As Shark Tank Nepal premieres on July 2, 2025, on Himalaya TV, it brings a wave of excitement and skepticism. The Nepali adaptation of the global business reality show aims to ignite entrepreneurial spirit across households, but doubts linger about its ability to drive meaningful economic change in a country grappling with structural challenges. While the show offers a platform for innovation, concerns about the “sharks,” Nepal’s economic landscape, and weak intellectual property protections cast a shadow over its potential impact.
The Sharks: Traders or Trailblazers?
The panel of sharks—Hem Raj Dhakal, Saurabh Jyoti, Ritu Singh Vaidya, Cabinet Shrestha, and Anand Bagaria—comprises influential business leaders with expertise in sectors like finance, manufacturing, automotive, and agribusiness. However, skepticism abounds regarding their ability to mentor true entrepreneurship. Many are seen as traders thriving in Nepal’s import-driven economy, leveraging remittance inflows (estimated at $12 billion annually, or 28% of GDP in 2024) to dominate markets like automotive and retail. Critics argue their wealth stems from importing goods rather than fostering local production or innovation, raising questions about their capacity to guide startups toward sustainable, productive ventures.
For instance, Saurabh Jyoti, Chairperson of Padma Jyoti Group, oversees a conglomerate with interests in trading and manufacturing, including Honda’s authorized distributorship. Similarly, Ritu Singh Vaidya, Managing Director of United Traders Syndicate (Toyota Nepal), is lauded for customer-centric strategies but operates in an import-heavy sector. Anand Bagaria, however, stands out with Nimbus Holdings’ focus on agribusiness, connecting 35,000 farmers and pioneering Nepal’s first ISO-certified pellet feed mill. Yet, even his ventures are critiqued for prioritizing scalability over disruptive innovation.
The sharks’ dominance in traditional sectors fuels doubts about their ability to champion groundbreaking ideas, particularly in productive areas like local manufacturing or green energy. Posts on X reflect mixed sentiment, with some praising their mentorship potential, while others question whether they’ll prioritize flashy IT startups over less glamorous but critical sectors like agriculture or handicrafts.
Economic Landscape
Nepal’s economic challenges amplify skepticism about Shark Tank Nepal’s transformative potential. The country faces high business costs (double the South Asian average), lengthy startup processes (22.5 days vs. 14.5 regionally), and limited access to finance due to stringent collateral requirements. An import-dependent economy, coupled with infrastructure gaps like unreliable power and poor supply chains, stifles local production. Remittances, while a lifeline, are often funneled into consumption or imports rather than productive investments, with critics arguing that the sharks’ businesses perpetuate this cycle.
The show’s focus is expected to lean heavily toward IT startups, given their global appeal and scalability. However, Nepal’s productive sectors—agriculture, manufacturing, and handicrafts—desperately need investment to reduce import reliance and boost self-reliance. For example, only 1.5% of Nepal’s GDP comes from manufacturing, compared to 13% regionally. The sharks’ portfolios, heavily weighted toward trading and services, may not align with the needs of these underrepresented sectors, limiting the show’s ability to drive broad economic impact.
Innovation and Intellectual Property Concerns
A significant barrier to Shark Tank Nepal’s success is Nepal’s weak intellectual property (IP) framework. The country lacks a robust authority to enforce IP rights, and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) are rarely used, leaving innovators vulnerable to idea theft. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) notes that Nepal’s IP laws, governed by the outdated Patent, Design, and Trademark Act of 1965, are ill-equipped for modern innovation ecosystems. This gap raises fears that pitches on the show could be replicated by competitors, deterring genuine innovators from participating.
Globally, Shark Tank thrives in environments with strong IP protections, allowing entrepreneurs to pitch confidently. In Nepal, the absence of such safeguards could stifle creativity, particularly in tech and product-based startups. For instance, a 2022 analysis of Shark Tank India highlighted how patentable products, like a Braille learning device, benefited from India’s stronger IP framework. Without similar protections, Nepali entrepreneurs may hesitate to share disruptive ideas, limiting the show’s ability to showcase transformative innovation.
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite these challenges, Shark Tank Nepal offers a beacon of hope. The show’s platform could demystify entrepreneurship for Nepal’s youth, who face high unemployment (19% in 2024) and limited opportunities. By showcasing local “fishes” (entrepreneurs), it may inspire a new generation to pursue business ventures, even if only a few secure deals. The show’s visibility—airing every Wednesday and Thursday at 9 PM on Himalaya TV—could amplify success stories, with past Shark Tank franchises demonstrating a “Shark Tank effect” that boosts sales 10- to 20-fold for featured businesses.
The sharks’ mentorship, beyond just funding, is another positive. Hem Raj Dhakal’s work with IME Group and SastoDeal highlights a commitment to digital transformation, while Anand Bagaria’s agribusiness innovations could guide startups toward sustainable models. Social media buzz on X suggests enthusiasm for local stories, with viewers eager to see solutions tailored to Nepal’s unique challenges, like rural-focused products or sustainable farming.
Moreover, the show could spark conversations about reforming Nepal’s business environment. By highlighting barriers like high costs and weak IP laws, it may pressure policymakers to simplify regulations or strengthen protections, aligning with calls for reduced bureaucratic hurdles and better access to finance. Even if the sharks’ investments favor IT over productive sectors, the exposure could attract additional investors, as seen in other Shark Tank markets where featured startups secured follow-on funding.
Conclusion: A Catalyst with Caveats
Shark Tank Nepal arrives at a critical juncture, offering a platform to elevate Nepal’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Yet, its impact is tempered by systemic challenges: an import-driven economy, a trader-heavy shark panel, and inadequate IP protections. While the show may not immediately transform productive sectors or local manufacturing, its potential to inspire, educate, and connect entrepreneurs with opportunities is undeniable. By fostering a culture of risk-taking and innovation, Shark Tank Nepal could plant the seeds for a more robust economy—provided it navigates the skepticism and delivers on its promise to uplift Nepal’s dreamers and doers.
