Pitcher with Rs 16 lakh revenue demands Rs 5 crore valuation on Karan Johar-Manish Malhotra’s show Pitch to Get Rich, shocked judge responds

Though all eight episodes are currently streaming, the pressure starts to show early on. By the second episode, participants are visibly rattled by harsh criticisms from the judges, with some even engaging in heated arguments or expressing their frustration on camera.

One of the most notable moments came from the founders of Talking Thread by Pearl Uppal, who struggled to align with advice from Manish Malhotra and Karan Johar. The design icons suggested that they shift focus from a full collection to a more customised design approach. This feedback, however, didn’t sit well with the founders.

In the second episode, their task was to present a fashion show featuring the best of their collection. For the showstopper, they chose real-life bride Srishti Kocchar, who wore a customised lehenga adorned with eight motifs representing her love story. While the idea won praise from the judges, the collection itself didn’t quite make the mark.

Feeling disheartened, the founders expressed their frustration. “The reason we placed a showroom in Mehrauli wasn’t to compete with Manish. This aesthetic we bring, which may overlap with Manish’s domain, is unique in domains below him,” they explained.

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Later, in a conversation with other participants, the founders vented their frustration: “At the end of the day, they constantly want a design company. I am not building just a design company. Design is one element of my business.” They added with a hint of rivalry, “The bride who came to us had first gone to Manish, but ended up closing the deal with us.”

Next up was House of Armuse, a luxury bridal couture brand founded by Ayushi Jain. Confident about her expansive pastel collection, Ayushi’s presentation didn’t impress the judges, who described the products as “mediocre” and advised her to step up her game in the next round.

The other participants couldn’t help but discuss the harsh feedback. One commented, “They told her straight: ‘We’ve seen better products. These are mediocre.’ They even used the word ‘mediocre’!” To which another participant responded, “They can’t use words like that.”

Ayushi, however, kept her cool. “I guess it’s their point of view. Let them speak. But once we are in the boardroom, we will show them who we are, where we come from, and what we do. I will reserve my conversation for that time,” she said. The episode culminated with the all-important boardroom session, where numbers and equity stakes were discussed.

One of the standout moments came from the founder of Linetribe, an edgy high-fashion brand. In the boardroom, he pitched a valuation of Rs 5 crore for his company, requesting Rs 1 crore for a 20% equity share.

The ask raised eyebrows, especially given the brand’s revenue of just Rs 16 lakh in the previous year. Darpan Sanghvi didn’t hold back: “Give us a moment to digest this. Your company’s revenue was Rs 16 lakh last year, and you are asking for a Rs 5 crore valuation?”

Though the founder tried to justify his valuation, claiming he knew where he could take the brand, Dhruv Sharma cut him short: “Gaurav, we need numbers, not an explanation.”

On camera, the frustrated founder shared, “It was a little frustrating because I was trying to reason with them, but I felt like they had already made up their minds. I wish we could have spoken a bit more.”

The next pitch came from Vyakti India, a brand specialising in plant-based leather products. Though their ask was modest—Rs 60 lakh for 20% equity—the lack of a clear plan for how the funds would be used left the judges unimpressed.

The founder later reflected on the experience: “I was totally silent after that. I was like, ‘What just happened?’ It’s our brand, and if you can’t explain why you need the investment, it’s on you. I felt disrespected. Asking for investments is tough, and when you can’t back up your reasons, it’s a shame.”