Making the right career choices, applying to colleges, and building passion projects can feel overwhelming. That’s where Project Clay, a Goa-based mentorship platform, steps in. Founded by Dyumna Madan and Shivom Sood, the platform connects students and young professionals with experienced mentors who help them make informed decisions about their future. With a network of over 300 vetted mentors from 10 countries, Project Clay provides personalized guidance for college selection, passion projects, resume building, freelancing, and startups.
Dyumna’s entrepreneurial journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic when his online baking venture generated ₹8 lakhs in revenue. Coming from a business-driven family, he realized how the right mentorship can shape success. Inspired by this, he set out to create a platform that would offer students and professionals tailored career guidance. Shivom, passionate about education and skill-building, joined forces with Dyumna to simplify college applications, resume building, and career planning. Together, they built Project Clay to bridge the gap between individuals and experienced mentors who understand their unique needs.
The platform has already gained strong traction, with ₹54,000 in committed sales and ₹23,000 in receivables, proving the demand for structured mentorship. Recognizing its potential, Dyumna and Shivom pitched Project Clay on Shark Tank India, seeking ₹15 Lakhs for 10% equity, valuing their company at ₹1.5 Crores. Their pitch stood out for its clarity, well-defined business model, and early success, quickly catching the sharks’ attention. Unlike many startup founders who struggle with valuation justifications, Dyumna and Shivom presented a reasonable and well-aligned ask, showing they understood their company’s current position and future potential.
During the pitch, they highlighted how Project Clay addresses a critical gap in education and career development by providing one-on-one mentorship. Their success stories, along with their growing revenue, proved there was real demand for personalized guidance. The sharks were particularly interested in scalability, as mentorship-based platforms often face challenges in maintaining quality, engagement, and personalization as they expand. Dyumna and Shivom assured them that their mentor vetting process, structured guidance model, and global expert network positioned them well for sustainable growth.
Among the sharks, Namita Thapar saw the immense potential in Project Clay and decided to invest at their original valuation. She recognized the platform’s ability to make mentorship accessible and impactful for students and professionals. With her investment and strategic guidance, Dyumna and Shivom now have the resources to scale the platform, expand their mentor network, and enhance their services.
Securing an investment on Shark Tank India was a major milestone, providing not just financial backing but also expert mentorship to navigate their next phase of growth. Since the show, Project Clay has grown by 65% in just five months, proving its scalability and impact. As they continue to expand and refine their offerings, the platform is redefining how mentorship is delivered, making it more accessible, affordable, and results-driven. With a strong foundation and the right support, Project Clay is set to transform career mentorship in India and beyond.
