Wow! Momo Backs 'Tigers' Pitch' With ₹48.98 Crore Investment Pool

KOLKATA, July 25, 2026 — Homegrown quick-service restaurant giant Wow! Momo Foods has partnered with the Rajiva Sinha Foundation to present "Tigers' Pitch," West Bengal’s first large-scale startup reality show. Premiering on Saturday, July 25, on news network Zee 24 Ghanta, the ten-episode series has assembled a pool of ₹48.98 crore in expected investment commitments. The initiative aims to bridge capital and mentorship gaps for regional founders while elevating Eastern India’s profile within the national startup ecosystem.

Tournament Format and Selection Rigor

The television series features 27 shortlisted startups selected from a initial pool of 248 regional applicants. The multi-stage evaluation process was conducted in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM Calcutta) and encompassed preliminary application screening, quantitative business assessments, mentor interactions, intensive boot camps, and pitch auditions.

Over the course of 10 episodes airing on Saturdays and Sundays, founders will present their business models to an expert panel of investors, corporate leaders, and industry veterans. Beyond equity funding, contestants will compete for strategic mentorship, national media exposure, and the dedicated "Best Pitch Award" instituted by Wow! Momo.

Strategic Alignment for Regional QSR Giant

Wow! Momo's role as the anchor presenting partner reflects the company's roots in the Kolkata market. Founded as a single kiosk in Kolkata, Wow! Momo Foods has grown into a national chain operating over 900 outlets across 100 cities under brands including Wow! Momo, Wow! China, Wow! Chicken, and Wow! Kulfi.

By committing capital and brand backing to "Tigers' Pitch," the quick-service restaurant group seeks to establish a sustainable pipeline for regional early-stage ventures that traditionally struggle to secure venture capital compared to founders in Bengaluru, Mumbai, or the National Capital Region.

Official Sources Section

According to official joint announcements released by Wow! Momo Foods, the Rajiva Sinha Foundation, and broadcast partner Zee 24 Ghanta:

"Every iconic business starts with a bold idea. Wow! Momo began as a small kiosk in Kolkata and grew into a national brand. Through Tigers' Pitch, we want to empower the next generation of founders with visibility, mentorship, and opportunities to scale," said Sagar Daryani, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Wow! Momo Foods Pvt. Ltd.

Organizers confirmed that evaluating panels will focus on market scalability, technological defensibility, and operational sustainability when awarding capital allocations.

Why It Matters

The launch of a ₹48.98 crore regional investment initiative carries significant implications for Eastern India's broader economy:

• For Regional Founders: Direct access to institutional capital and high-level mentorship without relocating to major tier-one tech hubs.

• For Angel Investors: A structured deal-flow pipeline vetted through academic institutions like IIM Calcutta.

• For the Local Economy: Encourages job creation, digital innovation, and corporate sponsorships across West Bengal's emerging technology and manufacturing sectors.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Investment Scale: ₹48.98 crore total investment commitment across the inaugural season.

• Finalist Pool: 27 startups chosen from 248 applicants after a multi-tier screening process with IIM Calcutta.

• Broadcast Details: 10 episodes airing weekends on Zee 24 Ghanta starting July 25, 2026.

• Anchor Partner: Wow! Momo Foods, a Kolkata-born QSR chain operating over 900 stores nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Tigers' Pitch?

Tigers' Pitch is West Bengal's first large-scale startup reality show, designed to offer early-stage entrepreneurs funding, mentorship, and regional media exposure.

How much funding is available on the show?

Participating investors and partners have committed an estimated ₹48.98 crore in capital across the 10-episode first season.

How were the participating startups selected?

A total of 27 startups were shortlisted from 248 applications following a multi-stage evaluation conducted alongside IIM Calcutta.

Where and when can viewers watch the show?

Tigers' Pitch airs every Saturday and Sunday on Zee 24 Ghanta, beginning July 25, 2026.

Source: Wow! Momo Corporate Portal, IIM Calcutta Official Website, and Zee 24 Ghanta Broadcasting Network.