CosIQ (Cosmetic Intelligence Quotient)

Kanika and Angad married in 2019 and when everyone forced them to have a baby, they made CosIQ — a company they treat like a baby. This charming origin story, delivered with warmth and wit, immediately humanised the founders and created an emotional connection with the Sharks and the audience. The couple entered the Tank not just as business partners but as life partners, building something meaningful together. Kanika is in the skincare industry for the last 2.5 years and has also developed a few prototypes before starting CosIQ. They met at their best friend's wedding, then they dated and got married.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Serum — for brightening, pore-minimising, and skin barrier strengthening Vitamin C-23% Serum — high-potency vitamin C in a 2-ingredient formula with unprecedented shelf stability SPF 15 Indoor Sunscreen Serum — daily UV protection in serum form for everyday indoor use Salicylic Acid BHA — for acne-prone skin, exfoliation, and pore clarity Gentle Exfoliating Peel — for weekly resurfacing

Amount Asked: ₹50 lakhs Equity Offered: 7% Implied Pre-Money Valuation: ₹7.14 crore

Kanika and Angad walked into the Tank with a compelling combination of personal narrative, product quality, and financial discipline — a rare trifecta in early-stage pitches. The personal origin story — married couple, societal pressure for a baby, founding a company as their "first baby" instead — was pitch-perfect. They wanted to make a skincare brand that focused on actual results and could change the way the skin care regimen is seen in India.

Vineeta Singh was the most engaged and knowledgeable reviewer of the pitch, as expected given her role as CEO of SUGAR Cosmetics — one of India's most successful beauty brands. Namita Thapar exited relatively early. Namita Thapar found the sunscreen a bit sticky so she went out, justifying her decision with the statement that this product would not work well for her personally. Ashneer Grover showed interest and remained engaged through the early part of the negotiation. Aman Gupta engaged with the brand's marketing potential and distribution strategy. As a brand builder himself, he understood the D2C skincare category's dynamics Anupam Mittal was drawn to the founders' story, the brand's ethos, and the unit economics.

The founders entered at ₹50 lakhs for 7% equity (valuation ~₹7 crore). As multiple offers came in, the Sharks pushed for more equity. Vineeta Singh and Anupam Mittal made a combined counter-offer of ₹50 lakhs for 20% equity. Kanika countered with an offer of ₹50 lakhs for 20%, to which Vineeta and Anupam responded. The founders ultimately accepted the deal.

The final deal — ₹50 lakhs for 25% equity — represented a meaningful equity give-up from the founders' original 7% ask.