At just 23 years old, Ankush Barjata from the small village of Bangana in Una district, Himachal Pradesh, has achieved something remarkable. He turned down a lucrative job offer to launch his own online marketing company, 'Deeva,' which has since generated an impressive annual turnover in crores. His entrepreneurial journey not only astonished the judges of Shark Tank India but also earned him national recognition and a deal worth Rs 2 crore. Let's read Ankush Barjata's inspiring story.

Background

Ankush was born in 2000 in Bangana village. His family endured considerable financial hardship, with his grandfather selling clothes door-to-door in various villages to make ends meet. His mother also played a crucial role in supporting the household by sewing and selling small items. Their situation was so dire that they often had just one meal a day. At times, his mother couldn't afford bangles and would instead wrap threads around her wrists as a substitute.

Ankush received his early education at Government Senior Secondary School in Bangana. In 2011, his father left his retail job to start a small business, which provided a slight improvement in their financial situation. After graduating with a degree in Computer Science, Ankush secured a sales and marketing position in Hyderabad with an annual package of Rs 26.28 lakh. However, he felt unfulfilled in his role. Driven by a desire to achieve something greater, he decided to establish 'Deeva.'

Launching Deeva

While working in Hyderabad, Ankush met a saree manufacturer and noticed a significant markup; sarees that cost Rs 300 to produce were being sold in the market for Rs 1,000. This observation sparked an idea in him, to connect saree manufacturers directly with customers. In 2020, he launched his online marketing company, 'Deeva.' This innovative platform eliminates intermediaries, allowing customers to purchase sarees directly from the manufacturers. 'Deeva' now offers over 60 varieties of sarees across the country, and the company’s annual turnover has reached approximately Rs 5 crore.

Shark Tank experience

Ankush presented Deeva's business model on Shark Tank India, where he impressed judges Aman Gupta, Radhika Gupta, and Ritesh Agarwal, who offered him a deal worth Rs 2 crore. Following his appearance on the show, 'Deeva' experienced a surge in popularity, quickly attracting a large number of new customers. Today, Ankush's company employs over 100 people. 'Deeva' not only connects saree manufacturers with consumers but also empowers rural women by providing them with economic independence.

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