Indian American entrepreneur Sandesh Sharda joins the startup reality show Ideabaaz as a judge, mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs and spotlighting innovative solutions to everyday problems.
Indian American entrepreneur and philanthropist Sandesh Sharda is set to make his mark on the startup reality show Ideabaaz, which premieres on October 25. Sharda, known for his focus on startups that address real-world challenges with practical solutions, joins the show as a judge.
Viewers in India can catch the show on Zee TV, while audiences in the United States can tune in via the streaming platform Zee5. Ideabaaz aims to provide a platform for innovative ideas and constructive feedback, helping budding entrepreneurs refine and scale their ventures. The show will be available in eight Indian languages, making it accessible to a diverse audience. More information about the show can be found at ideabaaz.co.in.
In an exclusive interview with The American Bazaar, Sharda expressed his enthusiasm for Ideabaaz and its potential to connect the Indian and American startup ecosystems. Based in the Washington, DC area, Sharda is the founder and CEO of Miracle Systems, a federal government contracting firm he sold to Renovus in the spring of 2023. Under his leadership, Miracle Systems secured over $2.6 billion in government contracts.
“Indian entrepreneurs today are highly innovative and eager to scale ideas that solve real-world problems,” Sharda noted, highlighting the booming startup ecosystem in India. He pointed out that founders are exploring opportunities across various sectors, including technology, fintech, health, logistics, and the gig economy.
Sharda believes his experience as an Indian American entrepreneur allows him to offer a unique perspective to these startups. “Having worked across markets in India and the U.S., I can guide founders on global best practices, investor expectations, and how to refine their ideas for broader impact,” he explained.
As a co-founder of the Indian American Business Impact Group (IAMBIG), a platform for business owners and C-suite leaders, Sharda emphasized how Ideabaaz distinguishes itself within India’s rapidly evolving startup culture. In the interview, he shared insights into his involvement with the show and his vision for supporting young entrepreneurs.
“I love Shark Tank in the U.S.,” Sharda said, reflecting on his inspiration for joining Ideabaaz. “When I watched Shark Tank India, I felt that the startups were not treated fairly. They were ridiculed, and I felt sad for them. The purpose of these shows should be to provide guidance and support.”
Sharda reached out to Dr. Subhash Chandra, Chairman Emeritus of Zee, proposing a collaboration that would focus on encouraging startups rather than discouraging them. “We are giving them guidance, funding, and mentorship,” he stated. “Even if a startup does not have potential, we can provide valid reasons for our decisions and advice on how to attract investments.”
Reflecting on his professional journey, Sharda noted the significant talent present in India, with many Indian Americans leading major corporations globally. He believes that if these individuals can excel in large companies, they can also build their own successful ventures. “India has the talent and innovation,” he said. “The ecosystem is now more supportive of startups than it was 30 years ago, and I want to help nurture that.”
Sharda described his experience on the show as overwhelmingly positive. He met passionate entrepreneurs eager to succeed and found that the judges collaborated effectively. “We were not fighting with each other; we were encouraging and guiding each other,” he said. “If a startup wins, the nation wins. One startup can create hundreds or thousands of jobs.”
Without revealing too much about the upcoming episodes, Sharda mentioned several startups he found particularly interesting. One such venture involves installing printing kiosks, which he believes addresses a significant need in India, where many essential documents still require physical copies. “These kiosks can be placed in universities, courts, and other locations,” he explained. “You just scan a QR code, pay, and print.”
Another startup he invested in is Timbuktu, a Bangalore-based company that assists gig workers, particularly college students, in finding part-time jobs in logistics and delivery. Sharda also backed Blip, an app designed to simplify valet parking in busy urban areas.
Sharda emphasized that Ideabaaz is a unique platform that fosters positivity and encouragement. “Unlike Shark Tank, which has a negative connotation, our show is about ideas,” he said. “No idea is inherently good or bad until it is pitched. We provide constructive feedback, ensuring that every entrepreneur leaves with guidance and motivation.”
He noted a significant trend among the startups featured on the show, with many focusing on wellness products, including chemical-free cosmetics and healthier food alternatives. “Wellness-based products were strong themes among the founders who came to the show,” he observed.
As the premiere of Ideabaaz approaches, Sharda’s commitment to mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs is evident. He is excited about the potential impact of the show and looks forward to its future seasons.
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