Shark Tank India returned with another heated exchange in its fifth season when a Bengaluru-based founder stepped into the tank to present his wellness startup. The entrepreneur, Varun, introduced his brand OutLive, which focuses on a structured five-day guided fasting program. According to him, individuals who follow this routine could shed as much as two kilograms within just five days. However, this bold promise immediately triggered skepticism among the investors, setting the tone for a tense discussion.
As Varun attempted to justify his approach by referring to food science, Namita dismissed the explanation outright. Unconvinced by the lack of credible backing, she exited the deal early, choosing not to wait for further financial details.
Anupam concluded by describing Varun as confused about his direction, suggesting that his strengths might be better suited to content creation rather than product sales. Aman Gupta echoed similar doubts, stating that the Indian market might not yet be ready for such an offering. Mohit Yadav also declined to invest, leaving Varun without a deal.
Questions Around the Business Model
Varun revealed that he was seeking an investment of ₹1 crore in return for a four percent stake, placing his company’s valuation at ₹25 crore. He explained that his product, priced at ₹7,000, consists of a curated box meant to be consumed over five days. Customers are expected to eat only what is provided in the package while following the fasting schedule. He emphasized that each meal was designed to offer a sense of fullness, balanced nutrition, and reduced calorie intake, which he claimed could help people develop a healthier relationship with food.Rising Doubts and Defensive Responses
As the discussion progressed, Namita Thapar raised concerns about the electrolyte content in one of the offerings. Instead of addressing the query calmly, Varun reacted defensively and appeared unwilling to accept constructive criticism. When asked to support his claims with scientific validation, he cited a user-based study conducted in 2023, stating that participants reportedly lost between two and four kilograms within five days. His explanation, however, failed to convince the panel.Sharp Criticism From the Sharks
Anupam Mittal openly challenged the logic behind the pricing and results. He argued that the contents of the box did not justify the steep cost and stressed that the initial weight reduction was more likely due to calorie restriction and temporary water loss rather than any unique formulation. He questioned whether consumers would truly be willing to pay such a high amount for results that were neither sustainable nor exclusive to the product.As Varun attempted to justify his approach by referring to food science, Namita dismissed the explanation outright. Unconvinced by the lack of credible backing, she exited the deal early, choosing not to wait for further financial details.
Comparisons and Final Exits
Kunal Bahl then asked whether OutLive was inspired by an international counterpart. Varun admitted that his concept was modeled after a US-based company that had been operating for over two decades and generated annual revenues of $15–20 million. This revelation surprised Kunal, who felt the growth was underwhelming for such a long duration, prompting him to step out as well, advising Varun to listen more and speak less.Anupam concluded by describing Varun as confused about his direction, suggesting that his strengths might be better suited to content creation rather than product sales. Aman Gupta echoed similar doubts, stating that the Indian market might not yet be ready for such an offering. Mohit Yadav also declined to invest, leaving Varun without a deal.
