The global phenomenon show “Shark Tank” is finally coming to Bangladesh as Shark Tank Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s top OTT platform, Bongo, signed a deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment to bring the world’s number-one business show to Bangladesh.
“Shark Tank” allows entrepreneurs to pitch their business idea to a panel of investors, known as “Sharks”, who can offer the entrepreneurs cash for a deal if they like the opportunity. Whether it is a prototype of a new product, an existing product or service, or a company looking for a financial injection to grow, the entrepreneurs have to convince the five “Sharks” to invest in their idea and help turn their life’s work into a household name.
Since launching in 2001 as “Money Tigers” on Nippon TV in Japan, the format has become a phenomenal worldwide success. It is produced in territories on every continent under a variety of names including “Dragon’s Den”, “Lion’s Den,” and of course “Shark Tank.” The format has seen Dragons, Lions, and Sharks, all hugely successful entrepreneurs themselves, invest nearly $1 billion through all versions of the franchise across the globe, enabling dozens of companies to grow significantly. Entrepreneurs who have been onboarded into the “Shark” ecosystem have seen massive growth and generated billions of dollars in sales after receiving deals and being featured on the show.
Shooting for the much-anticipated show is scheduled to kick off on February 12th, after having screened more than 2,000 companies to select the best businesses. Producers from Sony, Arch Dyson, and Kevin Hyland, who have helped supervise and produce versions of the show around the world, will be present in Dhaka to unveil the Sharks and oversee the first few days of the shoot.
After a long wait, the panel of Bangladeshi Sharks is ready to be unveiled. The investors, aka Sharks, are all business leaders in their own right and are excited to hear the pitches from the innovative Bengali entrepreneurs.
Robi is the “Title Sponsor,” Startup Bangladesh is the “Powered By Sponsor,” Tally is the “Co-Sponsor”, Prime Bank is the “Banking Partner,” Olympic Foodie Instant Noodles is the “Snacks Partner,” Sunquick is the “Beverage Partner,” Yellow by Beximco is the “Wardrobe Partner”, Kloth Studio is the “Style Partner”, Holiday Inn is the “Hospitality Partner”, Inn Star is the “Pre-Pitch Interview Room Partner”, Euro Vigil Security Services is the “Security Partner”, Raw Exposure is the “Photography Partner”, Live2Web is the “Backstory Partner”, Chows is the “Restaurant Partner”,Miniso is the “Gift Partner” and Concito is the “PR Partner” of Shark Tank Bangladesh Season 1. Deepto TV will broadcast the inaugural season of the show while it will be streamed on Bongo.
Shark Tank Bangladesh Season 1: The Sharks
Sami Ahmed
Startup Bangladesh
Sami Ahmed, Managing Director and CEO of Startup Bangladesh Limited (SBL), a Government Venture Capital firm, spearheads seed-stage and growth-stage startup investments. He is committed to helping empower the local startup ecosystem and has dedicated his career to helping improve the tech landscape in Bangladesh. Previously, he advised LICT and held pivotal roles in Bangladesh’s IT-ITES Industry and BASIS. His influence extends to the Government and private sector. With a background in computer science from the University of Texas, Austin, he leverages US experience to foster Bangladesh’s ICT growth. Recognized for shaping digital policies, Ahmed’s return to Bangladesh signifies a commitment to societal and national progress, solidifying his pivotal role in the country’s startup ecosystem.
Nazim Farhan Chowdhury
ADCOMM
Nazim Farhan Choudhury is a serial entrepreneur and a feminist. He is also the Managing Director of Adcomm Holding Group which has investments in Advertising, IT, Hospitality, and Media. They have also been active investors in the Bangladesh startup scene for over a decade. The most prominent of their investment is in one of the top 3 advertising agencies in Bangladesh. With stellar clients like Unilever, Akij Ventures, and a host of top brands in the country, Adcomm over the last 50 years has been a powerhouse in the advertising communication space. The group’s IT companies GraphicPeople, SoftwarePeople, and The Kow Company are amongst the country’s top ITES exporters, employing over 600 people. The group’s Nazimgarh Resorts runs two luxury resorts in Sylhet. Choudhury’s involvement in the start-up ecosystem has been proven by an enviable string of investments including Aamartaka, HandyMama, and Babuland among quite a few others. Choudhury is also an active mentor and is involved in voluntary organizations like the Jaago Foundation as a founding trustee. Choudhury’s commitment to innovation and excellence cements his influence in Bangladesh’s business community.
Golam Murshed
Majesto Limited/Ex-Walton
Golam Murshed, currently the Managing Director of Majesto Limited is a dedicated business leader who has left an enduring mark on Walton, a renowned conglomerate, over a decade-long career, where he helped catapult them into a multi-billion dollar company as the Managing Director. His commitment to excellence, innovative production, and assertive marketing strategies have positioned him as a prominent figure.Murshed’s exceptional leadership, coupled with his expertise in technology and product management, empowers him to navigate dynamic market landscapes effortlessly. His dedication to innovation and industry leadership is now poised to revolutionize the furniture industry.
Kazi Mahboob Hassan
R Ventures PLC
Kazi M. Hassan, CEO of Robi’s digital ventures arm R Ventures PLC, drives the company’s digital growth, collaborating with partners to enhance customer experiences. With an MBA from Oxford and FCCA qualification, he chairs ACCA Bangladesh’s Member Advisory Committee. Previously, Kazi led international strategies at logistics giant DELHIVERY, advised a2i on restructuring, and held key roles at local Telcos. He supports Bangladeshi startups, mentors entrepreneurs, and attracts foreign investments, contributing significantly to the country’s tech ecosystem.
Samanzar Khan
AKS Khan Holdings Ltd
Samanzar Khan is the Managing Director of A K S Khan Holdings Ltd, an investment and operating company that aggressively identifies and acquires companies in which it can leverage its strengths to generate superior earnings or market value. She is the eldest daughter of Mr. A K Shamsuddin Khan, Chairman of A K Khan & Co. Ltd. A Barrister by qualification, she graduated from the London School of Economics. She founded Bonex UK Ltd in 2008, marketing unique fire-fighting solutions in the UK and Europe. In 2010, she returned to Bangladesh to become the CEO of A K Khan Healthcare Trust, a non-profit founded by her father to enhance healthcare in Bangladesh. A decade on, she now manages a diverse portfolio of companies across different sectors ranging from healthcare, agriculture to education.
Fahim Mashroor
Bdjobs.com
Fahim Mashroor is Managing Director of Bdjobs.com, the most popular online job searching platform in the country. Fahim founded Bdjobs 23 years ago in 2000. Currently the company has over 300 members working in the 10 offices across the country. It is the first tech company that got valued by a global tech company. In 2015, SEEK Australia purchased its 25% share at a valuation of 25 Million USD. Fahim Mashroor has been investing actively in different tech startups in software, logistics, fintech and eCommerce. For his innovative contribution in the tech industry, Fahim has received a number of prestigious awards such as Best SME entrepreneurs by SME foundation and ICT Personality of the Year by ICT ministry.
Ahmed Ali
TISTA Science and Technology Corporation
Ahmed R. Ali, Founder and Chairman of TISTA Science and Technology Corporation, grew the company from a small operation to a thriving multimillion-dollar enterprise, emphasizing hard work and excellence. Inspired by Top Gun, he joined the military to fund his education, excelling as a radio frequency engineer. Transitioning to IT security, Ahmed founded TISTA, overcoming challenges with determination to take his cyber security firm to a several thousand crore annual revenue company which he built from the ground up. Raised by Bangladeshi immigrant parents, he values giving back to the country and honors his heritage through TISTA’s name. Ahmed’s story reflects resilience, service, and a commitment to impact.
In addition to these Sharks, several other high-profile female entrepreneurs will be joining the Tank. Their names will be shared soon.
