Know how 'dream come true' of start-up featured on Shark Tank India turns to 'worst nightmare' in 30 days

Manjeet Singh, co-founder of the Pune-based wellness and fitness startup FlexifyMe, has reached out to the LinkedIn community for assistance following the blocking of the company's Instagram account due to alleged logo infringement and other copyright violations. The situation unfolded just a month after FlexifyMe was featured on the business reality show Shark Tank India.

In a LinkedIn post, Singh described the turn of events as a dream come true turning into their worst nightmare. He revealed that the brand's Instagram account was unexpectedly blocked last week, precisely 30 days after their appearance on Shark Tank India.

Logo Infringement Allegations

Singh shared that they discovered Sony had reported logo infringement and other violations against FlexifyMe and seven other companies. These allegations arose from the startup's actions of uploading reels and posts related to their Shark Tank India episode and expressing gratitude towards the show.

Lack of Warning and Communication

Expressing their innocence and good intentions, Singh mentioned that they had never received any prior warning or communication regarding the reported violations. He expressed frustration at the lack of response despite sending apology emails to Sony Pictures Entertainment, Shark Tank India, legal teams, and Meta teams.

Impact on Business

FlexifyMe experienced a significant surge in social media traction and lead flow after their Shark Tank India appearance, with traffic increasing by about 80 times and lead flow by over 40 times. However, the setback on Instagram, including the blocking of their ads account, led to a sharp decline in revenues, organic traffic, and business performance.

Client Concerns and Social Presence

Singh highlighted the concerns of their clients due to the absence of a social media presence, which is crucial for an online business like theirs. The loss of visibility and branding on Instagram has adversely affected FlexifyMe's operations, causing worry among their customer base.

Seeking Resolution

Despite the challenges faced, Singh remains hopeful for a resolution to the Instagram account blockage, seeking support from the LinkedIn community and emphasizing the importance of social media presence for sustaining their online business.