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From Zero to Shark Tank Heroes: How Two Friends Built a Marketing Powerhouse Without a Rupee

Swarnadwip Nath Published Oct 28, 2025, 02:17 AM Updated Sep 16, 2026, 07:45 AM

Vishal Arolkar and Shivangi Parekh, college friends turned entrepreneurs, launched Sqroot—a performance marketing agency—with zero capital in 2019. Today, they’ve scaled over 15 Shark Tank India-backed D2C brands, proving that grit, strategy, and digital savvy can outshine funding in the startup world.

Sqroot’s Zero-Investment Journey to D2C Stardom

In a world where startup success often seems tied to hefty funding rounds, the story of Vishal Arolkar and Shivangi Parekh stands out. The duo, who met during their college days, quit their stable jobs in 2019 to chase a shared dream: building a performance marketing agency that could empower India’s growing D2C (direct-to-consumer) ecosystem.

With no external funding and zero initial investment, they founded Sqroot, a Mumbai-based agency focused on scaling e-commerce brands through data-driven marketing strategies. Their timing was bold—launching just before the pandemic—but their approach was sharper. By leveraging performance marketing tactics like ROI-focused ad campaigns, conversion optimization, and influencer collaborations, they quickly gained traction.

What truly sets Sqroot apart is its client roster. The agency has helped scale 15+ brands featured on Shark Tank India, including some of the most recognizable names in the D2C space. Their success has turned heads in the startup ecosystem and inspired a new generation of marketers to bet on skill over capital.

Key Highlights & Major Takeaways

•⁠ ⁠Zero Capital Start: Sqroot was launched in 2019 with no external funding or seed capital.

•⁠ ⁠Founders’ Background: Vishal and Shivangi were college friends who left their jobs to pursue entrepreneurship.

•⁠ ⁠Client Success: The agency has scaled over 15 Shark Tank India-backed D2C brands, showcasing its impact.

•⁠ ⁠Pandemic Pivot: Despite launching just before COVID-19, Sqroot adapted quickly and thrived during the e-commerce boom.

•⁠ ⁠Performance-Driven Model: Their focus on ROI-centric marketing helped clients grow sustainably and profitably.

•⁠ ⁠Inspiring Blueprint: Their journey proves that resourcefulness and execution can rival even the best-funded startups.

Sqroot’s rise is more than a business success—it’s a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs who believe in starting lean and scaling smart. With a growing portfolio and a reputation for results, Vishal and Shivangi are redefining what it means to build a bootstrapped brand in India’s digital economy.

Sources: Startup Pedia Startup Pedia.

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