The latest episode of Shark Tank India saw an interesting pitch from Rubeina Karachiwalla, the founder of Ruby’s Organics, a homegrown organic cosmetics brand. While the pitch started smoothly, it soon turned into a heated discussion when Vineeta Singh, co-founder of Sugar Cosmetics, took issue with Rubeina’s claim that her products were safer than those of competitors.
The Pitch: A Bold Claim Sparks Debate
Rubeina introduced Ruby’s Organics as a brand dedicated to creating clean, organic, and toxin-free beauty products. She emphasized that many mainstream brands mislead customers and use ingredients that may not be safe. However, she did not name any specific brands.
This statement did not sit well with Vineeta Singh, who argued that the ingredients Rubeina referred to are used in negligible amounts, making them safe for use. Rubeina clarified her stance, saying:
“Our focus is not to demonize other brands, but to be more mindful and thoughtful about the ingredients we do use… It’s more of a precautionary approach, that’s it.”
The Investment Ask and Valuation
Rubeina sought ₹1 crore for a 2.5% equity, valuing Ruby’s Organics at ₹40 crore. She shared that the company:
• Is targeting over ₹7 crore in revenue this year
• Previously raised ₹2 crore at a ₹10 crore valuation
• Uses certified ingredients (ECOCERT, COSMOS), but isn’t yet certified as a brand due to high costs
Vineeta questioned why the brand hadn’t obtained certification yet, to which Rubeina responded:
“It’s very expensive, but I promise you it’s a part of the plan.”
Aman Gupta Challenges Rubeina’s Business Strategy
Aman Gupta of boAt expressed skepticism about Ruby’s Organics’ market potential, suggesting that the brand should consider expanding beyond just organic products. He said he wasn’t convinced by the company’s performance.
Rubeina, however, stood her ground, stating:
“No. Arey, I love what I do yaar. Tumhare liye kyu badle?”
This witty comeback left Aman blushing, but he ultimately backed out of the deal, along with Namita Thapar, Ritesh Agarwal, and Vineeta Singh.
The Verdict: No Deal, But a Strong Stand
Despite not securing an investment, Rubeina Karachiwalla left a strong impression, standing firm on her organic beauty philosophy. While the Sharks had their doubts about the scalability of her niche, Rubeina’s passion and commitment to clean beauty resonated with many viewers.
Would you invest in Ruby’s Organics? Let us know in the comments!
