Shark Tank Nepal: A New Frontier for Nepali Entrepreneurship

On July 2, 2025, Nepal will join the global phenomenon of Shark Tank with the premiere of Shark Tank Nepal on Himalaya Television. Airing every Wednesday and Thursday at 9 PM, this business reality show promises to be a transformative platform for Nepali entrepreneurs seeking to scale their ventures. As the 54th international franchise of the globally acclaimed format, distributed by Sony Pictures Television, Shark Tank Nepal marks a significant milestone in the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. With a panel of distinguished investors, a rigorous selection process, and a focus on revenue-generating businesses, the show is poised to inspire, empower, and elevate Nepal’s burgeoning startup culture.

Origins and Global Context

The Shark Tank format originated in Japan in 2001 under the name Money Tigers on Nippon TV. Since then, it has evolved into the world’s most popular business reality TV show, with adaptations in over 50 countries, including the United States, India, Australia, Mexico, Vietnam, and now Nepal. The premise is simple yet compelling: entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to a panel of wealthy investors, known as “sharks,” who decide whether to invest their own money in exchange for equity. The show combines high-stakes negotiations, emotional storytelling, and practical business insights, making it a global hit. Nepal’s entry as the 54th franchise underscores the format’s universal appeal and its adaptability to diverse economic landscapes.

In Nepal, Shark Tank Nepal is a pioneering initiative by Himalaya Television, which has been bringing international reality TV formats to Nepali audiences since 2021. The network is no stranger to global franchises, having successfully aired shows like The Voice of Nepal, Voice Kids, Himalaya Roadies, and preparing to launch Nepal’s Next Top Model in 2025. The introduction of Shark Tank Nepal aligns with Himalaya TV’s mission to promote innovative content that resonates with local audiences while fostering economic and cultural development. The show’s primary objective is to celebrate and support entrepreneurship in a country where opportunities for emerging ventures have historically been limited.

The Sharks: Nepal’s Business Titans

At the heart of Shark Tank Nepal is its panel of five sharks, each a prominent figure in Nepal’s business landscape. These investors bring not only capital but also expertise, mentorship, and networks to the table, making their involvement a game-changer for aspiring entrepreneurs. The first season’s sharks are:

• Hem Raj Dhakal, Co-Founder of IME Group: A visionary entrepreneur, Dhakal has been instrumental in transforming Nepal’s remittance and financial services sector. IME Group is one of Nepal’s leading conglomerates, with interests in banking, insurance, and hydropower.
• Cabinet Shrestha, Founder of Agni Group: Known for driving innovation in Nepal’s automotive and energy sectors, Shrestha’s Agni Group is a key player in distributing vehicles and renewable energy solutions.
• Ritu Singh Vaidya, Director of Vaidya’s Organisation: Vaidya oversees a diversified portfolio that includes hospitality, healthcare, and education, bringing a wealth of experience in scaling businesses.
• Anand Bagaria, Managing Director of Nimbus Group: Bagaria leads a conglomerate with interests in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and FMCG, known for its commitment to sustainable growth.
• Saurabh Jyoti, Director of Jyoti Group: Representing one of Nepal’s oldest business houses, Jyoti is involved in trading, manufacturing, and real estate, with a focus on modernizing traditional industries.

These sharks are set to invest between Rs350 million and Rs400 million (approximately $2.6–$3 million USD) in promising businesses over the course of the season. Their diverse backgrounds ensure a broad perspective on investment opportunities, from tech startups to traditional enterprises. Their participation also signals a growing confidence in Nepal’s entrepreneurial potential, as they put their own money on the line to back innovative ideas.

Format and Structure

Shark Tank Nepal will span 20 episodes, featuring 100 entrepreneurs pitching their businesses, with five entrepreneurs showcased per episode. Directed by Simos Sunuwar, the show has already completed filming, ensuring a polished and engaging production. Each episode will follow the classic Shark Tank format: entrepreneurs present their business plans, including financials, growth strategies, and funding needs, followed by a Q&A session with the sharks. The sharks then decide whether to invest, negotiate terms, or pass on the opportunity. The high-pressure environment tests not only the viability of the business but also the entrepreneur’s ability to think on their feet and articulate their vision.

The show is designed to highlight businesses that are already operational and generating revenue, distinguishing it from formats that focus on early-stage ideas. To be eligible, businesses must meet strict criteria:

• Be legally registered in Nepal.
• Have founders who are Nepali citizens.
• Have completed at least one full year of operation.

This focus on established ventures reflects the show’s goal of supporting businesses ready to scale rather than speculative startups. Entrepreneurs interested in participating can apply through the official platform, where they undergo a rigorous selection process. This includes an initial screening of applications and financial reports, followed by interviews for shortlisted candidates, and finally, the opportunity to pitch on the show. The process ensures that only the most promising and prepared businesses make it to the sharks’ den.

Impact on Nepal’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Shark Tank Nepal arrives at a pivotal moment for Nepal’s economy. Despite its rich cultural heritage and natural resources, the country has faced challenges in fostering entrepreneurship, including limited access to capital, underdeveloped infrastructure, and a risk-averse investment culture. The show aims to address these barriers by providing a high-visibility platform for entrepreneurs to secure funding and gain exposure. Beyond financial investment, the mentorship and feedback from the sharks can help businesses refine their strategies and build resilience.

The show’s emphasis on registered, revenue-generating businesses aligns with Nepal’s need for sustainable economic growth. By showcasing ventures from diverse sectors—ranging from agriculture and tourism to technology and manufacturing—Shark Tank Nepal has the potential to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs. It also highlights the importance of formalizing businesses, as legal registration is a prerequisite for participation. This could encourage more informal enterprises to enter the formal economy, contributing to tax revenues and economic stability.

Moreover, the global reach of the Shark Tank franchise, backed by Sony Pictures Television, offers Nepali entrepreneurs a chance to attract international attention. Successful pitches could lead to partnerships, export opportunities, or even interest from foreign investors. The show’s broadcast on Himalaya TV, a widely watched channel, ensures that its impact extends beyond participants to viewers across Nepal and the diaspora, fostering a culture of innovation and ambition.

Cultural and Social Significance

In a country where traditional occupations and government jobs have long dominated career aspirations, Shark Tank Nepal represents a cultural shift toward valuing entrepreneurship. The show’s focus on Nepali citizens and local businesses reinforces national pride while showcasing the diversity of Nepal’s entrepreneurial talent. From urban centers like Kathmandu to rural regions, the show has the potential to uncover hidden gems and bridge regional disparities in economic opportunity.

The sharks themselves serve as role models, demonstrating that success is achievable through vision, hard work, and strategic risk-taking. Their stories—ranging from founding conglomerates to modernizing family businesses—resonate with Nepal’s evolving business landscape. For instance, Hem Raj Dhakal’s journey with IME Group highlights the potential of remittances as a driver of economic growth, while Ritu Singh Vaidya’s leadership in hospitality reflects Nepal’s growing tourism sector. By sharing their expertise on prime-time television, these sharks demystify the world of business and make it accessible to ordinary Nepalis.

The show also aligns with broader trends in Nepali media, where reality TV has become a powerful medium for cultural expression and social change. Himalaya TV’s portfolio of international formats, such as The Voice of Nepal, has already cultivated a taste for aspirational programming. Shark Tank Nepal builds on this by combining entertainment with education, teaching viewers about financial literacy, business planning, and the importance of innovation.

Challenges and Opportunities

While Shark Tank Nepal holds immense promise, it also faces challenges. Nepal’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is still nascent, with limited venture capital and a small domestic market. The show’s focus on revenue-generating businesses may exclude early-stage startups with high potential but no current income. Additionally, the high-pressure format of Shark Tank may not suit every entrepreneur, particularly those unaccustomed to public speaking or negotiating with seasoned investors.

However, these challenges also present opportunities. By setting a high bar, Shark Tank Nepal encourages entrepreneurs to professionalize their operations and prepare thoroughly. The show’s visibility could attract more investors to Nepal, both domestic and international, creating a ripple effect in the startup ecosystem. Furthermore, the mentorship provided by the sharks—whether through investments or feedback—can help entrepreneurs navigate Nepal’s complex regulatory and economic environment.

Comparison with Other Shark Tank Franchises

To understand Shark Tank Nepal’s potential impact, it’s useful to compare it with other international versions. For instance, Shark Tank India, which premiered in 2021, has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring millions of Indians to pursue entrepreneurship. Its fourth season, streaming in 2025, features 12 sharks and has facilitated significant investments in diverse sectors. Like Nepal, India has a large youth population and a growing startup scene, but its larger market and more developed venture capital ecosystem provide a different context. Nepal’s smaller scale may allow for more localized and community-driven impact, with the show serving as a catalyst for grassroots innovation.

Other franchises, such as those in Vietnam and Thailand, have also tailored the format to their cultural and economic realities. In Vietnam, Shark Tank has supported tech-driven startups, while in Thailand, it has highlighted agricultural and tourism ventures. Shark Tank Nepal is likely to reflect Nepal’s unique strengths, such as its tourism, hydropower, and handicraft sectors, while also exploring emerging fields like fintech and e-commerce.

Future Prospects

As Shark Tank Nepal prepares to launch, anticipation is building among entrepreneurs, investors, and viewers. The show’s success will depend on its ability to deliver compelling stories, meaningful investments, and tangible outcomes for participants. If the first season resonates with audiences, it could pave the way for future seasons, potentially expanding eligibility criteria or featuring guest sharks from the Nepali diaspora or international markets.

In the long term, Shark Tank Nepal has the potential to reshape Nepal’s economic narrative. By showcasing the ingenuity and resilience of Nepali entrepreneurs, it can challenge stereotypes of Nepal as a primarily agrarian or tourism-dependent economy. The show may also inspire policy changes, such as simplified business registration processes or incentives for startups, further strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Conclusion

Shark Tank Nepal is more than a television show; it is a movement to empower Nepali entrepreneurs and unlock the country’s economic potential. With its stellar panel of sharks, rigorous selection process, and global backing, the show is set to make waves when it premieres on July 2, 2025, on Himalaya TV. Over 20 episodes, 100 entrepreneurs will have the chance to turn their dreams into reality, while millions of viewers witness the power of innovation and determination. As Nepal takes its place in the global Shark Tank family, the show promises to be a catalyst for change, inspiring a new era of entrepreneurship in the Himalayan nation.

For entrepreneurs eager to participate, applications are open through the official platform. For viewers, the journey begins on July 2—tune in to witness Nepal’s entrepreneurial spirit in action.