Recently, Zerodha founder Nithin Kamath backed the pitch by a company called Zerodor that provides solutions for sanitary requirements and makes 'Waterless Urinals'. The founders of Zerodor or Ekam Eco Solutions pitched in an episode on Shark Tank India season 3.
'Waterless Urinals' startup pitches on Shark Tank India
Founded in 2019 by Sachin Joshi and Uttam Banerjee, the startup Zerodor produces retrofit equipment that can be deployed in any commercially available urinal.
The founders’ pitch also comprised a specially designed urinal for women. The pitchers said they try to provide CPR (Conserve, Protect, and Restore) to the sanitation system.
The startup founders sought an investment of ₹1 crore in a 3 per cent stake in their company. However, the startup did not get any deal on the show since the 'sharks' found several problems with the product.
Sharks not pleased with Zerodor
Edelweiss Mutual Fund MD and CEO Radhika Gupta was displeased with the slow rate of profit growth, while Sugar Cosmetics founder Vineeta Singh enquired about taking ₹2 crore from an investor and not being able to yield returns in 7 years.
Lenskart's Peyush Bansal gave them an offer on the condition that Zerodor would focus only on one waterless urinal and hire a person to lead sales. The pitchers refused to take this offer at Shark Tank, resulting in a no-deal.
Nithin Kamath backs the 'Waterless Urinals' startup
Meanwhile, Zerodha’s Kamath shared on platform X, that they have been using Zerodor for the men's urinals at their offices for around 6 months.
"We have been using Zerodor for the men's urinals at our offices for the last six months or so. Our water bills are down 50% -- we did not expect it to be this much," Kamath said.
The Zerodha boss further mentioned that his company Rainmatter is supporting the venture. "We liked the product because they are doing whatever is necessary to preserve water, which has become supercritical. We are supporting them through Rainmatter."
Incidentally, more than 700 organisations use Zerodor. The startup’s client list includes noteworthy organisations such as the Indian Railways, several government institutions, some big names in food and beverage chains, shopping malls, theatres, defence establishments, automotive industries, and private companies.