Shaily Mehrotra, co-founder of Fixderma and one of the new sharks on Shark Tank India Season 5, recently voiced strong concerns regarding a pitch by Lewisia Wellness, a company presenting a "naturopath" solution that appeared to promote fairness. Mehrotra, known for her grounded approach and emphasis on authenticity, didn't hold back in criticizing the concept of selling fairness, particularly to vulnerable individuals.
Mehrotra's disapproval stems from her deep-rooted values and experiences in building Fixderma, a science-backed skincare brand valued at approximately ₹1,500 crore. Her journey, from Varanasi to Stanford and then to building a successful company, has instilled in her a strong sense of ethics and a focus on genuine solutions rather than exploiting insecurities. She believes in sincerity over showmanship, a principle that has guided her approach to work and investments.
During an interview, Mehrotra articulated her discomfort with the "naturopath" pitch, highlighting the potential harm in promoting fairness as a desirable trait. She questioned the ethics of targeting vulnerable individuals with products that capitalize on societal pressures and insecurities related to skin color. Her stance reflects a broader concern about the beauty industry's often problematic marketing tactics and the need for responsible entrepreneurship.
Mehrotra's investment philosophy on Shark Tank India prioritizes founder authenticity, long-term vision, and a genuine desire to solve problems. She looks for founders who have a deep understanding of their space, are honest about the challenges, and are committed to building something lasting. Her aversion to the "fairness" pitch aligns perfectly with these values, as she seeks to support businesses built on integrity and real solutions.
Mehrotra's background in building Fixderma without external funding until 2020 further shapes her perspective. She understands the challenges of bootstrapping and the importance of building trust through transparency and genuine engagement. This experience makes her particularly sensitive to pitches that seem to prioritize profit over ethical considerations and genuine customer needs.
As a shark, Mehrotra brings a calm and empathetic voice to the panel, informed by years of experience in a competitive consumer market. Her criticism of the "naturopath" pitch underscores her commitment to promoting responsible entrepreneurship and challenging harmful beauty standards. She actively seeks to guide investment conversations toward ventures that demonstrate a clear understanding of their market, honesty in their approach, and a readiness to dedicate themselves to creating a sustainable and impactful business.
