Shark Tank Nepal to return for second season on Himalaya Television after Dashain

KATHMANDU: Shark Tank Nepal will return to Himalaya Television for a second season shortly after Dashain. The series has already secured investment deals worth Rs 601.2 million for participating entrepreneurs.

The reality television programme, which challenges entrepreneurs to pitch business ideas to a panel of investors, has attracted attention both domestically and internationally. A press meet and sponsorship signing ceremony in Kathmandu on Monday launched the season's promotional video and formally introduced the returning panel of investors.

All five investors, known as 'sharks', from the first season will return. The panel comprises Ananda Bagaria, managing director of Nimbus Group; Cabinet Shrestha, managing director of Agni Group; Hemraj Dhakal, co-founder of IME Group; Saurabh Jyoti, chairman of Padma Jyoti Group; and Ritu Singh Vaidya, managing director of VOITH.

Shyam Kandel, executive director at Himalaya Television, said the show's financial growth was evident. "Deals worth around Rs 600 million have been made in Season 2, which clearly shows how much bigger and more successful the second season has become," he said.

Global IME Bank is presenting the second season, which is powered by Xtreme Energy Drink, Proton e.Mas and FoneBiz. Associate sponsors include Everest Hotel, Berger, Zuvara, Asian Batteries, Presidential Graduate School, IME Life Insurance, Talent Connects, Jackpot, Study Square, Ather, Marvel Technoplast and Samsung.

Speaking at the sponsorship event, Santosh Shrestha, chairperson of the Advertisement Board, emphasised the importance of execution in business. "A great idea isn't enough. If you have the passion, the willingness, and the idea to solve consumer problems, then you can start any type of business," he said.

The ceremony concluded with a panel discussion in which the five investors reflected on their experiences from the first season and set out expectations for the upcoming episodes. The programme aims to remain a continuous source of inspiration and encouragement for startups across Nepal.