Himalaya TV to air ‘Shark Tank Nepal,’ creating opportunities for Entrepreneurs
Himalaya TV is set to launch the Nepali version of the globally renowned television program Shark Tank. The official announcement was made during a ceremony held at the Everest Hotel on Monday. The business reality show aims to support and celebrate entrepreneurship by providing a platform for startups to pitch their ideas to potential investors, known as Sharks.
Himalaya TV, which has secured Nepal’s production and broadcasting rights, plans to air the show within the next few months. During the event, five judges for the first season were introduced: Hem Raj Dhakal (Co-founder of IME Group), Cabinet Shrestha (Founder of Agni Group), Ritu Singh Vaidya (Director of Vaidya Organization), Anand Bagaria (Managing Director of Nimbus Group), and Saurabh Jyoti (Director of Jyoti Group). Two guest Sharks will also join later in the season.
Originally launched as Money Tigers in Japan in 2001, the format has become the world’s leading business reality show. Shark Tank Nepal will be the 54th franchise globally, distributed by Sony Pictures Television.
Executives from Sony Television London and members of Shark Tank India sent congratulatory video messages to Himalaya TV during the event. Shyam Kandel, Executive Director of Himalaya TV, noted that although a contract with Sony was signed three years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic and economic challenges delayed the launch. “This show will honor businesses and create an environment of respect for entrepreneurship in Nepal,” Kandel remarked.
Entrepreneurs can apply to participate in the show by submitting their business data via the Himalaya TV app or website by January 15. Selected participants will pitch their ideas in exchange for investments, either as equity or loans, from the Sharks.
Directed by Simosh Sunuwar of Himalaya Roadies fame, the show will consist of 20 episodes featuring 100 entrepreneurs. The total expected investment pool from the Sharks is between NPR 350 to 400 million. Filming is scheduled to begin in February at the Everest Hotel in New Baneshwor, and the show is expected to premiere within three months.
