Business Remedies | Rajshree Upadhyaya | June 29,2025 | Abhishek Baheti, founder of WatchOut Wearables, has built a name for himself through a combination of technical expertise, personal tragedy, and a mission-driven approach to bring meaningful change. An engineer by training and an MBA in marketing from SCMHRD Pune, he began his professional journey working with industry giants like Essar Steel and Pidilite.
However, behind his corporate success lay an unforgettable memory that ultimately reshaped his life. Years ago, Abhishek suffered the tragic loss of his young niece and uncle in a house fire. The inability to call for help during those crucial moments haunted him and planted the seeds for his future mission. Motivated by this purpose, Abhishek, along with his wife and co-founder Nupur Baheti, launched WatchOut Wearables in Mumbai in 2021. Unlike traditional smartwatches that rely on smartphones, WatchOut products are designed to function independently-ensuring safety, connectivity, and peace of mind. Their smartwatches are equipped with SIM-enabled 4G calling, live GPS tracking, geo-fencing, SOS alerts, and anti-removal sensors. Models designed for seniors include health monitoring and fall detection, while those for children offer features like object recognition and interactive AI for educational engagement. Stylish edge designs and comfortable straps ensure durability and ease of use. All devices are designed, assembled, and developed in India, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ vision-highlighting Abhishek’s commitment to building a proudly indigenous brand, although key components are sourced globally.
Making Safety and Connectivity Accessible for Children and the Elderly
Entering the competitive wearable tech space wasn’t easy. As an unknown brand, WatchOut faced the classic challenge of earning trust in a market dominated by established names. Abhishek tackled this through grassroots marketing, including influencer campaigns and live demos. Their efforts bore fruit as the company sold over 3,000 units in its first year, generating Rs. 1.1 crore in revenue, which grew to Rs. 1.4 crore the following year. By focusing on functionality over flashy gimmicks, the brand maintained healthy profit margins.
The real breakthrough came in 2023 when Abhishek appeared on Shark Tank India Season 2 with his nephew Divyajit-the same child who had survived the family tragedy. Their pitch struck an emotional chord as they explained that the brand’s mission was to make safety and connectivity accessible for children and the elderly. Abhishek sought Rs. 2 crore for 5% equity, valuing the company at Rs. 40 crore. After deliberation, sharks Anupam Mittal and Vineeta Singh offered Rs. 1 crore for 10% equity and Rs. 1 crore as debt-valuing the company at Rs. 10 crore. This deal proved to be a turning point, giving the brand national visibility, credibility, and a sharp boost in sales.
Establishing an Affordable, Feature-Rich Alternative
Following their Shark Tank appearance, WatchOut’s monthly orders quickly exceeded 1,000 units, and the customer base expanded significantly. Their product line introduced innovations like WearPods-smartwatches integrated with wireless earbuds, aimed at Gen Z users. With prices ranging from Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 11,999 and plans to launch models below Rs. 4,999, WatchOut positioned itself as an affordable yet feature-rich alternative to global competitors. The company’s revenue soared to Rs. 3 crore, maintaining a stable 10% EBITDA margin. Despite this growth, WatchOut faced online criticism, with skeptics questioning whether the brand merely rebranded imported products. Abhishek addressed this with complete transparency, highlighting the company’s patented designs, in-house R&D, and Indian assembly processes. His direct engagement with consumers through platforms like Reddit helped rebuild trust and reinforce the brand’s authenticity.
A Trusted Name in Safety-First Technology
Today, WatchOut Wearables has become a trusted name in safety-first technology, offering peace of mind to thousands of families across India. Abhishek’s journey-from personal loss to purpose-driven entrepreneurship-underscores how resilience, innovation, and empathy can come together to create life-changing products that truly matter.
Written & Edited By:
Rajshree Upadhyaya
