The panel appreciated the aesthetic appeal and environmental essence of the brand. However, the negotiation introduced tension when the judges asked the founders to justify their funding request.
One judge challenged them directly:
“Why do you need ₹60 lakh right now — and how exactly will it be used?”
Another added:
“We love the mission, but the numbers and scalability must match the passion.”
The founders explained that the investment would strengthen global expansion, supply chain scale, and branding — but their breakdown lacked the precise clarity the judges were expecting.