In 2023, Shyle, a women’s intimate apparel brand, captivated audiences on *Shark Tank India*, securing a landmark deal that propelled its growth. Founded by entrepreneur **Shruti Gupta**, the Delhi-based startup pitched its innovative, comfort-focused lingerie line to the Sharks, walking away with funding that reshaped its trajectory. The episode, aired on SonyLIV, highlighted Gupta’s compelling story and Shyle’s mission to redefine women’s innerwear in India. This article dives into Shyle’s journey, its founder’s vision, the funding success, and its growing market presence.
From Vision to Victory: Shyle’s Origin Story
Shruti Gupta launched Shyle in 2017, driven by a gap she noticed in India’s lingerie market: a lack of comfortable, affordable, and stylish options for women. With a background in fashion design and business, Gupta aimed to create innerwear that prioritized fit and functionality without compromising aesthetics. Shyle’s products, ranging from bras to loungewear, quickly gained traction online, particularly among young urban women.
Gupta’s pitch on *Shark Tank India* emphasized her personal connection to the brand. “I wanted women to feel confident and comfortable in their skin,” she said during the episode, a sentiment that resonated with the Sharks and viewers alike. Her authenticity and clear business acumen set the stage for Shyle’s breakthrough moment.
Why it matters: Shyle’s focus on comfort-driven design taps into a growing demand for inclusive, body-positive fashion, a trend reshaping India’s retail landscape.
The Shark Tank Deal: A Game-Changing Investment
On *Shark Tank India* Season 2, Gupta sought ₹50 lakh (approximately $60,000 USD) for 5% equity in Shyle. Her pitch highlighted the brand’s annual revenue of ₹10 crore (around $1.2 million USD) and a loyal customer base built through e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Myntra. The Sharks were impressed by Shyle’s scalability and Gupta’s hands-on approach to product development.
After intense negotiations, **Namita Thapar**, Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, and **Vineeta Singh**, CEO of SUGAR Cosmetics, offered ₹50 lakh for 10% equity, valuing Shyle at ₹5 crore (about $600,000 USD). Gupta accepted, citing the Sharks’ expertise in retail and branding as key to Shyle’s next growth phase.
Why it matters: The deal not only provided capital but also access to mentorship, helping Shyle expand its offline presence and compete with global brands like Zivame.
Shyle’s Net Worth and Market Impact
Post-*Shark Tank*, Shyle’s valuation soared. Industry estimates suggest the brand’s net worth reached ₹10–15 crore (approximately $1.2–1.8 million USD) by mid-2024, driven by increased sales and brand visibility. According to a 2024 report by Statista, India’s lingerie market is projected to grow at a 12% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2028, and Shyle is well-positioned to capture a significant share.
Shyle’s e-commerce sales spiked by 40% within six months of the *Shark Tank* episode, per a Business Standard analysis. The brand also launched new product lines, including sustainable fabrics, aligning with consumer demand for eco-conscious fashion.
Why it matters: Shyle’s growth reflects the rising influence of direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands in India, challenging traditional retail giants.
Case Study: A Blueprint for D2C Success
Shyle’s journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. A 2023 case study by IIM Bangalore highlighted Shyle’s strategic use of digital marketing, leveraging Instagram and influencer partnerships to build a community of over 100,000 followers. The brand’s focus on customer feedback—incorporating reviews into product design—further strengthened its loyalty base.
For example, Shyle’s “Perfect Fit” bra line was developed after analyzing over 5,000 customer surveys, ensuring sizes and styles catered to diverse body types. This data-driven approach mirrors successful D2C brands like Licious, which grew through customer-centric innovation.
“Shyle’s success shows how empathy and innovation can disrupt traditional markets,” said **Rohit Bansal**, co-founder of Snapdeal, in a 2024 Economic Times interview. “Their *Shark Tank* moment was just the start.”
Why it matters: Shyle’s playbook—combining digital savvy with customer insights—serves as a model for startups navigating India’s competitive D2C space.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite its success, Shyle faces hurdles. Scaling offline retail while maintaining quality is a key challenge, as is competing with international brands entering India. Rising raw material costs, noted in a 2024 Mint report, could also pressure margins. Gupta has emphasized sustainable sourcing and operational efficiency to counter these risks.
Shyle plans to open 10 retail stores by 2026 and expand into Tier-2 cities, where demand for branded innerwear is growing. The brand is also exploring international markets, with early talks for distribution in the Middle East, per a YourStory report.
Why it matters: Shyle’s expansion signals India’s maturing startup ecosystem, where homegrown brands are eyeing global markets.
A Broader Impact
Shyle’s *Shark Tank* success is more than a business win—it’s a story of empowerment and innovation. Shruti Gupta’s journey from a small-scale entrepreneur to a national name underscores the power of persistence and vision. For Indian women, Shyle’s products offer confidence and comfort, challenging outdated norms in a traditionally underserved market.
The brand’s rise also highlights *Shark Tank India*’s role in amplifying startups. Since its debut, the show has catalyzed over ₹200 crore (about $24 million USD) in investments for Indian businesses, per a 2024 Forbes India report. Shyle’s story is a testament to this platform’s impact.
As Shyle scales new heights, its blend of purpose and profit offers a compelling case for the future of Indian entrepreneurship. For Gupta and her team, the *Shark Tank* deal was just the beginning of a much larger story.
Shyle on Shark Tank: Frequently Asked Question
1. What is Shyle, and what products does it offer?
Answer: Shyle is a Delhi-based women’s intimate apparel brand founded in 2017 by Shruti Gupta. It specializes in comfortable, stylish, and affordable lingerie, including bras, panties, loungewear, and shapewear. Shyle emphasizes fit, functionality, and body-positive designs, catering primarily to urban Indian women through e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Myntra.
2. Who is the founder of Shyle?
Answer: Shyle was founded by Shruti Gupta, a fashion design and business graduate with a passion for addressing gaps in India’s lingerie market. Gupta’s vision was to create innerwear that combines comfort and confidence, drawing from her understanding of consumer needs and product innovation.
3. What happened during Shyle’s Shark Tank India pitch?
Answer: In Season 2 of *Shark Tank India* (2023), Shruti Gupta pitched Shyle, seeking ₹50 lakh (about $60,000 USD) for 5% equity. She highlighted the brand’s ₹10 crore ($1.2 million USD) annual revenue and strong online presence. Namita Thapar and Vineeta Singh offered ₹50 lakh for 10% equity, which Gupta accepted, valuing Shyle at ₹5 crore ($600,000 USD).
4. How much is Shyle worth after Shark Tank?
Answer: Post-*Shark Tank*, industry estimates place Shyle’s net worth between ₹10–15 crore (approximately $1.2–1.8 million USD) as of mid-2024. The brand’s valuation grew due to a 40% sales surge and increased brand visibility following the episode, according to a Business Standard report.
5. What was the impact of the Shark Tank deal on Shyle?
Answer: The ₹50 lakh investment from Namita Thapar and Vineeta Singh fueled Shyle’s expansion, including new product lines like sustainable fabrics and plans for offline retail stores. The Sharks’ mentorship in retail and branding helped Shyle strengthen its market position and compete with brands like Zivame.
6. How does Shyle stand out in the lingerie market?
Answer: Shyle differentiates itself through comfort-driven, inclusive designs and a data-driven approach. For instance, its “Perfect Fit” bra line was developed using insights from over 5,000 customer surveys. The brand’s focus on affordability and eco-conscious materials also aligns with growing consumer trends, as noted in a 2024 Statista report on India’s lingerie market.
7. What are Shyle’s future plans?
Answer: Shyle aims to open 10 retail stores by 2026 and expand into Tier-2 cities in India, where demand for branded innerwear is rising. The brand is also exploring international markets, with early discussions for distribution in the Middle East, according to a 2024 YourStory report.
8. What challenges does Shyle face?
Answer: Shyle faces challenges in scaling offline retail while maintaining quality and competing with global brands entering India. Rising raw material costs, as reported by Mint in 2024, could impact margins. Shyle is addressing these through sustainable sourcing and operational efficiencies.
9. Why is Shyle’s story significant?
Answer: Shyle’s success highlights the rise of direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands in India and the impact of platforms like *Shark Tank India*, which has facilitated over ₹200 crore ($24 million USD) in startup investments, per a 2024 Forbes India report. It also underscores the growing demand for body-positive, women-centric products.
10. Where can I buy Shyle products?
Answer: Shyle products are available on major e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Myntra, and the brand’s official website. As of 2024, Shyle is also planning to launch physical retail stores to enhance accessibility.s
Shyle’s appearance on Shark Tank India in 2023 sparked widespread interest in the brand’s journey, funding success, and future plans. Below, we answer the most common questions about Shyle, its founder, and its impact, based on the brand’s story and market presence.
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Last Updated on: Friday, May 9, 2025 8:40 pm by Sai Jyothi | Published by: Sai Jyothi on Friday, May 9, 2025 8:39 pm | News Categories: News, Trending
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