Saraaf, a prominent commodity and mineral sourcing company, has made history on Shark Tank Pakistan by securing the largest investment commitment in the show’s global history.
The whopping Rs. 150 Crore ($5.3 million) deal includes Rs. 80 Crore for 20% equity and a Rs. 70 Crore line of credit with a 3% royalty. This record-breaking investment dwarfs the second-largest deal of $2.5 million, previously considered the biggest deal in “Shark Tank” history.
Saraaf’s historic Rs. 1.5 billion deal on Shark Tank Pakistan was secured with the backing of a single shark, Usman Bashir. While other judges admired the company’s potential, it was Bashir who stepped forward with a record-breaking offer, showcasing his confidence in the startup’s vision and transformative business model.
Shark Tank Pakistan just made history.
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What makes Saraaf a game-changer?
Saraaf is a Karachi-based commodity and mineral sourcing startup connecting international markets with premium suppliers across Central and South Asia (CASA). With over a decade of experience, Saraaf specializes in sourcing high-quality materials like onyx, cotton, and Zinc-Lead, tapping into the rich resources of five key regions.
What sets Saraaf apart is its game-changing approach—leveraging innovative solutions to simplify sourcing, streamline logistics, and provide actionable insights. By bridging buyers and suppliers with unparalleled trust and efficiency, Saraaf aims to transform traditional commodity trading into a seamless, growth-driven experience for all stakeholders.
Saraaf team members impressed the Shark Tank judges with its robust business model and growth potential. Commenting on the deal, Saraaf shared its excitement: “This milestone is a testament to our dedication to transforming the commodity sourcing landscape. We’re grateful for the exceptional trust from Usman Bashir and the support of the sharks.”
With the Rs. 150 Crore investment, Saraaf is poised to expand its footprint across Central and South Asia. The company plans to leverage the sharks’ resources and insights to revolutionize commodity and mineral sourcing, creating innovative solutions for global markets.
The founders expressed gratitude for the mentorship received, particularly from the showrunner and production team, highlighting the collaborative spirit of Shark Tank Pakistan.
Usman Bashir: The Investor behind the deal
Usman Bashir, a Karachi-born entrepreneur and prominent investor, was the driving force behind Saraaf’s historic deal. Now based in Houston, Texas, Bashir is the founder and CEO of BrakeTime Corner Market, a Houston-based American-Pakistani corporation. Balancing time between Pakistan and the U.S., Usman expanded BrakeTime to over 300 retail outlets, including gas stations, fast food chains, vape shops, travel plazas, and coffee spots, along with a significant real estate portfolio. He also established the BTCM Foundation and BTCM Consulting.
In 2024, Bashir debuted as a judge on Shark Tank Pakistan, bringing his global expertise to Pakistan’s startup ecosystem. Known for his interest in electric vehicles and strategic investments, Bashir is recognized as one of the fastest-growing Asian entrepreneurs in the US.
Usman Bashir emphasized his dedication to empowering Pakistani entrepreneurs, stating that Shark Tank Pakistan serves as a platform to inspire and enable startups to succeed on a global scale. He expressed excitement about supporting Saraaf, noting that their vision perfectly aligns with this mission.
Meet the Sharks: Driving Pakistan’s Startup revolution
The judging panel on Shark Tank Pakistan features a diverse mix of industry leaders committed to nurturing entrepreneurial talent.
- Usman Bashir: The dynamic CEO of BrakeTime Corner Market, Bashir is a seasoned entrepreneur with a global perspective. He brings a wealth of experience, strategic insight, and a strong commitment to empowering startups to succeed internationally.
- Romanna Dada: With over 20 years of experience as an investor and founder, Dada provides strategic insights to help startups scale.
- Rabeel Warraich: Founder of Sarmayacar and a former Morgan Stanley analyst, Warraich is revolutionizing Pakistan’s venture capital landscape.
- Faisal Aftab: Leading Zayn VC, Aftab has a track record of propelling companies like Haball and NayaPay to success.
- Junaid Iqbal: A seasoned business leader, Iqbal rounds out the panel with his expertise in technology and finance.
Together, these sharks are shaping the future of Pakistan’s entrepreneurial landscape, offering not just financial backing but also invaluable mentorship and global connections.
Shark Tank, the renowned American business reality show, debuted in 2009 on ABC. Adapted from the British series Dragons’ Den and originally inspired by Japan’s The Tigers of Money, the show’s format allows entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas to a panel of investors, or “sharks,” who deliberate on whether to invest and negotiate terms.
The franchise has achieved global acclaim with successful adaptations in countries like India, Bangladesh, and Australia, where it has significantly boosted startup ecosystems. With Shark Tank Pakistan, the format now empowers local entrepreneurs to secure funding, scale their ventures, and bring innovative ideas to the global stage.