Pune’s 16-Year-Old Meet Deore, Electric Bike Startup Founder, Impresses on Shark Tank India 4
Pune’s 16-Year-Old Meet Deore, Electric Bike Startup Founder, Impresses on Shark Tank India 4
At an age when most teenagers are focused on academics and leisure, 16-year-old Meet Deore is making strides in electric mobility. The young innovator from Pune, Maharashtra, is the founder of Deni Bikes, a startup that aims to make affordable electric motorcycles. His journey recently brought him to Shark Tank India Season 4, where he presented his ambitious venture to some of the country’s top investors.
Meet Deore: The Young Innovator
Born and raised in Pune, Meet is currently a Class 12 student at Aditya English Medium School. His parents run a software company, Vatsa Solutions Pvt. Ltd., and he has two identical sisters. While preparing for the highly competitive JEE exams, he is also leading his startup, balancing both academics and entrepreneurship.
Meet’s passion for technology began early. By Class 2, he had already invented an electric stirrer, and by Class 4, he had automated his home’s curtains. At just 10 years old, he built an electric go-kart, marking the beginning of his journey in electric mobility. His curiosity led him to explore fields like IoT (Internet of Things), AI (Artificial Intelligence), and Machine Learning, but his true passion lay in motors and engineering.
The Birth of Deni Bikes
Determined to create affordable and efficient electric motorcycles, Meet launched Deni Bikes, a fully Made-in-India project. The name “Deni” is derived from his parents’ surnames, Deore and Nikam, reflecting his family’s support in his journey.
Deni Bikes stand out for their affordability and high performance. Manufactured at a cost of approximately ₹40,000, the bike features a 48-volt, 1-kilowatt motor, a chain-drive system for better power efficiency, and a lithium-ion battery that charges in 3-4 hours and offers a 75 km range. The bike reaches a top speed of 50 km/h, making it a practical, eco-friendly alternative to fuel-powered two-wheelers.
Meet personally designed the bike’s frame, collaborated with fabricators for welding, and independently assembled the components. His hands-on approach and technical expertise were evident when he presented his venture on Shark Tank India 4.
Meet Deore’s Shark Tank India Experience
Meet entered Shark Tank India 4 seeking an investment of ₹30 lakh for a 10% equity stake, valuing his business at ₹3 crore. His pitch was met with admiration from the Sharks, who were impressed by his technical knowledge and business strategy.
During the pitch, Aman Gupta, co-founder of boAt, jokingly remarked, “At 16, I didn’t even know if I’d pick Commerce or Science!” while Anupam Mittal quipped, “Bhai, sabko kaam par laga diya hai!” referring to Meet’s cousins who helped him with his projects.
Despite being highly impressed, the Sharks ultimately decided not to invest, advising Meet to focus on his education first. Namita Thapar referenced 3 Idiots, encouraging him to excel in his field before diving into full-time entrepreneurship. Although he walked away without funding, Meet gained something even more valuable—mentorship, guidance, and connections with influential business leaders.
Balancing Studies and Entrepreneurship
When asked how he balances his startup with academics, Meet candidly admitted that while education is important to him, his true passion lies in innovation. He remains determined to pursue engineering while continuing to develop and refine Deni Bikes.
His story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and innovation. While he may not have secured investment on Shark Tank India, he has earned something far more significant—recognition, mentorship, and a head start in revolutionizing India’s electric mobility sector.
At just 16, Meet Deore has already proven that age is no barrier to success. With his vision and determination, this is just the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary entrepreneurial journey.
