Bongo brings 'Shark Tank' to Bangladesh

The world's number 1 business show, 'Shark Tank,' is coming to Bangladesh. Bongo, a Bangladeshi entertainment platform, has signed a deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment to produce a local version of the hit series, which has aired in more than 40 countries across the globe. 

Robi has come on board as the show's title sponsor, alongside 'powered by' partner Startup Bangladesh. 

'Shark Tank' allows entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas to a panel of investors, known as 'Sharks,' who can offer the entrepreneurs cash for a deal if they like the opportunity. 

Whether it is a prototype of a new product, an existing product or service, or a company looking for a financial injection to grow, the entrepreneurs must convince the five 'Sharks' to invest in their idea and help turn their life's work into a household name.

The 'Sharks' have invested more than $600 million through the show so far, enabling dozens of companies to grow their companies significantly. Entrepreneurs onboarded into the 'Shark' ecosystem have seen massive growth and generated billions of dollars in sales after receiving deals and being featured on the show. Bongo is assembling an exciting panel of local 'Sharks' from large businesses and industries, who will be announced later.

"We are very excited to be a part of this show. Startup Bangladesh is committed to investing in top-quality entrepreneurs and helping support young minds who are the future leaders of our country. This show is a great platform for entrepreneurs to get the exposure and potential investment from solid investors to take their business to the next level," said Zunaid Ahmed Palak MP, Honorable Minister of State for ICT. 

Bongo has signed renowned director Gazi Shubro to shoot the show. Bongo has also partnered with SBK Tech Ventures to help support this initiative, whose experience with investments and startups in Bangladesh will help add value to the production.

Ahad Bhai, CEO of Bongo, said, "Shark Tank has been my favourite show since it started airing more than a decade ago. We are a very entrepreneurial and resourceful country. As a proud Bangladeshi, I felt that this show is the perfect platform to combine entertainment with improving the lives of our people. We are very proud and excited to get this off the ground!"

Chief Commercial Officer of Robi, Shihab Ahmad, said, "We are very proud to be associated with Bongo in introducing the globally acclaimed entrepreneurship platform, Shark Tank, for the budding young digital entrepreneurs of Bangladesh. Our collective experience will be instrumental in making Shark Tank Bangladesh a successful platform in Bangladesh, too. As a brand, Robi always tries to instil the spirit of: 'Believe, you can too'; I am sure Shark Tank will help us to reinstate that spirit among the aspiring people of Smart Bangladesh."

Sami Ahmed, Managing Director of Startup Bangladesh, said, "Shark Tank Bangladesh is poised to make waves in our entrepreneurial landscape, and we're thrilled to bring this global phenomenon to our country. This initiative aligns perfectly with Startup Bangladesh's mission of fostering innovation, supporting startups, and creating opportunities for our talented entrepreneurs to shine globally. We believe that Shark Tank Bangladesh will not only inspire but also empower our local innovators to take their ideas to the next level, ultimately contributing to the growth and prosperity of our nation."

Entrepreneurs interested in being on the show may apply online at sharktank.bongobd.com or visit one of the nationwide open auditions. In addition to that, applicants can also apply from myrobi app. Bongo will announce details of the auditions.

For enquiries, please email SharkTank@bongobd.com