Early Learning Startup Panda’s Box Raises Rs 1.2 Cr From Shark Tank India

Why It Matters

The infusion of capital validates the demand for non‑digital early‑education products and positions Panda’s Box to scale against entrenched players, potentially reshaping India’s preschool market.

Key Takeaways

• Raised Rs 1.2 crore on Shark Tank India
• Monthly run rate reaches Rs 1.5 crore
• Targets 0‑6 year olds with screen‑free kits
• Backed by Aman Gupta and Namita Thapar
• Plans to expand distribution and digital presence

Pulse Analysis

India’s early‑learning sector is undergoing a shift as parents grow wary of screen‑centric curricula. Companies that blend tactile play with cultural relevance, like Panda’s Box, are tapping into a niche that values hands‑on interaction and local storytelling. This trend aligns with broader educational research advocating for sensory‑rich experiences that foster cognitive development in the 0‑6 age group.

The recent Shark Tank India appearance delivered Panda’s Box a Rs 1.2 crore boost, courtesy of veteran investors Aman Gupta and Namita Thapar. Management intends to allocate the funds toward new product lines, strengthen supply‑chain partnerships, and enhance its e‑commerce platform. With a reported monthly run rate of Rs 1.5 crore, the startup demonstrates rapid traction, suggesting that its hybrid model of offline kits and a growing digital presence resonates with Indian families seeking alternatives to purely app‑based learning.

Competitive pressure is intensifying, as established players such as FirstCry, Smartivity, and KLAY Preschools expand their toy and activity‑kit portfolios. Panda’s Box’s focus on culturally rooted, mantra‑based plush toys differentiates it within this crowded field. If the company successfully scales distribution and leverages its Shark Tank credibility, it could capture a larger share of the burgeoning preschool market, prompting incumbents to innovate further and potentially accelerating the overall move toward balanced, screen‑free early education in India.

Early learning startup Panda’s Box raises Rs 1.2 Cr from Shark Tank India

By Shashank Pathak · 10 Feb 2026 12:28 IST

Panda’s Box has raised Rs 1.2 crore after appearing on Shark Tank India. The funding was jointly backed by Aman Gupta and Namita Thapar.

The funds will be used to invest in product development, expand distribution channels, strengthen its digital presence, and reach more families across India.

Founded in 2022 by Sukriti Mendiratta and Rajat Mendiratta, Panda’s Box operates in the screen‑free early learning segment, focusing on culturally rooted and hands‑on learning products for children aged 0–6 years.

The startup offers products such as interactive musical books, storytelling tools, and mantra‑based plush toys.

Panda’s Box claims to have reported a monthly run rate of around Rs 1.5 crore. The startup has built a customer base of parents seeking alternatives to digital‑first learning tools.

The brand competes with companies such as FirstCry, Smartivity, PlayShifu, Skillmatics, and KLAY Preschools, which offer learning toys, activity kits, or early‑education solutions.

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