Indian-origin designer's foldable measuring spoons win Rs 3.3 crore deal on Shark Tank US

Even a small everyday object can sometimes become the foundation of a big business. Indian-origin designer Rahul Agrawal has shown just that. He redesigned kitchen measuring spoons and impressed investors on the American business reality show Shark Tank USA with his unusual idea. His start-up, Polygon Design, has received an investment of about Rs 3.3 crore.

While cooking or baking, one usually has to keep several spoons to measure different quantities. They take up space in the kitchen drawer and are hard to store neatly. Agrawal tried to solve this problem.

The big spoon of his set can measure half a tablespoon, one tablespoon and two tablespoons. The small spoon can measure a quarter teaspoon, half a teaspoon and one teaspoon. After use, the spoons can be flattened. They are about 2.8 mm thick and, being magnetised, can be stuck on a fridge. The Polygon brand offers a set of measuring spoons in which two flat, flexible spoons replace six conventional ones. They can be bent into any shape.

Agrawal is an Indian-origin innovator and product designer. He studied design at the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad. After gaining experience in industrial design, product design and user experience, he started his own business. He founded Polygon Design in October 2016. His aim is to make everyday objects more useful and convenient.

Agrawal's story shows that a successful start-up does not always need to create something entirely new. Sometimes improving an existing product can also create a big business opportunity. His folding spoon is an example of this thinking, turning a humble kitchen tool into an attractive business proposition for international investors.

Agrawal pitched his business in the fourth episode of the show's 18th season. Actress and investor Mindy Kaling and investor Lori Greiner jointly offered him $350,000, or about Rs 3.3 crore. Under the deal, the investors agreed to take an 8 per cent stake in the company and an additional 2 per cent advisory stake. The deal values the company at about $3.5 million.