Kolkata Startup GAPPU Strikes a Chord on Shark Tank India Season 5, Secures Investment Deal

Kolkata’s startup ecosystem continues to gain national recognition as GAPPU, a homegrown lifestyle musical instruments brand, recently featured on Shark Tank India Season 5 and successfully secured an investment deal on the show.

Founded by Anirban Bhattacharya and Pallab Ghosh, GAPPU is an Indian musical instrument brand focused on creating handmade percussion instruments for musicians, creators, and music enthusiasts. The brand has carved a niche by blending craftsmanship, functionality, and portability, making music more accessible for people on the move.

GAPPU’s product portfolio includes cajons, shakers, bongos, tambourines, and a variety of percussion accessories. Designed to be lightweight and travel-friendly, the instruments cater not only to professional musicians but also to hobbyists, content creators, and learners. The founders emphasised that their goal is to enable people to create rhythm anytime, anywhere, without compromising on sound quality or durability.

Entering the tank, the founders sought an investment of ₹30 lakh for 1% equity, valuing the company at ₹30 crore. During the negotiations, the sharks discussed the brand’s craftsmanship, market opportunity, and scalability, while also examining manufacturing costs and margins in a niche but passionate category.

After deliberations, Amit Jain presented a counter offer of ₹10 lakh for 3% equity, along with ₹20 lakh as debt at 12% interest for a tenure of three years. Recognising the strategic value of Amit Jain’s mentorship and industry experience, the founders accepted the offer, successfully closing the deal on the show.

The appearance on Shark Tank India Season 5 marks a significant milestone for GAPPU, providing not only capital but also nationwide visibility. For Kolkata’s growing startup ecosystem, GAPPU’s journey highlights how regional brands rooted in craftsmanship and authenticity can compete and win on a national platform.

With fresh capital and strategic backing, GAPPU now aims to scale production, expand its product range, and reach a wider audience of music lovers across India, while staying true to its handcrafted roots and passion for rhythm.