Shark Tank Thoughts: A Viewer's Take

I'm not a big fan of Shark Tank, but I watched many episodes during my travels. Here are a few things that caught my attention:

1. They introduced a new concept called "Royalty," which is like a mix of equity and debt funds. In the early or growth stages, businesses can struggle to scale with interest or EMI payments. It's like combining equity and debts, and I think it can distract businesses from focusing on growth. Investors often ask for 1.5x to 3x as royalty, making sense for business but not always a win-win for startup founders. Many new entrepreneurs are smartly rejecting this offer.
2. I like the idea of asking celebrity or guest sharks A question. It adds value by clarifying startup buzzwords and sharing their inspiring stories of overcoming challenges.
3. It was also noticed that Founders are not necessarily coming for funds. Founders look forward to expert advice or professional value addition to anticipate challenges and resolving proactively.
4. The program's theme isn't necessarily about investing in great ideas or very early-stage or beta-stage startups. Most sharks seem to invest in small, successful businesses, which might not contribute much to the innovation and ideas that are the soul of the startup ecosystem. This approach can instill fear in aspiring entrepreneurs, but it's also an opportunity to learn from others' mistakes.
5. Many people watch Shark Tank for entertainment, and some are interested in discovering new innovative products. While it may not always contribute to the growth of groundbreaking ideas, it serves its purpose in providing entertainment and showcasing new products to the audience.