An entrepreneur from Hyderabad, determined to help Indian farmers through his agricultural robots, powered by AI, entered the tank in a recent episode of Shark Tank India Season 3. Trivikram, the founder of X Machines, a company which aims to promote affordable sustainable agricultural practices and empower farmers, pitched the ‘robotic micro tractors’ to the ‘sharks’, who were evidently impressed by the products.
“Very good looking products!” exclaimed Vinita, adding, “They remind me of Tesla’s Cybertrucks!” Looking at the cool designs, when all ‘sharks’ unanimously pointed out that the designs and the brand seem to be inspired by Elon Musk’s Tesla, Trivikram revealed that he started his firm in 2017.
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“We created the design of X100, and Tesla launched Cybertrucks much later! So, it is not like we aped their designs,” clarified Trivikram, who asked for Rs 72 lakhs for 4% in equity during his pitch. Vineeta was quick to respond, “He (Elon) stole your designs!” Aman Gupta, impressed by the designs and the utility of the ‘robotic micro tractors’, called them “intelligent”.
While the ‘sharks’ praised the products, they questioned the pitcher’s vision to make a business. When Trivikram revealed the price of agricultural robots, starting at Rs 1.96 lakh and ending at Rs 4.5 lakh, it took the sharks, especially Anupam Mittal, by surprise. “The products are nice, but I can’t see a business in this, so I am out. Best of luck,” said Anupam. Aman, who also backed out, said it was too early for him as there was no product market fit. “These are two expensive for farmers. All the best, but I am out,” he added.
Impressed by his passion to help farmers, CEO of OYO Rooms Ritesh Agarwal and Namita Thapar offered him a deal of Rs 72 lakhs for 4% equity, which was the original ask. Vineeta, who opted out of the deal, told Trivikram, “I hope your business becomes as big as that of Tesla.”
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