Rare Planet, founded by Ranodeep Saha and Vijay Kumar TR, connects rural artisans with modern retail by crafting beautiful terracotta kulhads, copper bottles, and handicrafts for urban consumers.
Source rareplanetcom
From a Shark Tank India deal with Namita Thapar to scaling from five stores to 50+ airport outlets, here’s how Rare Planet became India’s premier artisan-led retail movement—while empowering 25,000+ artisans and achieving a valuation of over ₹100 crore.
Source rareplanetcom
Shark Tank India Pitch & Deal: A Catalyst for Growth
Rare Planet appeared on Shark Tank India Season 1, Episode 25, seeking ₹65 lakh for 1% equity, valuing themselves at ₹65 crore.
Namita Thapar offered ₹65 lakh for 3% equity, a proposal they accepted, making it one of the season’s notable impact-driven deals.
Explosive Growth Post Shark Tank
Rare Planet’s journey post-investment showcases how the right mix of purpose and business acumen can unlock extraordinary growth.
📈 Metrics That Matter:
✅ Store Expansion:
From 5 outlets to 50+ stores, spanning 37 airports across India, including major hubs like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore.
✅ Revenue Surge:
- Pre-Shark Tank: ~₹75 lakh/month
- Post-Shark Tank: ₹4 crore/month (~5× growth)
✅ Valuation Leap:
From ~₹7 crore to over ₹100 crore, reflecting high investor and market confidence.
Social & Cultural Impact: Empowering Artisans at Scale
Rare Planet’s business model is impact-first, profit-aligned:
✅ 25,000+ Artisans Impacted:
Primarily rural artisans, including many women, now earning sustainable incomes.
✅ Fair Pay, Direct Trade:
A commission-based D2C model ensures artisans are paid fairly without exploitative middlemen.
✅ Cultural Preservation:
Through hand-painted terracotta, copper, ceramic, brass, marble, and wood crafts, Rare Planet preserves and modernizes Indian traditional art forms for a global market.
What Sets Rare Planet Apart?
1️⃣ Niche Positioning:
Combines handcrafted Indian tradition with modern retail strategies, making it unique in the handicraft retail segment.
2️⃣ Purpose-Driven Business:
Proves profitability and social impact can coexist, aligning with India’s growing conscious consumer base.
3️⃣ Strategic Scaling:
The focus on airport kiosks, high-footfall zones, and premium gifting markets ensures consistent visibility and sales.
4️⃣ Storytelling & Design:
Every product carries a story—connecting buyers with artisans, ensuring emotional resonance alongside aesthetic appeal.
Product Range: A Modern Artisan Bazaar
Rare Planet’s catalog includes:
✅ Hand-Painted Terracotta Kulhads: Their iconic product, combining tradition with functionality.
✅ Ceramic Mugs & Teacups: Featuring vibrant Indian art styles.
✅ Copper Bottles & Utensils: Blending health benefits with artisanal aesthetics.
✅ Brass & Marble Decor: From lamps to coasters, catering to premium buyers.
✅ Wooden Crafts & Accessories: Sustainable and culturally rooted gifting options.
The brand’s product strategy centers on everyday items infused with artistry, encouraging customers to integrate craftsmanship into daily life.
The Road Ahead for Rare Planet
2️⃣ Product Diversification:
Launching ‘Rare Planet Luxe’ and accessory lines to capture premium gifting and lifestyle segments.
3️⃣ E-commerce Growth:
Scaling online channels to tap into a broader consumer base across India and internationally.
4️⃣ Global Ambitions:
With growing global interest in Indian handicrafts, Rare Planet is exploring export opportunities, positioning itself as an ambassador of India’s artisanal excellence.
📌 Snapshot at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founders | Ranodeep Saha & Vijay Kumar TR |
| Shark Tank Deal | ₹65L for 3% by Namita Thapar |
| Store Count | 5 → 50+ (37 airports) |
| Monthly Revenue | ₹75L → ₹4 crore |
| Valuation | ₹7 crore → ₹100 crore+ |
| Exit Return | 3.5× to Namita Thapar |
| Artisans Impacted | 10,000–25,000+ rural artisan |
The combination of visual appeal, functional quality, and social impact has turned Rare Planet into a beloved brand for conscious urban consumers.
Useful Links to Explore
- Rare Planet Official Website
- Rare Planet on Instagram
- Shark Tank India Official YouTube
- The Better India feature on Rare Planet
From clay kulhads to India’s leading artisan-led retail venture, it proves that impact-driven entrepreneurship is the future of India’s retail ecosystem.
FOR MORE BLOGS – beyondthepunchlines.com
Author: Team BTP
Add to favorites
