Shark Tank Nepal: Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship in Nepal

Nepal is witnessing a historic shift in its entrepreneurial landscape with the launch of Shark Tank Nepal Season 1, premiering every Wednesday and Thursday at 9 PM starting Asar 18 on Himalaya Television. This local adaptation of the globally renowned business reality show brings together ambitious entrepreneurs and some of Nepal’s most successful business leaders—The Sharks—for a chance to secure life-changing investments.

For decades, countless young Nepalis have seen their future abroad leaving the country in search of better jobs, financial stability, and opportunities for growth. Entrepreneurship, for many, felt too risky or out of reach. As a result, innovation often took a backseat, and starting a business in Nepal was seen as a gamble rather than a path to success.

But Shark Tank Nepal is here to challenge that mindset. It’s a bold invitation for Nepalis to dream bigger at home to build, innovate, and lead the next wave of economic transformation from within the country.

What is Shark Tank Nepal?

Shark Tank Nepal is a platform for businesses that have already started generating revenue and are ready to scale. Inspired by the original international format, this Nepali version provides a golden opportunity for founders to pitch their ventures to five influential investors in exchange for equity or debt. The show aims to fuel economic growth, support innovation, and celebrate homegrown success stories in a nation brimming with untapped potential.

Meet the Sharks: Nepal’s Powerhouse Investors

The first season features a formidable lineup of industry leaders as a shark:

Hem Raj Dhakal – Co-founder, IME Group; a visionary who redefined Nepal’s remittance and fintech sectors.
Cabinet Shrestha – MD, Agni Group; an automobile magnate who pioneered electric vehicles in Nepal.
Saurabh Jyoti – Chair, Padma Jyoti Group; an influential voice in industrial growth and youth mentorship.
Ritu Singh Vaidya – MD, VOITH Group & UTS; a business trailblazer and one of Nepal’s most inspiring women leaders.
Ananda Bagaria – MD, Nimbus Group; the man who transformed Nepal’s agribusiness industry.

Who Can Participate?

Selected participants will pitch live before the sharks, negotiating terms in real-time, with the hope of securing not just funds but also mentorship, networks, and national exposure. Entrepreneurs looking to enter the tank must meet these criteria:

A registered business in Nepal
At least one year of operational history
Founders must be Nepali citizens

Why Shark Tank Nepal Matters

In a country where access to capital has often been a barrier, Shark Tank Nepal offers more than just funding, it offers hope. Despite having potential, many promising Nepali businesses struggle to grow simply because raising funds isn’t easy. With very few venture capital firms operating in Nepal, even high-potential startups often hit a wall when seeking investment. Shark Tank Nepal breaks that wall. It’s a celebration of local innovation, a showcase of real business acumen, and a powerful signal to the world that Nepal is ready to scale. Entrepreneurs from all sectors—tech, manufacturing, agribusiness, fashion, and more finally have a national platform to be seen, heard, and invested in.

Final Thoughts

Shark Tank Nepal is more than just entertainment—it’s a step toward fostering a more self-reliant and entrepreneur-friendly Nepal. By connecting growing businesses with experienced investors, the show highlights real opportunities and challenges within the local startup ecosystem. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, an investor looking for fresh ideas, or simply someone interested in how businesses grow, this show offers meaningful insights into Nepal’s evolving business landscape.