STEAM Learning with Blix Robotics: A Shark Tank India Success Story

Blix Robotix is a brand and educational product line created by Zephyr Toymakers Pvt. Ltd., one of the largest indigenous toy manufacturing companies in India. Blix Robotix was developed to address the discrepancy between the goals of the formal education system and the skills needed for success in the 21st century economy. The Blix Robotix products are focused on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) education, providing hands-on, integrated learning experiences for children. Blix Robotix leverages over 25 years of experience that Zephyr Toymakers has in the STEAM educational kits and robotics space, as a major supplier to robotics institutes. Some of the key Blix Robotix product lines include Blix Crawlers (robotics), Blix DIY RC Explorers, Blix Cars, Blix Marble Run, Blix Amusement Park, and Blix Discovering Motions.

Related: Safe, Natural Toys for Kids: Ariro Toys Raises $66,900 in Funding, Featured on Shark Tank India

Abbas grew up with a strong interest in mechanical toys and gadgets. This passion led him to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Vishwakarma Institute of Technology. After completing his engineering degree, he went on to get an MBA from Singapore in 2011. Even as a student, Abbas was very dedicated to his hobby of attending robotics competitions, sometimes skipping classes to do so. This early interest and experience with mechanics and robotics inspired him to join his family’s toy-making business, called MECHANIX.  The MECHANIX brand has been in Abbas’ family for three generations, with a history of making toys in Mumbai. Now, Abbas has taken the business a step further by introducing a new line of toys called Blix.

Abbas, an entrepreneur, appeared on the TV show Shark Tank India to pitch his products.  Abbas asked the sharks for 80 lakhs in exchange for 2% of his company’s equity. Several sharks made offers to invest in Abbas’ company:

• Aman offered 40 lakhs for 4% equity, plus 40 lakhs as a loan with 11% interest. However, Abbas declined the loan offer because his business was not profitable enough.
• Vineeta Singh and Anupam Mittal offered 80 lakhs for 5% equity.
• Aman and Ritesh proposed 1 crore for 6.25% equity.
• Piyush offered 80 lakhs for 4% equity.

After discussing with his business partner (who is his wife), Abbas asked for a counter-offer of 90 lakhs for 3% equity. Vineeta and Anupam then withdrew their offer. Ultimately, Aman and Ritesh gave Abbas an offer of 80 lakhs for 4% equity, valuing the company at 20 crores. Abbas accepted this offer and finalized the deal with Aman and Ritesh.

• Blix has a total of 246 competitors in the market.
• Blix ranks 33rd among its competitors.
• 31 of Blix’s competitors are funded, while 1 has exited the market.
• In total, Blix and its competitors have raised over $42 million in funding across 59 funding rounds, involving 345 investors.
• There is 1 acquired company in the entire competition set.

• Avishkaar: A provider of DIY kits and learning programs for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education.
• CellRobot: A provider of modular robotic kits. It is a Series B funded company, but the funding amount is not disclosed.
• SP Robotic Works: It is a Series A funded company with $4 million in total funding across 6 rounds.

Shark Tank India has become a game-changer for the Indian startup ecosystem, offering a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to receive financial backing and strategic advice from some of the country’s most successful business leaders.