How Naina Parekh’s EUME is Redefining Travel Accessories: Insights from Shark Tank Journey

Naina Parekh, Founder of EUME, shares in this interview with StartupTalky how her journey began with a mission to blend innovation with the needs of modern travelers. The prime focus is on comfort, functionality, and style, we aim to make a difference in our traveller's voyage. Appearing on Shark Tank India greatly enhanced EUME's visibility, helping us connect with a larger audience and grow our market presence. We have expanded product lines and secured funding, EUME continues to innovate and bring change in travel accessories market, we are pushing boundaries to meet the demands of our customers.

StartupTalky: What inspired you to start EUME, and what was the core vision behind the brand?

Ms. Parekh: The inspiration to start the brand came from a desire to merge innovation with everyday travel needs. We saw a gap in the market for ergonomic and smart travel solutions that addressed comfort and catered to modern travellers' demands. Our core vision has always been to create products that are functional, stylish, and can genuinely make a difference in people's lives.

StartupTalky: How did the Shark Tank India appearance impact EUME’s brand visibility and public perception?

Ms. Parekh: Appearing on Shark Tank India was a game-changer in terms of visibility. It allowed us to reach a wider audience and create a strong emotional connection with viewers across the country. The exposure not only boosted public perception but also reaffirmed our mission of providing innovative travel products.

StartupTalky: What was the preparation process like for pitching EUME’s products on Shark Tank India? Were there any unexpected challenges or surprises?

Ms. Parekh: The preparation process involved fine-tuning our pitch to ensure we conveyed the brand's value and the problem we are solving. We rehearsed multiple scenarios and anticipated tough questions. One surprise was the intense scrutiny from the Sharks regarding product scalability and the potential for market disruption, which helped sharpen our focus.

StartupTalky: How did you feel when Ashneer Grover and Anupam Mittal made offers that you ultimately decided to reject? What was the rationale behind turning down their proposals?

Ms. Parekh: It was a tough decision because both Ashneer and Anupam brought a lot to the table in terms of experience and resources. However, we believed that the valuation and terms did not align with our long-term vision. It was important for us to retain creative and operational control to stay true to our brand ethos.

StartupTalky: Since your appearance on the show, how has EUME evolved? Can you highlight any significant achievements or milestones that have been reached?

Ms. Parekh: Since our appearance, we’ve achieved several milestones, including expanding our product range, increasing our market footprint, and securing Pre-Series A funding. We’ve also focused on building a strong digital presence and enhancing customer engagement through our innovative product offerings.

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StartupTalky: What key lessons did you take from the Shark Tank India experience? Would you change your pitch approach if given another chance?

Ms. Parekh: One of the key lessons was the importance of staying adaptable and open to feedback, even from the toughest critics. If I were to pitch again, I would focus more on the product’s unique selling propositions and long-term growth strategies, ensuring that the business potential is communicated clearly.

StartupTalky: How will you use the recent Pre-Series A funding to drive growth? What are EUME’s next steps for product innovation and market expansion, and are there any upcoming projects or goals?

Ms. Parekh: The recent funding will be used to enhance our product R&D, streamline operations, and expand our market presence domestically and internationally. We’re also working on launching several new products designed for the modern traveler, which will continue to set us apart in terms of functionality and design.

StartupTalky: Are there any behind-the-scenes details from your Shark Tank experience that are not commonly known but would interest readers?

Ms. Parekh: One behind-the-scenes moment that stood out was the camaraderie between entrepreneurs backstage. While there’s a competitive element to the show, there’s also a sense of shared purpose and learning, which was inspiring.

StartupTalky: Did you receive any unexpected benefits or opportunities from the Shark Tank appearance that were not directly related to funding, such as partnerships or media exposure?

Ms. Parekh: Absolutely. Beyond the funding offers, we received an overwhelming response from media outlets, potential partners, and even customers who resonated with our story. This opened doors for collaborations and media features that helped further amplify our brand.

StartupTalky: With EUME’s focus on innovation and solving real-life problems, how do you plan to stay ahead in the travel accessories market and continue setting new standards?

Ms. Parekh: We plan to stay ahead by continually listening to our customers and anticipating their evolving needs. By staying at the forefront of ergonomic and smart travel technology, we aim to push the boundaries of what travel accessories can achieve. Our focus remains on creating products that offer a seamless blend of form and function.

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