Srinagar, Jan 11: A Srinagar-based startup, ‘Curve Electric’, captured national attention with its innovative e-bike sharing solution on ‘Shark Tank India Season 4’- a business reality show on Sony Television.

While two young Kashmiri entrepreneurs Sheikh Yameen and Zubair Bhat- were not able to generate funds in the show, but they walked away with loads of positive wishes.

The ‘Curve Electric’ launched in 2023 is known for starting Kashmir’s first e-bicycle sharing fleet in collaboration with Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL).

At the show Sheikh Yameen and Zubair Bhat, impressed the panel of ‘sharks’ with their vision for sustainable urban mobility and its commitment to eco-friendly commuting.

They said their startup has helped environment by saving 145 metric tonnes of carbon emissions.

“The company, founded with a mission to revolutionize transportation, has already made significant strides. With over 55,000 rides completed, covering 720,000 kilometers, and saving 145 metric tonnes of carbon emissions, Curve Electric stands as a beacon of Kashmiri ingenuity and environmental consciousness,” they said.

The panel of judges, which included Anupam Mittal, Vineeta Singh, Aman Gupta, Peyush Bansal, and newcomer Kunal Bahl, praised the entrepreneurs for their tenacity and innovative approach. Bansal, in particular, was impressed by their customer-centric model, which eliminates onboarding barriers such as app downloads and security deposits.

The two highlighted not only its achievements but also its ambitious growth plans.

The duo revealed their intention to expand operations to other mountainous towns like Shimla and Mussoorie, as well as to over 1,400 college campuses across India. They also discussed their collaborations with major institutions and hotel chains to further integrate their services.

Speaking on the show, the entrepreneurs shared their passion for creating an environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional transportation. Their custom-designed e-bikes and seamless customer experience are at the core of their offering, which has already garnered a loyal user base in Kashmir.

“There is a little complexity here. There is a lot of dependence on governments, and from what I’ve seen in all the other companies, the setting that you have to do with governments and local bodies, it becomes a make or break situation. Your expansion will not depend on your ambition, it will depend on where you get the local support,” Vineeta explained.

Yameen nodded in agreement, and said that they haven’t had any losses yet, and have raised a round of investment already, valuing their company at Rs 8.5 crore.

Each of them backed out of the deal, but Peyush bid the founders farewell on a positive note.

Addressing Yameen, he said, “It’s like looking at a mirror, you are me. You are saying everything

I would have said 10 years back. The detailed customer-focused obsession you have, I have not seen in Shark Tank in four years.”

In the end, the two entrepreneurs walked away with no deal, but loads of positive wishes.

“Shark Tank India gave us an incredible platform to share our dream of revolutionizing urban mobility. Coming from Srinagar, this journey represents not just Curve Electric, but the untapped potential of Kashmiri youth. We’re excited for what lies ahead,” Yameen said.

UNI