Pakistan's viral 'Chaiwala' gets ₹1 crore Shark Tank investment for tea brand

Arshad Khan, a former Pakistani tea vendor whose photograph went viral in 2016, got a ₹1 crore Shark Tank investment for Chaiwala & Co, his tea brand

Published on: Nov 16, 2024, 16:21:18 IST

By HT News Desk

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Arshad Khan, a former Pakistani street tea vendor whose photograph went viral in 2016, got a ₹1 crore investment from Shark Tank Pakistan for Chaiwala & Co, his tea brand.

Arshad Khan’s viral picture from 2016 (L) and his recent appearance on Shark Tank Pakistan (R). (Instagram/@arshadchaiwala1)

Prior to launching the brand, he got offered several modelling contracts due to his fame. He eventually decided to focus on growing his business.

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Khan's brand aimed to combine traditional Pakistani chai with an immersive cultural experience.

"My goal has always been to represent Pakistan and its culture through something as simple as chai," a Times of India report quoted Khan as saying.

His brand is now becoming an international phenomenon with a flagship café in London, besides outlets across Pakistan.

Khan recently posted a video on Instagram, to welcome potential franchisees around the world.

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The cafés attempt to recreate the bustling atmosphere of Pakistani streets, along with décor and ambiance reflecting its culture.

The London expansion was a move to target not just expatriates, but also a wider audience just curious regarding Pakistani culture.

"My journey from a chai vendor to an entrepreneur has been challenging, but I am grateful for every opportunity that has come my way," Khan said after he won the Shark Tank funding.

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HT News Desk
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