At just 20, Dr Siddhant Bhargava’s world came crashing down. He was diagnosed with Lupus, a disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack healthy tissues. What followed was a gruelling journey: he lost his hair and skin colour, endured relentless pain, and faced debilitating side effects from steroid treatments, including weakened immunity and significant weight gain. But instead of succumbing to despair, he turned his struggles into a source of purpose and strength.
Realising that many others faced similar health battles, he founded ‘Food Darzee’, a diet food delivery service aimed at promoting better nutrition and wellness. The business quickly gained popularity, with high-profile clients like Alia Bhatt and Sara Ali Khan signing on. However, just as Siddhant was carving out a successful career as a celebrity nutritionist, life threw another curveball. He was diagnosed with stage 2 thyroid cancer, an inoperable condition.
Siddhant wasn’t one to let his circumstances define him. He went on to co-found ‘InnerGize’, a pioneering startup focused on helping manage stress and anxiety. The company developed a wearable device that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, thus providing relief from stress, improving productivity, and enhancing sleep. The device can also monitor brain activity through EEG, allowing users to track their progress via a mobile app.
Siddhant’s innovation and resilience reached a national platform when he appeared on Shark Tank India Season 4 with his co-founders, Shalmali and Mitansh. They pitched their stress relief device, valuing their company at Rs 36 crore and seeking Rs 54 lakh for 1.5% equity. Following negotiations, the team secured a deal for Rs 1 crore in exchange for 4.2% equity.
Maybe what they say is true — Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations. Today, Dr Siddhant’s ventures are not only transforming lives but also inspiring countless others to find strength in adversity and create meaningful impact.
Edited by Khushi Arora
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