Airth, an AIC T-Hub sustainability cohort alumni startup founded in 2020 by Ravi Kaushik and later joined by Abhimanyu Kumar, is tackling the growing problem of indoor air pollution with a revolutionary solution. Their innovative AC air purifier attachment is the first of its kind in the world, turning ordinary air conditioners into powerful air purifiers—all without the need for electricity. Priced at an affordable ₹3,000, the device filters PM2.5, PM10, and harmful microbes while cutting down on AC maintenance costs. By preventing 30 grams of dust from entering the lungs annually, Airth is making clean air an achievable reality for households across India.
At the heart of this groundbreaking innovation is Airth’s proprietary germ-destroying coating, which combines HEPA technology with ingredients like polyphenols and polycationic polymers, commonly found in green tea. This unique coating doesn’t just trap harmful particles but actively deactivates viruses and bacteria. Validated by IIT Kanpur and IIT Delhi, the product’s efficiency and performance have been thoroughly tested and certified. Its simple two-minute installation process has already brought clean air to over 25,000 homes.
The startup’s modular design ensures year-round usability, making it effective in both summer and winter. With additional plans to expand its technology to car ACs and building-wide systems, Airth is poised to redefine how clean air is delivered.
When Ravi and Abhimanyu appeared on Shark Tank India, their pitch highlighted the potential of their innovative product and the impact it could have on improving indoor air quality. The Sharks were impressed by Airth’s vision but raised tough questions about scalability and the company’s equity structure. Ravi Kaushik holds 64% of the company, while Abhimanyu Kumar owns 2%, with the remaining stakes divided among investors, mentors, IIT Kanpur, and others. The startup has raised ₹3.3 crores in funding so far, which helped establish its presence in over 25,000 homes.
Shark Vineeta Singh quickly saw potential in the product and offered ₹60 lakhs for 2% equity, while Anupam Mittal offered ₹1 crore for 5%, believing in the growing demand for clean air solutions. Aman Gupta matched Anupam’s offer, impressed by Airth’s innovation and market fit. However, Varun Alagh and Peyush Bansal opted out, citing concerns about scaling and equity complexities.
The negotiations heated up as the founders countered with ₹96 lakhs for 3% equity, valuing the business at ₹32 crores. Anupam raised his offer to ₹2 crores for 10%, while Aman and Vineeta joined forces to offer ₹96 lakhs for 4%. After much deliberation, the final deal was struck with Aman and Vineeta at ₹96 lakhs for 3.7% equity, valuing Airth at ₹27.3 crores.
Despite the product’s undeniable impact, the Sharks highlighted key challenges, including scalability, complex equity ownership, and the need to diversify marketing strategies beyond platforms like Amazon. However, the team’s passion and the product’s innovation left a lasting impression, with Aman and Vineeta committing not just funds but also mentorship to help Airth scale to its full potential.
Airth’s success on Shark Tank India reflects its potential to become a game-changer in the fight against air pollution. With a robust product validated by top institutions like IIT Kanpur and IIT Delhi, support from AIC T-Hub, and a rapidly growing user base, the startup is well on its way to making clean air accessible to every home in India.
