel that included Namita Thapar, Vineeta Singh, Kunal Bahl, Varun Alagh, and Anupam Mittal.

AI Search Sparks an Awkward Moment

To demonstrate the power of his product, Ashish ran a live test by asking ChatGPT to recommend the best sleep gummies available in India. The result that surfaced at the top was What’s Up Sleep, a brand backed by Vineeta Singh. The moment instantly shifted the mood in the room. Namita Thapar, whose pharmaceutical company Emcure had recently launched its own sleep gummy brand named Arth, appeared visibly taken aback when her product failed to appear in the results. While Vineeta reacted with clear delight, Anupam Mittal added a layer of humour by teasing Namita over the unexpected outcome.

Choosing Entrepreneurship Over a Prestigious Degree

Ashish also opened up about a major personal decision that shaped his journey. He revealed that he had secured admission to IIM Indore after clearing the CAT exam but chose to decline the offer. His intention behind taking the exam was to step away from campus placements, and once he achieved that goal, he committed fully to developing the business he had already begun building.

Why AI Visibility Matters Now

Vineeta Singh highlighted the relevance of Ashish’s idea in the current digital environment. She explained that traditional search engine optimisation had lost much of its impact, as a majority of online searches now end without users clicking on links, largely because AI-generated responses deliver information instantly. She then encouraged Ashish to share how he identified this opportunity and entered the space.

Building Skills Before Graduation

Responding to her question, Ashish explained that during his second year of college, he had already begun planning to launch a SaaS product. While analysing similar offerings, he realised that marketing played a decisive role in success. This insight pushed him toward SEO in 2021, which he initially applied to one of his own websites. Alongside this, he pursued internships while continuing his studies. His clarity of thought and early preparation earned appreciative applause from the investors.

The Final Deal on the Table

As negotiations unfolded, Kunal Bahl, Namita Thapar, and Varun Alagh opted out of the deal. However, Vineeta Singh and Anupam Mittal saw strong potential in the venture. While Ashish initially sought ₹40 lakh in exchange for 2 percent equity, both investors countered with an offer of ₹40 lakh for a 10 percent stake, setting the stage for a high-stakes decision.