Jaipur | Rajshree Upadhyaya |In an era where social media dominates human interaction, Shashwat Narhatiyar set out to build something fundamentally different. With the vision of bringing people back to meaningful, real-world connections, he launched Misfits in 2022 along with his IIT Kanpur batchmates-Shashwat Kar, Saurabh Sharma, and Chaitanya Dhawan-in Gurugram.
The idea behind the startup emerged from a growing paradox: despite being constantly connected online, people in urban environments were feeling increasingly lonely. Instead of treating this as just a social issue, the founders saw an opportunity to create a new category of engagement centered around genuine, in-person interactions.
Misfits evolved into a community-driven offline networking platform designed to help individuals meet like-minded people through shared interests. Rather than endless chats and virtual conversations, the platform encourages users to step out and participate in real activities. Its core revolves around hobby-based clubs and curated meetups, where users can engage in sports sessions, board game nights, fitness activities, music jams, and creative workshops. These experiences are crafted to foster deeper relationships, turning strangers into friends through shared moments.
What sets Misfits apart is its hyperlocal approach. Instead of expanding rapidly across cities without depth, the founders focused on building strong, tight-knit communities within specific neighborhoods. This strategy helped the platform gain early traction, hosting thousands of meetups and steadily growing a base of paying members. By consistently delivering high-quality experiences, Misfits positioned itself not just as a platform, but as a facilitator of meaningful social ecosystems.
Boost in Recognition After Shark Tank India Season 5
The startup gained wider visibility after appearing on Shark Tank India Season 5, where the founders presented their vision of combating loneliness through structured offline communities. They initially sought Rs. 1 crore for 1.25% equity, valuing the company at Rs. 80 crore.
While the pitch raised concerns among some investors about scalability and the challenges of monetizing offline experiences, the uniqueness of the idea stood out. Eventually, the founders secured a deal with investor Kanika Tekriwal, who invested Rs. 1 crore for 3% equity, signaling confidence in the concept’s long-term potential.
During the pitch, it was revealed that the company was operating at a loss, highlighting the inherent challenges of building a community-first business model. However, the founders remained focused on long-term growth, prioritizing user engagement and retention over short-term profitability. They believe that once strong communities are established, monetization opportunities through memberships, events, and partnerships will naturally follow.
Staying True to the Vision of Human Connection
Misfits continues to expand its offline social experiences, enhance its platform interface, and build partnerships with venues and community hosts to strengthen its ecosystem. The startup has also raised early-stage funding from investors like Info Edge Ventures and Better Capital, helping it scale operations and refine its offerings.
Today, Misfits is steadily growing, expanding its presence in urban areas while staying committed to its core mission-fostering real human connections. In a world increasingly aware of the downsides of excessive digital interaction, the company serves as a reminder that meaningful relationships are still best built face-to-face, one shared experience at a time.
