Annie, a self-learning, remote-enabled Braille literacy tool created to assist visually impaired people in learning Braille on their own, was unveiled by Thinkerbell Labs, a socially conscious EdTech firm. Capabilities for self-learning via audio feedback. Using gamified learning to add interest to Braille instruction, System for remote tracking Parents and teachers can use an app to track their children’s growth. supports a variety of languages to accommodate a wide range of learners.

Company Name: Annie

Founder: Aman, Dilip, Sanskriti and Saif

Product: Self Learning Remote Enabled Braille Literacy Device

Highlights

• In order to increase educational accessibility for those with visual impairments, the founders unveiled Annie, a self-learning, remote-enabled Braille literacy device.
• The Sharks were moved by the startup’s goal of empowering visually impaired pupils and advancing Braille literacy, underscoring its potential for widespread influence.
• Widespread acceptance was a problem due to the product’s challenging pricing. Nonetheless, the founders had faith that economies of scale would eventually result in lower costs.
• The size of the potential market and the product’s scalability were questioned by the sharks. There were questions about whether individuals and schools could afford the price tag.
• The company’s expansion may have been slowed by its heavy reliance on institutional and governmental collaborations. The potential for competitors to enter the market with comparable or less expensive products was one of the questions the sharks questioned.
• Scalability and dependence on institutional sales (government and NGOs) were cited by some Sharks as potential barriers to business expansion.
• The company was valued at ₹35 crores by the sharks Anupam Mittal, Peyush Bansal, and Namita Thapar, who responded with a combined offer of ₹1.05 crores for 3% equity.
• Thinkerbell Labs won a deal that included funding and strategic mentoring after impressing the sharks with an inventive EdTech solution that had a social impact.
• Annie is a game-changer in Braille literacy, since the pitch demonstrated how technology can close the accessibility gap in schooling for those with visual impairments.

Pitch Details

Ask: ₹30 Lakhs for 0.5% Equity

Deal: After negotiations, Anupam, Peyush and Namita secured a deal for ₹1.05 Crores for 3% Equity.

Investors: The investment came from Peyush Bansal, Namita Thapar and Anupam Mittal.

Conclusion

With their product Annie, a self-learning, remote-enabled Braille literacy device, Thinkerbell Labs demonstrated a revolutionary breakthrough in Braille education during their Shark Tank India Season 1 Episode 13 pitch. The startup was a tempting investment prospect due to its breakthrough technology, scalable business plan, and great social impact. The inventors successfully illustrated how their product may revolutionize Braille instruction globally, despite reservations about scalability, cost, and reliance on government contracts.

Anupam Mittal, Peyush Bansal, and Namita Thapar made a calculated investment as a result, obtaining ₹1.05 crores for 3% ownership. In addition to financial support, the agreement offered Thinkerbell Labs invaluable mentorship, setting the company up for growth, wider adoption, and sustained success in enabling visually impaired students to access and enjoy Braille literacy.

Significant findings

• Innovative & Impactful Product
• Strong Social Impact
• Challenges in Scalability
• High Product Cost
• Strategic Investment
• Valuable Mentorship
• Global Potential