Kathmandu, June 24
Shark Tank Nepal has quickly emerged as a force of transformation in the country’s growing startup ecosystem. More than just a business reality show, it is a national stage where ideas are tested, refined, and funded. Adapted from the internationally acclaimed Shark Tank franchise, the Nepali version airs on Himalaya Television, connecting local entrepreneurs with investors—known as “Sharks”—who bring experience, capital, and strategic mentorship to the table.
As Nepal sees a surge in entrepreneurial ambition, the show provides a platform that many startups have long needed: access to funding, visibility, and expert guidance. With each episode, Shark Tank Nepal celebrates the spirit of innovation rooted in local challenges and aspirations—be it through eco-conscious products, digital platforms, or scalable services. The format may be global, but its essence is unmistakably Nepali.
Integral to the show’s success is its panel of Sharks—leaders from diverse sectors who invest not only their money but also their vision. One such standout is Ananda Bagaria, a pioneering figure in Nepal’s agribusiness sector and a role model for sustainable entrepreneurship.
Bagaria, an industrial and production engineer by training, founded Nimbus in 2000. What began as a modest venture has grown into a 13-billion-rupee company operating across 70 districts, employing over 500 professionals, and working directly with more than 35,000 farmers. His foresight helped transform agriculture and feed processing in Nepal, long before the sector became a national priority.
Under his leadership, Nimbus introduced the country’s first pellet feed mill and became the first feed company in Nepal to receive ISO 9001:2008 certification. Its flagship product, Shakti Pellet Feed, remains the only NS-certified animal feed in the country. Nimbus also broke new ground with Himalayan Happy Pet, Nepal’s first domestically produced dog food, and extended its consumer reach with the FMCG brands Byanjan and Sunaulo.
The company’s operational backbone includes nine depots and three warehouses in key locations like Kathmandu, Parsa, Sunsari, and Kohalpur, supported by a vast distribution network of over 250 dealers and 500 sub-dealers. Bagaria’s team features professionals ranging from veterinarians and MBAs to engineers and agricultural experts, highlighting his emphasis on professionalism and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Bagaria’s impact extends beyond agribusiness. He invested in Tootle, Nepal’s first ride-sharing app, and is now venturing into e-commerce to revolutionize FMCG distribution. His industrial contributions span packaging, chemicals, and resin production, showcasing a broad and future-focused entrepreneurial vision.
Equally committed to social impact, he co-founded the Himalayan Climate Initiative (HCI), a non-profit that fosters climate resilience in Nepal. His innovations, like the Bird Flu Insurance Scheme, have also provided vital support to poultry farmers.
Ananda Bagaria embodies the very spirit Shark Tank Nepal celebrates—visionary leadership, grassroots transformation, and long-term sustainability. Through platforms like this, and mentors like him, Nepal’s entrepreneurial future looks not just promising, but powerful.
