.webp)
“To survive among sharks, you must become one yourself.” This powerful statement by Srikanth Bolla perfectly sums up his journey from overcoming hardships to becoming a successful entrepreneur. And now, he’s stepping into the Shark Tank India panel!
Shark Tank India has been a game-changer for budding entrepreneurs, turning dreams into reality with the guidance of business experts. But this time, there’s a new shark in the tank—Srikanth Bolla, a visionary entrepreneur who defied all odds. From being the first visually impaired student at MIT to building a multi-million-dollar company, his story is nothing short of inspiring.
What makes Srikanth Bolla’s journey so special? How did he turn challenges into opportunities? And what can we expect from him on Shark Tank India? Let’s dive into his incredible life, achievements, and his new role as a shark!
View this post on Instagram
Who Is Srikanth Bolla?
Srikanth Bolla is an Indian entrepreneur who serves as the CEO, Co-founder, and Chairman of Bollant Industries Private Limited. Bolla, a visually impaired entrepreneur and philanthropist, was the first visually impaired student to pursue Management Science at the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as stated on his website.
Generating more than 150 million USD in annual revenue, his company, Bollant, now employs over 500 individuals.
Early Life
Born on July 7, 1991, in Seetharamapuram, Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh, Bolla hails from a Telugu family with parents who had no formal schooling and worked as farmers. As a child with visual impairment, he also faced challenges in accessing education because of inadequate infrastructure. Despite achieving 98% in his XII board exams, he had no opportunity for further education.
However, he was not someone who would concede. He initiated a lawsuit, which required him six months to succeed. He attended college and aimed to study engineering, but was rejected from coaching institutes for IIT entrance.
Achievements
Since 2005, Srikanth Bolla has been a youth leader and joined Lead India 2020: The Second National Youth Movement, initiated by former Indian President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam.
In 2011, he co-established the Samanvai Center for Children with Multiple Disabilities, where he launched a Braille printing press to offer a range of services to students with multiple disabilities.
In April 2017, Bolla was among the three Indians recognized by Forbes magazine as 30 under 30 throughout all of Asia.
Srikanth Bolla’s career
Bolla co-founded Bollant Industries with Ravi Mantha in 2012.
The business, supported by Ratan Tata, produces products made from areca and offers job opportunities to numerous individuals with disabilities. The firm utilizes municipal waste or contaminated paper to produce environmentally friendly recycled Kraft paper. It also produces packaging items from recycled paper, creates disposable items from natural leaves and recycled paper, and transforms plastic waste into functional products.
A source of motivation for many, Srikanth Bolla’s life journey also influenced the Bollywood film Srikanth, featuring Rajkummar Rao.
View this post on Instagram
Srikanth Bolla on Shark Tank India
In a recent Instagram update, the entrepreneur shared a photo of him posing alongside all the sharks. In his message, he stated, “To endure a group of sharks, you must transform into one yourself.”
Elaborating on how the opportunity turned out for him, he mentioned, “So indeed, I had the chance to become a shark on Shark Tank India." Being on the set made me understand that dreams aren't only for those who think—they're for those who take action! It was an exciting experience to meet the talented entrepreneurs on the panel, and the pitches were incredibly inspiring — one could sense the innovation in the atmosphere!
“Honestly, entrepreneurship in India has received a truly uplifting boost thanks to Shark Tank India.” Individuals at the event appeared ready to address both longstanding challenges and contemporary social issues while being forward-thinking," he remarked.
Srikanth Bolla’s journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and breaking barriers. As he joins Shark Tank India, his story will continue to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs to dream big and take action.
Also Read: Top Horror Mystery Movies You Must Watch for a Thrilling Experience
