Shark Tank S3: How a 70 year old entrepreneur is running an eco-friendly toy brand Rubbabu?

Rubbabu - an environment-conscious toy brand from Delhi run by a 70-year-old entrepreneur makes playtime fun and eco-friendly for your kids.

While most toys for kids focus solely on entertainment, Rubbabu’s eco-friendly toys are also environmentally safe. All products are made with natural rubber foam, constituting 97% of their composition. The idea originated from a 70-year-old entrepreneur who aimed to address the lack of naturally made toys in the market. Rahul Bhutaliya, who sees age merely as a number, has been running this business for over 20 years, albeit with some breaks due to poor health. Alongside his wife, Meera Bhutaliya, and niece, Meghla Bhardwaj, he appeared in episode 24 of season 3 with the goal of creating plush, safe, and imaginative toys that promote children's development.

At 70, after creating beautiful, realistic, and lovable biodegradable toys in a quaint Gurgaon factory, Rahul realized that their creations weren't known in their own country. With around 10 years in this business, the co-founder had to take a break in 2014 due to a stroke. This illness didn’t break his unwavering dedication to his brand, and he returned with double vigor, aiming to scale the business that had been impacted during his resting phase. Initially, they focused solely on exports with their handcrafted products but decided to launch them in the Indian market upon resuming. Along with the unique selling proposition of biodegradable materials, their products fall under the Special Needs Adaptable Products (SNAP) category, benefiting children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism. While they primarily export to foreign countries like France and China, they have recently launched in the Indian market.

Needing working capital to expand in India, they turned to Shark Tank India. Unfortunately, Rubbabu left the tank without a deal, prompting the co-founder to remark, “Surprisingly, age wasn't a deterrent, and the experience turned into a series of pleasant surprises.” He thanked the platform for propelling the brand into the national spotlight. This humbling journey reinforces that it's never too late to be recognized and appreciated.