The Future Animation on Shark Tank India: Upwork Banned Them, But They Built a ₹1.6 Crore Animation Business Anyway

The Future Animation

Three points you will get to know in this article:

  • Founders started with minimal resources and revolutionized animation services.
  • Secured ₹50 lakh for 10% equity and partnership with Lenskart.
  • Focuses on 2D, 3D, and Pixar-style animations for global clients.

The Beginning of The Future Animation

The Future Animation

The Future Animation, a Delhi-based startup, is redefining the animation industry by offering a wide range of services, including 2D and 3D animations, Pixar-style videos, and corporate video production. What sets this venture apart is its humble beginnings and the incredible journey of its founders, Anmol Pandey and Rohit Thakur.

Click here to visit their official website : The Future Animation

The company’s roots trace back to 2019, when the two founders, then struggling with financial and personal hardships, came together to make animation more affordable and accessible. Today, they boast over 400 clients, with 99% of their business coming from international markets.

The Founders’ Inspiring Journey

Rohit Thakur’s story is a testament to grit and determination. Growing up in Delhi as the son of a construction labourer, he witnessed financial struggles firsthand. At 15, he started teaching tuitions and working night shifts at a call center to support his family. His love for animation stemmed from childhood memories of watching shows like Shinchan.

Using YouTube as his primary learning resource, Rohit mastered animation techniques while juggling jobs and college. Despite facing health challenges from overwork, he remained committed to pursuing his passion.

Anmol Pandey, a young student eager to learn animation, met Rohit through a tuition center. The two bonded over their shared interest in animation and business. During a difficult time when Anmol’s family couldn’t afford tuition fees, Rohit continued teaching him without charge.

When Anmol struggled with an outdated computer for his animation work, Rohit went out of his way to buy him a laptop, sowing the seeds of their eventual partnership.

Building the Business from Scratch

In 2020, the founders turned to Upwork, a freelancing platform, to secure their first clients. Anmol’s first project earned $100, along with a $21 tip. However, his account was suspended for being underage. The pair then transferred operations to Rohit’s Upwork account, marking the official start of The Future Animation.

The team gradually grew, hiring five permanent animation artists from countries like Brazil, India, and Indonesia. Today, they combine talent from across the globe to create stunning animations.

The Future Animation’s Range of Services

The Future Animation offers an impressive array of services tailored to various industries:

Animation Services

  • 2D and 3D animations.
  • Pixar-style animated videos.
  • Character design and storytelling.

Video Production

  • Corporate videos.
  • Promotional content and demo videos.
  • Viral video creation for marketing campaigns.

Pre and Post-Production

  • Scriptwriting and storyboarding.
  • Motion graphics and video editing.
  • Sound design for seamless production.

The Future Animation Financial Highlights

The company’s financial journey highlights its resilience and rapid growth:

  • 2023-24: Revenue reached ₹1.6 crore
  • 2024-25: ₹97 lakh earned in six months

Profit Margin: The business operates at a 40% profit margin, reinvesting earnings into research and development.

The Future Animation Client Acquisition

The company primarily sources clients from:

  • Upwork: 70%
  • Social Media Platforms: 30%
  • Upwork: Contributing 70% of total business before account suspension.
  • Social Media Platforms: Instagram and LinkedIn provide 30% of their leads.

Challenges Faced Along the Way

In August 2024, Rohit’s Upwork account was suspended as the platform suspected that the team was working collaboratively, which violated their policies. This forced the founders to directly approach clients, creating temporary setbacks.

The founders currently operate as a sole proprietorship but are transitioning to a private limited company, a move required to secure further investments and scale operations.

The Future Animation on Shark Tank India

When The Future Animation entered Shark Tank India, the founders sought ₹50 lakh for 2.5% equity, valuing their company at ₹20 crore. Their pitch highlighted their journey, growth trajectory, and ambitions to build a global animation IP.

Sharks’ Responses and Final Deal

While most sharks appreciated the founders’ resilience, not all saw alignment with their investment strategies:

  • Sharks Varun Alagh, Vinita Singh, Aman Gupta, and Anupam Mittal opted out.
  • Shark Piyush Bansal saw potential in the startup but imposed a critical condition: the company must transition into a private limited structure.

Piyush offered ₹50 lakh for 10% equity and added a unique twist—a service contract worth ₹50 lakh. The founders accepted, solidifying a deal that would bring Lenskart as a client for their animation services.

Lessons from The Future Animation’s Success

  • The founders’ ability to adapt to challenges, from financial hardships to account suspensions, demonstrates the power of perseverance.
  • The collaboration with Piyush Bansal and Lenskart offers not only funding but also opportunities for business expansion and credibility.
  • The founders’ decision to hire talent from Brazil, India, and Indonesia showcases the importance of leveraging global expertise.

What Sets The Future Animation Apart?

  • Every project begins with a meticulous process, from sketching to storyboarding to 3D animation, ensuring client satisfaction.
  • By hiring global talent through Upwork and other platforms, the company offers high-quality animations at competitive prices.
  • The founders aim to establish a global animation IP, positioning The Future Animation as a leader in storytelling and visual effects.

The journey of The Future Animation, from its humble beginnings in Delhi to securing funding on Shark Tank India, is a story of determination, innovation, and growth. With their sights set on creating a global animation IP, the founders are ready to redefine the animation industry.

The collaboration with Piyush Bansal and Lenskart marks a significant milestone, but it’s just the beginning. With a strong work ethic and a passion for storytelling, The Future Animation is poised for even greater success.

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