For decades, makeup has been seen as a women’s domain, but Yaan Man is here to change that. Founded by Rahul Shah, this Gujarat-based brand is India’s first makeup line designed specifically for men. More than just cosmetics, Yaan Man represents confidence, self-expression, and breaking deep-rooted stereotypes in Indian society.
Rahul’s inspiration for Yaan Man came from his friends abroad, where men’s makeup was common. In India, however, he noticed a stark difference in mindset. During his Shark Tank India pitch, he humorously remarked, “In India, a man would rather wash his face with a rock than wear makeup.” This realization led him to create a brand that integrates makeup seamlessly into men’s grooming without explicitly calling it makeup. His vision was to introduce concealers, BB creams, and skincare essentials that men could use without hesitation.
When asked about his background, Rahul revealed that he comes from a business family engaged in cotton and chemical trading, a ₹500 crore enterprise. However, he made it clear that his goal was to build Yaan Man independently, without relying on family wealth. His confidence and sharp business acumen impressed the sharks, but not all were convinced. Vineeta Singh opted out, believing that the market for men’s makeup was still too niche. Namita Thapar found his messaging inconsistent, pointing out that his reels directly mentioned makeup, while his pitch avoided the term. She urged him to “own the brand” instead of skirting around the concept. Peyush Bansal also declined, feeling that Rahul wasn’t ready to lead the creation of an entirely new category.
While some sharks hesitated, Aman Gupta saw potential and offered ₹50 lakh for 10% equity. Anupam Mittal countered with ₹50 lakh for 9% equity, showing confidence in Rahul’s vision. Rahul, however, saw an opportunity to bring both Aman and Anupam on board together and asked if they would consider a joint investment. Anupam, known for his sharp negotiations, responded, “Aman and I don’t always agree—bringing us together costs money.” He then made a final offer of ₹1 crore for 20% equity, which Rahul accepted without hesitation.
With Aman and Anupam backing Yaan Man, the brand now has the perfect mix of strategic guidance and financial support to scale in a market that is still in its infancy. Rahul’s journey on Shark Tank India wasn’t just about securing investment—it was about challenging norms, redefining masculinity, and proving that men’s makeup is not just a trend, but a movement waiting to unfold.
