GUM AND GUMS

The Pitch

On Shark Tank Pakistan, Gum & Gums CEO Hassan Kashif showcased his ground-breaking

innovation, Dr. Floss. About 80% of people under the age of 18 in Pakistan suffer from dental

cavities, a serious health issue that the product attempts to solve. Hassan highlighted the

product’s potential to revolutionize youth dental care in the nation, supported by his medical

experience and cooperative efforts with dentists. Hassan presented an image of creativity and

purpose by highlighting his prior accomplishments, which included winning Rs. 1 crore in grants

and contests. He added that his invention had been presented to medical schools, where

eminent scholars had expressed interest in it and promised to write white papers on it.

Company Overview

With its flagship product, Dr. Floss, Gum & Gums, a healthcare firm, hopes to transform oral

hygiene in Pakistan. The product is marketed as an approachable remedy for the widespread

problem of childhood cavities. Even though the business is still in the pre-revenue phase, it has

drawn notice for its creative strategy and ability to have a big influence in the healthcare

industry. Gum & Gums is still overcoming the difficulties of getting a footing in a cutthroat

industry, nevertheless, as a fledgling firm.

CEO Vision

According to Hassan Kashif, Dr. Floss is the best way to prevent cavities in both adults and

children. Based on his medical background and work with dentists, he thinks his solution can

close the accessibility and awareness gap for oral hygiene. By tackling a serious public health

concern and teaching communities about proper dental habits, he hopes to establish Dr. Floss

as a household name in Pakistan.

Ask and Equity

With a valuation of Rs. 7 crore, Hassan proposed an investment of Rs. 7 million in return for

10% of Gum & Gums. He underlined the necessity of financial support in order to build a strong

marketing and distribution network and move the product from the pre-revenue stage to full

market availability.

Valuation

Given the company’s low income and scant market testing, the sharks were taken aback by the

Rs. 5 crore valuation. The lack of observable financial performance made it challenging for the

sharks to accept the valuation, even though Hassan supported it with the money already raised

and the prospective impact of the product.

Breakdown of Investment

According to Hassan, the Rs. 1 crore that was raised through grants and competitions was used

for early marketing initiatives, product development, and partnerships with medical institutes.

However, as there had been no notable market testing or exposure, the sharks questioned if this

capital had been allocated properly.Sharks’ Reaction

The sharks had serious concerns about the business plan. They expressed a number of

concerns, including the belief that the previous Rs. 1 crore had not been used strategically and

had not resulted in any notable market penetration or traction, despite acknowledging the

significance of addressing dental hygiene issues. Insufficient market testing had been done on

the product to determine consumer demand or interest. The product’s lack of a patent or

distinctive differentiator made it susceptible to imitation by bigger, more well-funded businesses,

the sharks said. They believed that without a proven proof of concept or a clear go-to-market

plan, it was premature to invest in a pre-revenue company.

Final Decision

The sharks made the decision not to put money into Gum & Gums. They believed that the

company was not yet prepared for outside investment, even though they recognized the

concept and the significance of the issue being solved.

Reasons Behind Rejection

Lack of Market Validation: The absence of data from market testing made it difficult for the

sharks to assess the product’s viability and potential profitability.

Weak Financial Strategy: The utilization of Rs. 1 crore without achieving significant milestones

raised concerns about the company’s financial planning and strategic execution.

No Competitive Advantage: The product lacked patents or proprietary technology, leaving it

open to competition from established companies.

Premature Stage: The business’s pre-revenue status, combined with the absence of a defined

roadmap to profitability, made it too risky for investment.

Further Opportunities for Gum and Gums in Pakistan

Gum & Gums has a lot of room to expand in Pakistan’s healthcare industry, even with the

rejection. By carrying out trial initiatives and gathering information on customer feedback, the

business can fortify its basis, gaining the trust of investors and offering insightful information.

The product’s exposure and uptake can be increased by working with dental offices, schools,

and non-governmental organizations. Gaining a competitive edge and preventing product

imitation can be achieved by creating distinctive features or protecting intellectual property

rights. Establishing a solid local presence before branching out into other markets will enable

the business to create a steady flow of income.