Saurabh Jyoti: From Automobile Entrepreneur to Shark Tank Nepal

साउन ६, २०८२ १४:४

Kathmandu: Saurabh Jyoti, Chairman of the Padma Jyoti Group, is now one of the “Sharks” on Shark Tank Nepal. A key figure in Nepal’s business landscape, he continues his family’s legacy while inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs. Here’s a closer look at his daily routine, business approach, investment philosophy, and personal passions:

Shark Tank: A New Movement in Entrepreneurship

Saurabh Jyoti views the launch of business reality shows like Shark Tank Nepal as the beginning of a national movement. “Nepal has seen many entertainment, singing, dancing, and comedy shows,” he says. “But this is the first attempt to bring business, investment, and entrepreneurship into the spotlight on national television.”

He believes the show will shift public discourse in Nepal from politics and entertainment to conversations about industry and enterprise.

“This show will play a major role in showcasing Nepali entrepreneurship not only within the country, but also to the Nepali diaspora and the global community,” he adds. He says he’s deeply impressed and energized by the ideas presented on the show and the vision of the entrepreneurs to scale globally.

What Drives His Investment Decisions?

On Shark Tank, Jyoti prioritizes the entrepreneur over the idea itself. “First the person, then their work,” he explains, emphasizing the traits he values most: hard work, perseverance, honesty, and a positive mindset.

“No matter how good the idea is, if I can’t build a good relationship with the entrepreneur, I won't enjoy the work,” he says.

He also takes a pragmatic view on Nepal’s youth migration. While acknowledging the outflow of young people, he highlights the value of their return. “Yes, 600,000 youth left last year. But 520,000 came back bringing with them skills, knowledge, and investment,” he says. “Challenges create opportunities.”

The Future of Automobiles and Jyoti’s Strategy

Padma Jyoti Group has long been a major player in Nepal’s automobile sector. With the market now shifting toward electric vehicles (EVs) and clean energy, Jyoti is optimistic. He notes that clean energy vehicles already account for about 71% of the four-wheeler market in Nepal, though he admits that inadequate infrastructure remains a major hurdle.

When it comes to two-wheelers, the EV share is still below 2%. He argues that low-emission petrol vehicles that meet BS-6 standards still hold relevance. Jyoti Group is closely watching market developments to adapt strategically to EV adoption.

“Production alone isn’t enough,” he says. “We’ll introduce new technology vehicles only after ensuring strong after-sales service, customer satisfaction, and high-quality products.”

A Golden Bridge Between Discipline and Passion

Saurabh Jyoti starts his day at around 7:45 a.m., reaching the gym by 7:30 a.m. He trains with a personal coach due to back issues, and incorporates cardio, stretching, weight training, and boxing into his daily routine.

“As you get older, you need to become more health-conscious,” he says.

His love for cars and motorcycles is another strong passion. His SJ Moto Garage is like a museum for rare superbikes, a dream space for motorcycle enthusiasts. “If it’s financially viable and you can share your passion with others, go for it,” he says. “It puts smiles on people’s faces.”

One small but noticeable curiosity: Jyoti wears two watches even on the Shark Tank set. On his left wrist is his favorite analog watch, a tribute to his love for timepieces. On his right, a smartwatch tracks his health and helps him manage time on the go. “The smartwatch is a productivity tool,” he explains.

Competing With Himself

While competition is part of the business world, Saurabh Jyoti follows a more inward-focused philosophy. “I don’t compete with others. I compete with myself. My goal is to do better today than yesterday and better tomorrow than today,” he says.

Still, he acknowledges that friendly rivalry exists among the sharks. “There’s natural, healthy competition among us for good ideas on Shark Tank,” he admits.