3 min read
KARACHI — Shark Tank Pakistan, launched recently by Grenlit Studios, promised to bring a new era of opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs in Pakistan. With major sponsors like Imtiaz, EBM, Lipton, PEL, etc. backing the show, expectations were high for a program that could inspire and support Pakistan’s startup ecosystem.
However, despite its glitzy production and notable corporate support, Shark Tank Pakistan has left some viewers and industry insiders questioning whether it missed a chance to build a truly impactful panel that could resonate more deeply with Pakistani entrepreneurs.
The Value of Local Industry Leaders
Globally, Shark Tank and shows like Dragon’s Den have seen great success not only because of the capital that panelists bring but because of their own journeys as self-made entrepreneurs. These shows feature figures who have scaled businesses from the ground up, often overcoming real-world operational challenges that resonate with founders watching at home. In fact, the CEOs of the show’s sponsors—such as Imtiaz, EBM, and PEL— or other on ground players could have brought an unparalleled level of local business acumen, offering insights into Pakistan’s unique market dynamics. Their practical experience would likely have benefited contestants more than the traditional VC focus.
Instead, Shark Tank Pakistan has opted for a venture capital-heavy panel. While VCs like Faisal Aftab of Zayn VC and Rabeel Warraich of Sarmayacar certainly have strong portfolios in Pakistan’s tech and digital sectors, they represent a narrower slice of the entrepreneurial journey. Their expertise in tech and finance is valuable, yet may not address the broad spectrum of challenges faced by entrepreneurs in sectors like manufacturing, retail, and consumer goods.
Limited Diversity in Panel Backgrounds
The lineup, which includes figures like Junaid Iqbal from Careem and Romanna Dada from the fashion industry, showcases some variety, but it lacks the deep representation of sectors that define the broader Pakistani economy. In Shark Tank India, the inclusion of diverse panelists, such as Aman Gupta of boAt (consumer electronics) and Vineeta Singh of Sugar Cosmetics, has made the show relatable to viewers across multiple industries, from manufacturing to retail to tech. By drawing only from the VC and tech worlds, Shark Tank Pakistan may be missing the opportunity to engage a wider audience and bring richer, cross-industry expertise to aspiring founders. The original mark or ground humor that is one of the shining features of Shark Tank franchise seems missing in the Pakistan show.
Production Quality and Potential
The episode’s production quality (inspired by Shark Tank India) and informative approach to business terminology (thanks to Shark Junaid’s timely explanations) have won praise, yet the lack of panel diversity left some viewers questioning the decision. A broader range of industry backgrounds could make the show more relatable and provide richer insights into challenges that span beyond tech and finance.
With a few strategic changes, Shark Tank Pakistan has the potential to become a true game-changer. By inviting CEOs and founders of leading local brands who have experienced the challenges of building and scaling their own companies, the show still can offer an invaluable learning experience for Pakistan’s next generation of entrepreneurs. Expanding the panel’s expertise beyond the tech and venture capital sectors would provide contestants—and viewers—deeper insights into growth strategies, operational challenges, and market adaptation, all crucial for scaling businesses in Pakistan’s complex market.
By aligning its shark panel with the real-world experiences of Pakistan’s business veterans, Shark Tank Pakistan can evolve into a powerful force in Pakistan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem—on par with the global impact of Shark Tank and Dragon’s Den.
