Story of Nandita Yenagi and Sharad Patil: Founder of Whale Wearables -Entrepreneur
Whale Wearables: A New Era of Self-Defense Technology
A Revolutionary Self-Defense Solution
Whale Wearables, a startup founded by Nandita Yenagi and
Sharad Patil, aims to revolutionize self-defense technology for women. The
company introduced an innovative wearable glove and wristband that can protect
users from potential threats. These devices come with multiple safety features,
including an alarm, a flashlight, and the ability to deliver a mild electric
shock to attackers. Their goal is to provide women with an easy-to-use and
effective tool for personal safety.
Inspiration Behind the Idea
The idea for Whale Wearables emerged after Nandita and
Sharad attended a candlelight march for women’s safety. During the event,
Nandita reflected on her personal experience of being harassed on a bus. This
moment made her realize that many women lack practical self-defense solutions.
She and Sharad decided to use their expertise in design and technology to
create an accessible safety tool.
A Blend of Innovation and Engineering
Nandita, with a background in biomedical engineering and
entrepreneurship, combined her knowledge with Sharad’s expertise in wearable
technology. Together, they developed a patent-backed safety wearable that
integrates multiple defense mechanisms. Their glove and wristband are not just
safety tools; they are a statement that technology can empower women.
Pitching to the Sharks
The founders presented their innovative product on Shark
Tank India Season 4. They sought an investment of ₹30 lakh for 3% equity,
valuing their company at ₹10 crore. Their pitch focused on how their product
could change the landscape of women’s safety by providing an instant and
discreet self-defense option.
The Power of the Glove
One of the key highlights of the pitch was the demonstration
of the glove’s capabilities. The wearable device can activate an alarm, shine a
flashlight, and most importantly, deliver a controlled electric shock of up to
4000 volts to an attacker. This feature ensures that the user can momentarily
stun the attacker and create an opportunity to escape.
Biometric Security for Safety
The glove is equipped with biometric authentication,
ensuring that only registered users can activate it. This prevents misuse and
makes it a personalized safety tool. The wristband, another product from Whale
Wearables, functions as an emergency SOS button with GPS tracking. These
features make the product a comprehensive safety solution rather than just a
self-defense tool.
Concerns from the Sharks
While the innovation was impressive, the Sharks had concerns
about its practicality and usability. Namita Thapar questioned whether the
electric shock could cause severe harm to an attacker, leading to legal
complications. The founders reassured her that the device only delivers a mild
shock, enough to deter but not injure.
Doubts About the Wearable Format
Kunal Bahl liked the concept but was unsure about its final
wearable design. He felt that the product needed more refinement to make it
truly user-friendly. Ritesh Agarwal was interested but decided not to compete
when Aman Gupta and Vineeta Singh made an offer.
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A Winning Investment
Ultimately, Aman Gupta and Vineeta Singh saw the potential
of the product and decided to invest ₹30 lakh for 3% equity, giving the
founders exactly what they asked for. They believed that with the right
mentorship and strategic guidance, Whale Wearables could scale and refine their
product for a larger market.
Challenges Ahead
Securing investment was a big milestone, but the founders
still have major challenges ahead. They need to ensure that the product is
comfortable, discreet, and easy to use under stress. Women must feel confident
that they can activate it quickly when faced with danger.
Building Customer Trust
For the product to be successful, Whale Wearables must build
trust among its users. Women need to believe in the effectiveness of the glove
and wristband. This means conducting rigorous testing, gathering user feedback,
and improving the design based on real-world scenarios.
Navigating Legal Concerns
Another significant challenge is ensuring that their product
complies with safety regulations. Electrical self-defense tools fall into a
gray area legally, and the company must work with authorities to ensure
compliance. Aman and Vineeta’s experience in business and consumer technology
will be crucial in navigating these complexities.
Scaling and Expanding Reach
With funding secured, Whale Wearables plans to refine its
product, expand manufacturing, and launch effective marketing campaigns. They
aim to make their safety tools more affordable and accessible to women across
India and beyond.
A Step Towards Safer Public Spaces
The mission of Whale Wearables is not just about selling a
product—it’s about creating safer public spaces. By integrating self-defense
technology into everyday wearables, they hope to empower women and give them
confidence when navigating public areas.
The Road Ahead
With strategic mentorship and the right execution, Whale
Wearables has the potential to revolutionize women’s safety solutions. Their
journey is just beginning, but with their innovative approach, they are well on
their way to making a real impact.
Timeline for story
2022 – Nandita Yenagi and Sharad Patil attend a women’s
safety march, inspiring the idea.
2023 (Early) – Research and development begin for the
self-defense wearable.
2023 (Mid) – Initial prototypes of the glove and wristband
are created and tested.
2023 (Late) – Patent application is filed for the wearable
safety technology.
2024 (Early) – Whale Wearables officially launches,
introducing its first products.
2024 (Mid) – The founders pitch on Shark Tank India Season 4
seeking ₹30 lakh for 3% equity.
2024 (Mid) – Aman Gupta and Vineeta Singh invest ₹30 lakh
for 3% equity.
2024 (Late) – Product refinement begins, addressing
usability and legal compliance.
2025 (Projected) – Large-scale manufacturing and market
expansion plans roll out.
