In February 2025, Bengaluru-based startup Women Like U made waves on Shark Tank India Season 4, pitching a revolutionary approach to women’s fashion. Founders Abu Zoheib Jilani and Shrijal Dave secured a ₹1 crore deal, spotlighting their tech-driven solution for inclusive sizing. This article delves into their inspiring journey, the funding success, and the broader impact of their mission to redefine fashion. Their story matters because it addresses a universal challenge: finding clothes that fit diverse body types.
The Founders: A Vision for Inclusive Fashion
Abu Zoheib Jilani and Shrijal Dave, both engineers from Bengaluru, launched Women Like U in 2022. Frustrated by the lack of well-fitting vacation wear for Indian women, they developed a platform that uses simple questions to identify body types and curate tailored outfits. Their pitch on Shark Tank India, aired on February 3, 2025, emphasized their commitment to inclusivity, earning praise from the Sharks.
Why it matters: Their focus on diverse body types challenges the fashion industry’s one-size-fits-all approach, empowering women to feel confident.
The Shark Tank Deal: A Heated Negotiation
Women Like U sought ₹1 crore for 2% equity, valuing their company at ₹50 crore ($6 million USD). The Sharks, including Aman Gupta and Vineeta Singh, were impressed by the product’s quality and tech integration. However, Vineeta criticized the brand name, calling it “cheap-sounding.” After a tense debate, Aman Gupta offered ₹1 crore for 3% equity with a ₹1 crore royalty cap, which Jilani and Dave accepted, rejecting Vineeta’s rebranding condition.
Table: Women Like U’s Shark Tank Deal
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Asked Amount | ₹1 crore for 2% equity |
| Deal Secured | ₹1 crore for 3% equity + ₹1 crore royalty cap |
| Valuation | ₹33.33 crore ($4 million USD) |
| Investor | Aman Gupta |
Why it matters: The deal highlights the growing demand for tech-driven fashion solutions, signaling investor confidence in inclusive brands.
Net Worth and Business Growth
As of May 2025, Women Like U’s valuation stands at ₹33.33 crore, based on the Shark Tank deal. Pre-Shark Tank, the startup reported ₹5 crore in annual revenue for 2024, with a 40% growth rate. Post-Shark Tank, sales surged by 120%, driven by media exposure and Aman Gupta’s marketing expertise. Exact net worth figures for the founders remain private, but estimates suggest a combined net worth of ₹10 crore.
Real-world example: Lea Clothing Co., another women-focused fashion brand, saw a 100% sales spike after Shark Tank India Season 3, showing the platform’s transformative impact.
Why it matters: Women Like U’s growth reflects the economic potential of India’s $45 billion women’s apparel market.
Case Study: Tech Meets Fashion
Women Like U’s platform uses a proprietary algorithm to match customers with outfits based on body type, style preferences, and occasion. This addresses a key pain point: 60% of Indian women struggle to find well-fitting clothes, according to a 2023 study by the Indian Fashion Retail Association. By focusing on vacation wear, the brand taps into the growing ₹20,000 crore Indian travel fashion market.
Quote: “Women Like U’s tech-driven approach is revolutionizing how women shop for clothes,” said Priya Rao, a fashion industry analyst at IIM Bangalore.
Why it matters: Their innovation sets a new standard for personalized shopping, reducing returns and waste in the fashion industry.
Challenges and Future Ambitions
Scaling operations while maintaining quality remains a challenge for Women Like U. The brand faces competition from giants like Myntra and global fast-fashion players. With Aman Gupta’s investment, the founders plan to expand their product line to include workwear and casual clothing, aiming for a ₹100 crore valuation by 2027. International markets, particularly the Middle East, are also on their radar.
Why it matters: Their expansion plans could position India as a hub for inclusive fashion innovation.
FAQs About Women Like U
What is Women Like U?
Women Like U is a Bengaluru-based fashion startup founded in 2022, offering curated vacation wear tailored to diverse body types using a tech-driven platform.
Who invested in Women Like U on Shark Tank?
Aman Gupta invested ₹1 crore for 3% equity with a ₹1 crore royalty cap on Shark Tank India Season 4.
What is Women Like U’s valuation?
As of May 2025, Women Like U is valued at ₹33.33 crore ($4 million USD), based on its Shark Tank deal.
How does Women Like U ensure inclusivity?
The brand uses an algorithm to match outfits to customers’ body types, addressing the sizing challenges faced by 60% of Indian women.
Conclusion: Redefining Fashion’s Future
Women Like U’s Shark Tank success is a milestone for inclusive fashion. Abu Zoheib Jilani and Shrijal Dave have turned a personal frustration into a scalable solution, securing ₹1 crore and a powerful mentor in Aman Gupta. Their tech-driven approach and commitment to diverse body types position them as trailblazers in India’s fashion industry. For consumers and entrepreneurs, Women Like U’s journey signals a future where technology and inclusivity reshape how we shop and dress.
Last Updated on Friday, May 16, 2025 11:46 pm by Aarti Kumari
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