In the bustling world of startups, where innovation meets opportunity, FundooLabs has emerged as a beacon of creativity and learning for children. Founded by Naitik Chotai, an engineer-turned-entrepreneur, FundooLabs is India’s leading brand for DIY scientific and sensory toys. With a mission to make science fun and accessible, FundooLabs has captured the hearts of kids and parents alike, earning a spotlight on Shark Tank India Season 4.
The Birth of FundooLabs
Naitik Chotai’s journey began with a simple yet powerful vision: to inspire curiosity and creativity in children through hands-on learning. After spending six years working at L&T, Naitik realized that traditional education often lacked the excitement and engagement needed to nurture young minds. In 2016, he left his corporate job and started conducting science workshops for kids, partnering with schools to bring experiments to life.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-21 became a turning point for Naitik. With schools closed and children stuck at home, he saw an opportunity to turn his workshops into tangible products. Starting with slime kits, Naitik invested ₹30 lakh to create 20,000 units, which sold out within 1.5 years. This success laid the foundation for FundooLabs, which now offers a wide range of DIY science kits and sensory toys, including slime, squishy toys, and snow-making kits.
The Shark Tank India Experience
When Naitik stepped onto the Shark Tank India Season 4 stage, he brought with him not just a business pitch but a heartfelt story of innovation and family. His 14-year-old daughter, Priyanshi, joined him for a live demonstration of their products, showcasing the safe and non-toxic slime that has become a favorite among kids. Her confidence and charm won over the Sharks, with Anupam Mittal even calling Naitik “the real Santa Claus without a beard”.
Naitik’s original ask was ₹60 lakh for 4% equity, valuing FundooLabs at ₹15 crore. However, after intense negotiations, he secured a deal with Anupam Mittal and Aman Gupta for ₹66 lakh in exchange for 7% equity. This investment not only validated the uniqueness of FundooLabs’ products but also provided the resources needed to expand their product line and reach more children.
What Makes FundooLabs Unique?
FundooLabs stands out in the crowded toy market by blending education with entertainment. Their DIY kits are designed to make complex scientific concepts easy to understand through fun, hands-on experiments. For example, their slime kits teach kids about polymerization and molecular bonding, while their snow-making kits introduce the science of temperature and crystallization.
Safety is a top priority for FundooLabs. All products are made from 100% non-toxic materials, ensuring a worry-free experience for parents and endless fun for kids. The kits are also designed to be mess-free, making them perfect for home use or as party favors.
The Impact of FundooLabs
Since its inception, FundooLabs has grown exponentially. With 25 distributors and products available in over 3,000 retail stores, the company has achieved impressive sales figures. In 2023-24, FundooLabs reported revenue of ₹1.5 crore, and they are on track to double that in the current fiscal year. Naitik’s ultimate goal is to build a ₹200 crore business by 20305.
Beyond the numbers, FundooLabs has touched the lives of countless children, sparking their curiosity and inspiring a love for science. Parents have praised the kits for their ability to engage kids for hours while teaching valuable skills like problem-solving and creativity.
Looking Ahead
With the investment from Shark Tank India, FundooLabs is poised for even greater success. Naitik plans to expand the product line, introduce new sensory toys, and reach more children across India. His vision is to create a world where learning is not confined to textbooks but is a joyful, hands-on experience that every child can enjoy.
Conclusion
FundooLabs is more than just a toy company; it’s a movement to redefine how children learn and explore the world. By combining science, creativity, and fun, Naitik Chotai has created a brand that not only entertains but also educates. As FundooLabs continues to grow, it promises to inspire the next generation of scientists, innovators, and dreamers.
To explore their range of products, visit the FundooLabs website and bring home the magic of hands-on learning today!
