Biography of Srijan Mehrotra: Founder & CEO of Model Verse- Entrepreneur
Biography of Srijan Mehrotra:
Journey Begins: Srijan Mehrotra's Vision
Srijan Mehrotra, a young entrepreneur from India, caught the
attention of the Sharks on season 3 of Shark Tank India with his innovative
idea—Model Verse. At just 25 years old, Srijan was completing his MBA at the
prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode (IIM-Kozhikode). He had a
passion for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and wanted to revolutionize how brands
and businesses used models for advertising.
Introducing Model Verse: An AI Revolution
Srijan's startup, Model Verse, leverages AI technology to
create professional studio-quality images of models. The platform offers an
affordable and scalable solution for brands looking to showcase their products
through model images without spending large amounts of money. What makes his
offering unique is that it costs only Rs 35 to generate an image, while
traditional photography can cost upwards of Rs 3.5 lakh. This vast difference
in cost made Model Verse an attractive proposition for companies looking to
save money.
A Product with Potential
During his pitch, Srijan explained that his platform could
generate AI-based models with ease, providing brands with an opportunity to
create advertising visuals quickly and cost-effectively. With this technology,
businesses no longer had to depend on real-life models, photographers, or
photoshoots. His product provided a more efficient and scalable way for
companies to display their products, which was particularly appealing in the
fast-paced world of advertising.
A Personal Connection: The Story Behind the Business
Srijan’s emotional connection to his business was evident
when he shared a heartfelt story about his grandfather. He revealed that his
grandfather, whom he was very close to, had passed away in 2021. Before his
passing, his grandfather gave him a piece of advice that deeply influenced
Srijan’s entrepreneurial journey: “To be a job-giver.” This advice, about
creating opportunities for others through business, inspired Srijan to start
Model Verse and pursue his passion for AI technology in the business world.
Impressing the Sharks: The Pitch
Srijan’s pitch was powerful and well-structured, which left
the Sharks impressed. He asked for Rs 25 lakh in exchange for 10% equity in
Model Verse, giving the company a valuation of Rs 2.5 crore. His ability to
explain the uniqueness of his product and the massive savings it offered
compared to traditional advertising made the Sharks take notice.
Biography of Srijan Mehrotra: Founder & CEO of Model Verse- Entrepreneur/AI-driven platform/age/net worth/investor/startup/Model Verse story/
Rising Curiosity: Questions from the Sharks
The Sharks were intrigued by Srijan’s business model and
asked several questions about the economics of his venture, scalability, and
competition. Srijan explained that Model Verse was the only business of its
kind in India, and globally, it had only one competitor. This distinction made
Model Verse stand out in the growing AI industry, where businesses are
continually looking for ways to optimize their marketing efforts.
Aman and Amit Show Interest
Aman Gupta, one of the Sharks, was impressed with Srijan’s
product and the potential it had in the market. He was particularly intrigued
by how the AI platform could disrupt the traditional advertising industry. Amit
Jain, another Shark, engaged in a detailed discussion about the economics of
Srijan’s business and the future potential for growth. Their questions
reflected genuine interest in understanding how Model Verse could expand and
scale.
Srijan’s Confidence and Vision
Srijan demonstrated confidence in his venture, articulating
a clear vision for its future. He emphasized that his platform was not just
about AI-generated images but about providing businesses with the tools to
create marketing materials without the significant financial burden of
traditional methods. His understanding of the market, coupled with his
technical expertise, gave the Sharks confidence in his ability to grow the
business.
An Emotional Offer: The Grandfather’s Legacy
The emotional connection Srijan had with his grandfather
played a pivotal role in his pitch. As he recalled the advice his grandfather
had shared with him, it was clear that this personal story fueled his passion
for entrepreneurship. The Sharks were moved by his sincerity, which added an
emotional layer to the business proposal and showcased his commitment to not
only building a company but also creating opportunities for others.
The Negotiations Begin
The Sharks were immediately drawn to the potential of Model
Verse, but as with any negotiation, they carefully considered the valuation and
equity offered. Srijan’s initial ask of Rs 25 lakh for 10% equity was met with
curiosity but also skepticism about the business's scalability and long-term
potential. The Sharks began asking for more details on how the company could
grow and become profitable, ensuring that they were making a sound investment.
The Investment Offer: A Turning Point
After discussing the details of the business, the Sharks
made their move. Anupam Mittal, Amit Jain, and Ritesh Agarwal showed strong
interest in investing. They offered Srijan the Rs 25 lakh in exchange for 10%
equity, matching his valuation of Rs 2.5 crore. This moment marked a turning
point for Srijan, as he realized that the Sharks believed in his vision and the
potential of his AI-driven platform.
Closing the Deal: A New Chapter for Model Verse
With the deal sealed, Srijan was excited to have the backing
of some of the most successful entrepreneurs in India. The investment from
Anupam, Amit, and Ritesh would provide the necessary resources for Model Verse
to scale and expand its reach in the market. With their guidance and support,
Srijan was ready to take his AI model generation platform to new heights and
make a significant impact in the advertising industry.
Through his appearance on Shark Tank India, Srijan Mehrotra
not only secured funding but also validated his innovative approach to AI in
business. His platform, Model Verse, had the potential to reshape the
advertising landscape, providing companies with a more affordable and efficient
way to present their products. As the company continues to grow, it is clear
that Srijan’s entrepreneurial journey is just beginning, and his commitment to
his grandfather’s legacy will continue to inspire his work.
A timeline of Srijan Mehrotra’s entrepreneurial journey with
Model Verse:
2021 – Srijan’s grandfather passes away, leaving behind a
legacy of advice to “be a job-giver,” inspiring Srijan to pursue
entrepreneurship.
2021-2022 – Srijan, while pursuing his MBA at IIM-Kozhikode,
develops Model Verse, an AI-driven platform that generates professional
studio-quality images of models at a fraction of the cost of traditional
photography (Rs 35 per image compared to Rs 3.5 lakh).
2023 – Srijan pitches Model Verse on Shark Tank India Season
3, seeking Rs 25 lakh for 10% equity, valuing the company at Rs 2.5 crore.
2023 – After a series of detailed questions and negotiations
with the Sharks, Srijan receives an investment offer from Anupam Mittal, Amit
Jain, and Ritesh Agarwal for Rs 25 lakh in exchange for 10% equity.
Post-Shark Tank – With the investment secured, Srijan plans
to scale Model Verse, aiming to disrupt the traditional advertising industry by
offering cost-effective, AI-generated models for brands and businesses.
