FOLDABLE MEASURING SPOONS: The inventor’s Polygons design combines six conventional measuring spoons into two compact tools, attracting investment from Lori Greiner and Mindy Kaling
An Indian designer has secured a $350,000 investment deal on the American business reality show Shark Tank USA after presenting an innovative kitchen utensil designed to make measuring ingredients simpler and storage easier.
Rahul Agarwal, founder of Polygons Design, won the backing of investor Lori Greiner and actor Mindy Kaling for his space-saving measuring spoons. The deal involves $350,000 in exchange for an 8 per cent equity stake and an additional 2 per cent in advisory equity, according to reports published this week.
The agreement values the business at approximately $3.5 million. Agarwal had initially sought $350,000 for a 7 per cent stake, before negotiations with the investors led to the final terms.
Agarwal’s product, called Polygons, rethinks the conventional measuring spoon set, which typically consists of several separate spoons attached to a ring. His design combines six measurements into two foldable tools that can be flattened for storage and opened to the required size during use. The utensils can measure both solid and liquid ingredients.
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The idea dates back to 2014, when Agarwal was studying at the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad
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Developing the initial concept into a commercially viable product took years of work. He reportedly spent nearly three years refining the design, changed manufacturers seven times and travelled to China 16 times to address production challenges
The business has since recorded total sales of $4 million, including $1.25 million in the previous year, Agarwal told investors during the programme. He said the company made around $210,000 in profit, while production difficulties remained a challenge as demand increased.
The pitch also attracted interest from investor Kevin O’Leary, who made an offer before Agarwal chose to proceed with Greiner and Kaling. Kaling praised the product’s design, highlighting its usefulness for people who cook regularly and want to avoid storing multiple measuring utensils.
Agarwal’s immediate focus is to expand the kitchenware range before moving into other household products. The investment could help the company address manufacturing constraints and meet demand for its compact utensils.
His appearance on the programme highlights how redesigning an everyday object can become a commercial opportunity when supported by product development, manufacturing experience and a clear understanding of consumer needs.
