Dandera Technologies turned heads on Shark Tank India with a powerful pitch and an electric three-wheeler van called OTUA. Their vision? Let’s unravel the real story—was it a smooth ride or a bumpy road?
The Birth of Dandera Technologies: A Greener Drive
Founded in 2020, Dandera Technologies was the brainchild of Kshitij Bajaj and Kanav Singla. The startup aimed to tackle two critical issues head-on:
- Pollution caused by fossil fuel-based delivery vehicles
- The lack of ergonomically designed and efficient electric three-wheelers for commercial use
It was a first-of-its-kind electric cargo vehicle that promised:
- Longest-in-class range of up to 165 km per charge
- A whopping 900-liter cargo space
- 2-ton structural load capacity
- Ergonomically focused driver comfort
The name OTUA itself is a fun twist—it’s “AUTO” spelled backward. Symbolic, huh?
Dandera on Shark Tank India: A Pitch to Remember
Appearing in Season 2 of Shark Tank India, the founders walked in with confidence and a solid ask—₹1 crore for 1% equity, valuing the company at ₹100 crore. Bold? Yes.
Highlights from the Pitch:
- Demonstrated the OTUA EV live on set, drawing gasps for its size and design.
- Shared early pilot data and interest from logistics partners.
Sharks’ Reactions:
- Anupam Mittal questioned the high valuation and scalability.
What Happened After Shark Tank India?
Production Update:
Post-Shark Tank, Dandera ramped up the pre-orders for OTUA. The vehicle is targeted primarily at e-commerce delivery players, logistics companies, and intra-city cargo movement.
By mid-2023:
- Over 120+ vehicles were deployed in pilot runs.
- Partners included logistics operators in Delhi, Pune, and Bengaluru.
- Manufacturing began on a modest scale in Gurugram with plans to expand.
Key Expansion Highlights:
- Started discussions with municipal corporations for smart waste transport vehicles.
- Exploring export potential to South Asian and African countries, where small cargo vehicles are in demand.
Roadblocks and Challenges
Let’s keep it real—building an EV company in India is no cakewalk. Some hurdles Dandera faced:
Charging Infrastructure:
Their vehicles needed reliable charging and swapping stations.
Unit Eco
Achieving break-even for each vehicle sale was tight.
Where Are They Now in 2025?
Milestones Achieved:
- Over 500+ OTUA vehicles are now running across metro cities.
- Launched a battery swapping station partnership with local vendors in Pune and Hyderabad.
- Working on a second product—a passenger version of OTUA for urban commutes.
- Scaling up production remains their biggest challenge.
- Yet to enter retail or ride-hailing segments.
Think of them as a work-in-progress success with serious long-term potential.
What Makes Dandera Different?
Here’s what sets Dandera apart from other EV start
- Design Thinking: OTUA’s ergonomic driver seat, USB ports, and semi-automatic loading space make it a smart urban vehicle.
- Climate-Driven Mission: They’re not just about sales—they’re about sustainable transportation.
Lessons for Startup Founders
If you’re building something bold, here’s what you can learn from Dandera’s roller
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Author: Nitin mittal
CA by qualification
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