Biography of Vivek Krishna: Founder & CEO of Sukham- Entrepreneur
Introduction to Vivek Krishna and Sukham
Vivek Krishna is an innovative entrepreneur and the founder
of Sukham, a rapidly growing Ayurvedic men’s sexual wellness brand based in
India. As the CEO of Sukham, Vivek leads the company in providing holistic
wellness solutions to men. His brand, which was launched in 2022, has become
popular for blending classical Ayurvedic remedies with modern lifestyle
solutions to cater to men's sexual health concerns. Sukham has created a unique
space in the wellness industry, focusing on both treatment for issues like
erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, and providing premium products
for general sexual wellness.
Journey of Sukham
Sukham’s growth story is an example of a start-up that
caters to an important yet often overlooked market. The brand focuses on men’s
sexual wellness, offering products that address both physical and emotional
aspects of sexual health. Sukham’s products are grounded in traditional
Ayurveda, specifically the Vajikarana branch, which focuses on sexual vitality.
The company emphasizes safe, natural, and scientifically-backed products.
Through direct-to-consumer (D2C) sales, Sukham has quickly gained traction, with
over 20,000 satisfied customers.
The Shark Tank India Experience
Vivek Krishna and his team had an exciting opportunity to
pitch Sukham to the Sharks on the popular reality show, Shark Tank India.
Seeking a ₹1 crore investment for 3.33% equity, the founders confidently
presented their products to the Sharks. They explained that Sukham’s products,
such as herbal supplements and lubricants, were designed to serve two distinct
markets: one for those with specific sexual health concerns and another for
those looking for luxury wellness products.
Challenges with the Pitch
The pitch did not go as smoothly as the founders had hoped.
While Vivek confidently detailed the success rate and scientific backing of
Sukham’s products, his presentation faced several interruptions. Some of the
Sharks seemed skeptical about the claims and the overall concept. Namita
Thapar, a prominent investor on the show, commented humorously about Vivek’s
energetic pitch style, while Vineeta Singh questioned the brand’s imagery,
which she thought was overly inspired by Kamasutra.
Biography of Vivek Krishna: Founder & CEO of Sukham- Entrepreneur/Ayurvedic men’s sexual wellness brand/age/net worth/investor/startup/Sukham
Questions on Product Efficacy
Despite Sukham’s promising claims, the Sharks had concerns
about the effectiveness of the products. Namita Thapar asked about the actual
performance of the products, seeking solid proof of their success. Vivek shared
that the products had an 83% success rate, but the Sharks were not convinced
without more concrete evidence or customer testimonials. Deepinder Goyal, the
founder of Zomato, pointed out that the business seemed too early-stage and
lacked sufficient proof points to back up its claims.
Struggles with Communication
Throughout the pitch, Vivek’s communication style seemed to
frustrate the Sharks. Anupam Mittal, the founder of Shaadi.com, suggested that
Vivek should be more concise and direct in his answers, noting that his long
explanations were becoming repetitive. The Sharks were looking for more clarity
and focused answers, but Vivek’s enthusiasm and detailed responses led to some
tension in the room.
Investor Reactions and Criticism
The Sharks were divided in their opinions about Sukham’s
potential. Anupam Mittal pointed out that Vivek’s body language suggested
irritation, as if he was frustrated with the Sharks' lack of understanding.
This made some of the investors hesitant. Aman Gupta, the co-founder of boAt,
also expressed concerns about the unproven nature of the industry Sukham was
operating in. Ultimately, the Sharks were not convinced to invest, with all of
them choosing to pass on the deal.
The Importance of Proof in Health Businesses
One of the key factors that led to Sukham’s rejection was
the lack of proof to validate the product’s claims. The health and wellness
industry, especially in areas like sexual health, demands strong evidence to
show that a product works before investors are willing to back it. The Sharks
highlighted this as a major red flag. Deepinder Goyal emphasized that Sukham
was still in its early stages and that there was not enough data to support its
market position.
Vivek’s Frustration with the Reactions
During the pitch, Vivek’s frustration became apparent. He
was visibly irritated by the Sharks' lack of understanding of his product and
the repeated interruptions. However, his determination to present Sukham in the
best light remained intact, even as the Sharks expressed doubt. Anupam Mittal’s
comment about Vivek’s body language only added to the tension, with Vivek
struggling to keep the conversation on track and professional.
Humorous Moments During the Pitch
Despite the tense moments, the pitch was not without its
lighter moments. Namita Thapar humorously compared Vivek’s pitch to the song
"Breathless" by Shankar Mahadevan, implying that Vivek’s continuous
speaking without pause was exhausting. The playful banter between the Sharks
and Vivek provided some levity to the situation, even though it did little to
sway the investors’ opinions about the brand.
Packaging and Brand Imagery
Another point of discussion during the pitch was the
branding and packaging of Sukham’s products. Vineeta Singh pointed out that the
brand’s imagery was heavily influenced by Kamasutra, which may not appeal to
all audiences. The Sharks questioned whether this could limit Sukham’s appeal
to a broader customer base. However, Vivek defended the brand, saying that the
packaging was designed to attract attention and that their products were doing
well in the market.
Business Performance and Sales
Despite the doubts about Sukham’s future, Vivek maintained
that the business was performing well. He mentioned that the company was
profitable and had a growing customer base, which included over 20,000
customers. He explained that their products had received approval from the
Ministry of AYUSH and had been tested in NABL-accredited labs. However, this
information was not enough to convince the Sharks, who were still skeptical
about the long-term viability of the brand.
Final Decision and No Deal
In the end, Sukham’s pitch ended with no investment from the
Sharks. All the investors chose to pass on the opportunity, citing concerns
about the early-stage nature of the business, the lack of proof, and the
unproven industry. While the founders left the show empty-handed, their
appearance on Shark Tank India still served as an important milestone for
Sukham, bringing attention to their brand and its mission of improving men’s
sexual wellness through Ayurveda.
Reflection on the Pitch Experience
Though the outcome was not what Vivek had hoped for, the
Shark Tank India experience provided valuable feedback for Sukham’s team. The
founders now have a clearer understanding of the importance of proof points and
how to communicate more effectively with potential investors. Vivek’s passion
for his brand was clear, but the lack of clear, demonstrable results may have
hindered Sukham’s ability to secure a deal on the show. Despite this setback,
Sukham’s journey continues, and Vivek remains committed to growing his brand
and serving his customers with innovative Ayurvedic solutions.
A timeline for the story of Vivek Krishna and Sukham:
2022
Vivek Krishna launches Sukham, an Ayurvedic men’s sexual
wellness brand.
2022-2024
Sukham grows rapidly, offering natural solutions for sexual
health issues and general wellness.
2024
Vivek pitches Sukham on Shark Tank India, seeking ₹1 crore
for 3.33% equity.
2024
During the pitch, Sukham faces challenges, including
skepticism about product efficacy and branding.
2024
Despite explaining product success rates and sales, all
Sharks pass on the deal due to concerns over proof and market readiness.
Post-2024
The pitch experience helps Sukham refine its approach,
focusing on proof points and clearer communication for future growth.
