Journey of Funngro’s Co-Founders, Anik and Payal Jain

Business Remedies | Rajshree Upadhyaya | By taking up the responsibility of giving teenagers the right to earn and move ahead, Anik and Payal Jain established Funngro and created their identity. They were trying to fill a simple but often overlooked gap. Teenagers are eager to step into the world of work, but parents struggle to find safe and meaningful opportunities for them. This couple envisioned a platform that not only gave teenagers the chance to earn their first income but also taught them valuable lessons about responsibility, confidence, and financial literacy. Funngro was never about odd jobs or quick money. It was built as a structured ecosystem where learning and earning went hand in hand. This idea emerged as a freelancing marketplace designed especially for teenagers, but unlike traditional gig platforms, it was tailored to young learners. Teenagers could take small assignments in areas like content writing, social media management, graphic design, research, and even basic data work. These projects were designed according to their age, giving them the chance to connect with real clients without any difficulty. Each assignment not only promised a small income but also offered the opportunity to build a portfolio, interact with professionals, and experience the dignity of contributing through their skills. For parents, the platform provided assurance by emphasizing strict vetting of opportunities, guided workflows, and focus on safety and mentorship.

Recognition at the national level
When Funngro entered Shark Tank India, the founders had not just a proposal but also a vision that could resonate with a wider audience. They presented Funngro as a mission-driven company, standing at the intersection of education and employment, with the aim of making teenagers financially aware and preparing them for the work of the future. Their clarity of thought and strong numbers caught the Sharks’ attention, who saw both the social impact and the market potential. Eventually, Namita Thapar and Amit Jain decided to invest, giving the brand not just capital but also recognition at the national level. The exposure from Shark Tank India proved to be a turning point. Within a few weeks, Funngro’s reach expanded greatly and users from both metropolitan and smaller cities started joining in. Stories began to emerge of teenagers who experienced the thrill of earning and saving for the first time. Some bought books, gadgets, or contributed to their education with their earnings, while others simply enjoyed the freedom to spend time with family or friends. Parents also shared positively how their children were becoming more responsible, disciplined, and confident through these structured assignments. What had seemed like an experiment soon began to feel like a movement.

Mission is to stay focused on empowering teenagers
The journey after Shark Tank also highlighted the challenges of expanding a platform that caters to such a sensitive demographic group. The founders had to ensure that as more teenagers joined, there was no compromise on the quality of assignments, safety protocols, and educational elements. They began forging strong partnerships with companies, creating more diverse opportunities, and investing in systems that could handle growth while maintaining the brand’s promise of trust. For Payal and Anik, the mission was clear-to keep Funngro focused on empowering teenagers while avoiding the pitfalls of becoming just another gig economy platform.

Helping in developing skills, confidence, and maturity
Today, Funngro is much more than just a startup success story. It is a reflection of how carefully designed interventions can reshape the way young people step into adulthood. By engaging teenagers in real work, it helps them not only develop skills but also confidence and maturity. It shows that when business models are built on empathy and insight, they can combine profit with purpose. For the founders, the vision is far greater than revenue or scale-it is about shaping a generation that learns the value of work, money, and independence early on. Funngro’s journey reminds us that when responsibility is entrusted to the youth, they often rise in ways that even their parents find surprising.

Written & Edited By:

Rajshree Upadhyaya