Anupam Mittal Slams IIT Founder’s ‘Dumb Device’ on Shark Tank India

Anupam Mittal called an IIT founder “misguided” on Shark Tank India Season 5 after he pitched a rotary-style phone to fight smartphone addiction. The sharks rejected the idea, questioned the demand, and refused to invest ₹50 lakh. The founder, however, stood by his product and said he would continue building it. That moment quickly became one of the most talked-about scenes this season.

What Happened on Shark Tank India Season 5?

The drama unfolded on Shark Tank India Season 5. A young entrepreneur from IIT Kharagpur entered the tank with his brand Trring. His idea looked simple, maybe too simple. A rotary-style phone that connects to smartphones via Bluetooth. It only makes calls. No screen. No apps. No distractions.

He asked for ₹50 lakh for 7.5 percent equity. That valued his company at ₹6.67 crore. The pitch started calmly but it didn’t stay that way for long.

The ‘Dumb Device’ Meant to Beat Smartphone Addiction

The founder described it as a “purposely dumb device.” His logic felt clear. If smartphones are addictive, remove the smart part. Use this basic phone for calls. Keep your main phone away. Reduce screen time naturally.

He revealed he sold 160 units in three months at ₹3,666 per device. For him, that proved early traction. For the sharks, it wasn’t enough.

Aman Gupta and Namita Thapar Were Not Convinced

Aman Gupta said lack of self-control cannot be solved by buying another device. He also pointed out a practical issue. The rotary phone had no display to show who is calling. That means users would still check their smartphones. So where is the real solution?

Namita Thapar felt there was no strong demand. She said basic market research could have shown whether people actually wanted this product. According to her, passion alone cannot build a scalable business.

Both opted out.

Kunal Bahl Suggested an AI Direction

Kunal Bahl seemed surprised. He questioned why someone with such a strong academic background would build this. He suggested exploring screenless AI-powered devices instead. The tech world is moving toward voice-led systems. That, he hinted, might have more potential.

He too stepped away from the deal.

Anupam Mittal’s Sharp Reaction

Then came the strongest remark. Anupam Mittal asked if the founder really studied at IIT. When the entrepreneur confirmed and even mentioned clearing IIM Calcutta, Anupam looked more puzzled than impressed.

He said the founder was making poor choices and needed a mentor. He called the startup “uninvestable.” The word stung. You could see it.

Still, the pitcher did not back down. He felt the sharks were harsh. He believes the market will understand his idea better with time.

Was the Idea Really That Bad?

Here’s the honest truth. The idea wasn’t crazy. Digital addiction is real. Many people want simpler lives. Minimal phones already exist in global markets. But price, demand, and practicality matter. Indian consumers look for value. At ₹3,666, expectations rise.

Maybe the timing was off. Maybe execution needs work. Or maybe, the sharks saw something the founder didn’t.

One thing is certain. This episode of Shark Tank India got people talking. And sometimes, that attention itself is powerful marketing.

Startups are not just about ideas. They are about timing, research, clarity, and knowing your customer deeply. This pitch became a reminder of that. Not every IIT tag guarantees success. Not every rejection means failure either.