SharkTank Nepal Episode 1: Deal?

Bhola Food — an aspiring Nepali startup serving authentic Nepali meals, secured an opening investment deal on the SharkTank platform.
Source: Himalaya TV | Facebook

 


 

Bhola Foods

Investment Summary

Founder

Sweta Pandey

Investors (Shark)

Cabinet Shrestha, Saurabh Jyoti, Anand Bagaria, Hem Raj Dhakal

Original Ask

85 lakh for 12% equity | Valuation: 7.08 crore

Investment Secured

1 crore for 20% equity | Valuation: 4 crore

Started in 2078 BS by Sweta Pandey and her mother, Bhola Foods is a platform providing Nepali meals and snacks tailored for corporate offices and work settings.

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Business model and growth

Bhola shifted to a B2B corporate meal model in serving office lunches and events, which led the business to a remarkable growth.

Total Revenue % Growth

2023 AD

Rs. 34,00,000

2024 AD

Rs. 1,64,00,000

382%

2025 AD (targeted) Rs. 2,16,00,000

31.7%

On the profitability front, Bhola aims to improve its margin steadily, targeting a 12% profit margin in the current year, up from 7% the previous year, from the core business.

This growth suggests a rising demand for healthy Nepali meals provided by Bhola Food. With its proven core business in the B2B model, Bhola Food is now working to vertically integrate its business, expanding into a new customer segment.

Alongside the regular operation, Bhola Food has also been catering for events on an unofficial basis. This side business has shown a robust potential and presents an opportunity to develop. The team plans to formalize its service as a vegetarian catering wing, specifically targeting family rituals and cultural occasions.

Moreover, Bhola Foods also plans to develop a ready-to-eat (RET) product line, aimed at individual customers who want to enjoy authentic Nepali food with ease and convenience. This new line will ensure traditional dishes are available anytime and anywhere. 

Based on the initial research and testing, the RET product has a minimum shelf life of 2 months, making it ideal for local retail distribution. While the core product formulation has been established, the line is still under development. 

To take this product to market and scale its next phase of growth, Bhola Food seeks an investment of 85 lakh in exchange for 12% of its equity through Shark Tank. 

In this, the major portion of approximately 70% will be dedicated towards RET development — product packaging, conducting market research, and establishing retail distribution channels. 

Whereas, the remaining portion will be utilized to promote and formalize the vegetarian catering business, helping Bhola Food to reach more customers and turn this in-demand service into a structured vertical business.

As a result of its growth potential and product design for everyday convenience, Bhola Food secured an investment of Rs. 1 crore in exchange for 20% equity. The pitch impressed 4 sharks — Cabinet Shrestha, Saurabh Jyoti, Anand Bagaria, Hem Raj Dhakal — who came on board as strategic partners to support the brand’s growth.

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Source: Himalaya TV | Facebook

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