LAHORE: With Shark Tank Pakistan gaining attention among entrepreneurs and startup viewers, a wave of rumours has emerged, with viewers and insiders questioning whether the investment offers made on air are honoured or if many fall through during the off-camera process.
But in one case, the founder chose to walk away from the deal.
Nausheen Barkat received a PKR 6 million investment offer from Sharks Aleena Nadeem and Usman Bashir during her pitch. However, weeks later, questions arose when no official update followed about the deal.
In a social media post, Barkat confirmed that while the investors started due diligence and kept in touch, she decided not to go ahead with the investment.
“It was me who stepped back,” she said. “The Sharks followed up, we had conversations, shared documents. But after speaking with mentors, I felt I wasn’t ready to bring in investment.”
Barkat had started a new venture called Caper, focused on creating a medicinal-plant supply chain in Gilgit-Baltistan through community-based value addition. She felt her attention needed to stay on this work before accepting outside funding.
Her statement comes as others have also shared concerns about deals not being completed after the show.
Noman Afzal, founder of the startup School Mentor and a participant on Shark Tank, supported Barkat’s move while adding his experience.
“We submitted documents and even received confirmation, but still saw delays. Due diligence is important, but so is clarity when a deal doesn’t move forward.”
Moazzam Kamran, an AI Sales & Strategy Director, pointed out that such outcomes are common in venture funding, not unique to Pakistan’s version of the show. “Only 4 out of 36 startups on Shark Tank Pakistan got funding,” he said. “People confuse the handshake for the money, but the real test is what happens after the cameras stop.”
He noted that even on Shark Tank US, nearly 30–40% of deals fall apart during due diligence. From incomplete data and hidden debt to pricing mismatches, many pitches fail not on stage but in spreadsheets and legal reviews afterward.
Investor Usman Bashir also commented on Barkat’s decision, saying:
“Your clarity stood out. Asqurr is a strong brand. Let’s stay in touch.”
Barkat ended her statement by sharing thoughts with other founders, stressing the importance of preparation, making clear choices, and using platforms like Shark Tank to form connections, not just to secure funding.
“Investment isn’t the only outcome,” she said. “Progress, learning, and honest connections matter too.”