Shark Tank Nepal: VayuDrishti Gets Rs 10 Million Investment at Higher Valuation Than Proposed
साउन २२, २०८२ १७:३८
Kathmandu: VayuDrishti, a startup producing low-cost air pollution measurement devices in Nepal, has secured an investment at a higher valuation than it initially proposed. The company received Rs 10 million in funding from the business reality show Shark Tank Nepal, aired on Himalaya TV on Wednesday night, at a valuation of Rs 25 million.
Siblings Sakriya and Shreesha Pandey, co-founders of the company, pitched VayuDrishti on Shark Tank. They valued their company at Rs 20 million and requested a Rs 4 million investment in exchange for 20% equity. However, all five sharks, stating the company required a larger investment to scale, offered Rs 10 million for 40% equity, raising the valuation to Rs 25 million. The deal was finalized with their acceptance.
Sakriya Pandey, CEO of VayuDrishti, described pitching on Shark Tank Nepal as an exciting experience. “We pitched the idea for about 50 minutes. All the sharks liked our concept and gave positive feedback even in our later meetings,” he said. He added that work is currently underway to finalize the investment documentation.
With the new funding, the company plans to scale up device production and further develop its AI model. Efforts are also ongoing to expand operations in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
VayuDrishti has also secured copyright protection for its product. Plans are in motion to launch an air purifier in the market within two months. VayuDrishti produces affordable, portable devices that measure air pollution. These devices provide real-time air quality data and, using AI, can forecast pollution levels up to seven days in advance.
The device was developed by a team including 19-year-old Sakriya Pandey, 23-year-old Shreesha Pandey, 21-year-old Manjila Pandey, and 25-year-old Bikram Thapa. Compared to market alternatives that cost up to $30,000 (approximately Rs 4.1 million), VayuDrishti's device offers reliable results for around Rs 35,000. The device can also be customized based on user requirements. The company is now preparing to introduce air purifiers and other solutions to help combat air pollution.
पछिल्लो अध्यावधिक: साउन २२, २०८२ १७:३८
