Skippi Ice Pops, a Hyderabad-based startup, has emerged as one of the most talked-about success stories from Shark Tank India. Founded by Ravi Kabra and Anuja Kabra, the company transformed the familiar street-side chuski into a packaged consumer product and built a business that expanded rapidly after appearing on the television show.

The startup reported that its monthly sales grew from around ₹5 lakh to ₹2 crore following its appearance on Shark Tank India Season 1. The founders also secured one of the show’s most memorable investments, becoming the first business to receive backing from all five sharks.

Building a Modern Ice Pop Brand

Skippi Ice Pops was launched in 2020, shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic, with the aim of bringing a nostalgic frozen treat into the organised food and beverage market.

Instead of selling traditional ice candies through local vendors, the founders introduced packaged ice pops made with natural colours and preservatives-free formulations. The products targeted families looking for convenient frozen treats while appealing to consumers who associated chuskis with childhood memories.

The company initially introduced six flavours:

• Raspberry
• Orange
• Mango Twist
• Bubblegum
• Cola
• Lemon

The product’s affordable pricing and familiar taste helped it gain attention in a competitive snacks market.

A Landmark Pitch on Shark Tank India

Skippi’s appearance on Shark Tank India Season 1 became one of the defining moments of the inaugural season.

After listening to the founders’ pitch, all five investors decided to back the company, making Skippi the first startup on the show to receive an all-shark deal.

The founders accepted an investment of ₹1 crore for 15% equity.

During the negotiations, Peyush Bansal, founder of Lenskart, increased his individual commitment, taking the total investment to ₹1.2 crore.

The deal gave Skippi not only financial support but also access to experienced entrepreneurs who helped strengthen the company’s growth strategy.

Sales Rose Sharply After the Show

The exposure from Shark Tank India had an immediate effect on the business.

According to the company, monthly sales increased from approximately ₹5 lakh before the show to around ₹2 crore after its television appearance.

Former BharatPe co-founder Ashneer Grover, one of Skippi’s investors, described the company as one of the biggest success stories from the season and noted that sales had grown significantly following the broadcast.

The startup also reported receiving more than 20,000 online orders, reflecting strong consumer interest generated by the national television exposure.

Expanding Retail Presence Across India

As demand increased, Skippi focused on strengthening its distribution network.

The company’s products are now available in:

• More than 1,500 retail stores in Hyderabad.
• Over 8,000 retail outlets across India.
• Major e-commerce platforms, including Amazon and Flipkart.

Individual ice pops are priced at around ₹20, while customers can also purchase multipacks containing several flavours.

The wider retail presence has helped the company reach consumers beyond metropolitan cities while increasing brand visibility nationwide.

Introducing the Skippi Freezer Bike

To improve last-mile delivery and product availability, Skippi introduced the Skippi Freezer Bike, an electric scooter equipped with a built-in freezer.

The initiative was developed in partnership with BikeWO, a company that customises electric two-wheelers for commercial use.

The freezer-equipped vehicles allow delivery personnel to transport frozen products while maintaining the required temperature, making doorstep delivery more practical.

Speaking at the launch, co-founder Ravi Kabra said the partnership aimed to combine convenience with environmentally conscious transportation while improving customer access to Skippi Ice Pops.

The company has deployed more than 100 freezer bikes as part of the initiative.

Growth Strategy Beyond Shark Tank

Following its rapid expansion, Skippi has continued investing in product development and distribution.

The founders have outlined plans to raise an additional ₹4 crore to support the next phase of growth.

The proposed funding would be used to:

• Expand into additional markets across India.
• Strengthen retail distribution.
• Introduce new flavours.
• Develop updated packaging.
• Increase manufacturing capacity.

These initiatives are intended to help the company compete more effectively in India’s organised frozen dessert market.

Why Skippi’s Business Model Worked

Several factors contributed to Skippi’s growth after Shark Tank India.

The company built a familiar product around modern packaging and nationwide distribution. Television exposure significantly increased brand awareness, while investment from experienced entrepreneurs provided financial resources and strategic guidance.

Its pricing also allowed the brand to remain accessible to a broad consumer base, and its focus on packaged hygiene appealed to families looking for convenient frozen snacks.

The combination of nostalgia, affordability, and organised retail distribution helped Skippi create a distinct position in the market.

Outlook

Skippi Ice Pops has grown from an early-stage startup into a recognised consumer brand within a few years of launching.

Its journey highlights the impact that national visibility, strategic investment, and product innovation can have on a young business.

With plans to raise fresh capital, expand distribution, and introduce new products, the Hyderabad-based company is preparing for its next stage of growth.

As India’s packaged food and beverage sector continues to evolve, Skippi’s story demonstrates how a simple everyday product can be reimagined into a scalable business with national reach.

Most Searched FAQs

1. What is Skippi Ice Pops?

Skippi Ice Pops is a Hyderabad-based food startup that manufactures packaged ice pops inspired by the traditional Indian chuski. The company was founded by Ravi Kabra and Anuja Kabra in 2020.

2. How much funding did Skippi receive on Shark Tank India?

Skippi secured an all-shark deal on Shark Tank India Season 1, receiving ₹1 crore for 15% equity. Peyush Bansal later increased his commitment, taking the total investment to ₹1.2 crore.

3. How did Skippi perform after Shark Tank India?

According to the company, its monthly sales increased from around ₹5 lakh to ₹2 crore after appearing on the show. It also expanded its retail and online presence across India.

4. Where are Skippi Ice Pops available?

Skippi products are sold through thousands of retail outlets across India and are also available on online marketplaces such as Amazon and Flipkart.

5. What is the Skippi Freezer Bike?

The Skippi Freezer Bike is an electric delivery vehicle fitted with an onboard freezer. Developed with BikeWO, it helps transport and deliver frozen products while maintaining the required temperature.

6. What are Skippi’s future expansion plans?

The company plans to raise ₹4 crore to expand into new markets, strengthen its retail network, introduce new flavours, and invest in packaging and manufacturing improvements.

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