Format

The world’s number one business show, “Shark Tank” is coming to Bangladesh. Bongo, Bangladesh’s leading entertainment platform, has signed a deal with Sony Pictures Television to produce a local version of the hit series which has aired in more than 40 countries across the globe. Robi has come onboard as the “Title Sponsor” of the show, alongside “Powered by” partner Startup Bangladesh.

“Shark Tank” allows entrepreneurs to pitch their business idea 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 have to convince the five "Sharks" to invest in their idea and help turn their life's work into a household name.

The “Sharks,” entrepreneurs themselves, have invested more than $600 million through the show so far, enabling dozens of companies to grow their company significantly. Entrepreneurs who have been 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 putting together an exciting panel of local “Sharks” from large businesses and industries, who will be announced at a later date.

“We are very excited to be a part of this show. Startup Bangladesh is committed to investing behind top quality entrepreneurs, and to help 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, Honorable Minister of State for ICT.

Bongo has signed renowned director Gazi Shubro to shoot the show, and also partnered with SBK Tech Ventures to help support this initiative.

Ahad Bhai, CEO of Bongo, said, “Shark Tank has been my favorite show since it started airing more than a decade ago. We are a very entrepreneurial and resourceful country, and 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!”

Sonika Bhasin, Vice President of Distribution, South Asia, Sony Pictures Television added: “After the tremendous success of Shark Tank in India with both the US and the local Indian version, we are thrilled to bring this phenomenon to Bangladesh. Shark Tank has inspired millions of people around the world, and we know it will do the same for business minds in Bangladesh. Sony Pictures Television looks forward to bringing even more of our hit formats to Bangladesh to continue to captivate and entertain audiences.”