The Journey of Curve Electric Founders Zubair Bhat and Sheikh Yameen

In the heart of Srinagar, where the serene Dal Lake mirrors the sky and the Himalayas whisper tales of resilience, its beauty is fading with climate change. The two young entrepreneurs dared to dream big for a big change. 

Who are the founders of Curve Electric?

Sheikh Yameen and Zubair Bhat are the co-founders of Curve Electric. Their e-bike-sharing startup captivated millions when they appeared on Shark Tank India Season 4 and made waves far beyond the mountains they call home.

Early Life and Education

Sheikh Yameen and Zubair Bhat are childhood neighbours who belong to Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. They share more than just a bond of friendship—they share a vision for a sustainable future. Both the founders are highly qualified professionals, Yameen earned his MBA in Finance and Marketing from Kashmir University, while Zubair completed his MBA in Financial Management and Human Resources Management from Islamia College of Science & Commerce in Srinagar. 

The idea of starting his own startup was not planned but was decided by both after seeing the climate concern. The idea for Curve Electric took shape over a casual conversation among friends, where they reminisced about the clear skies of their childhood. They were saddened by the deteriorating air quality in the region, marked by India’s ranking as one of the most polluted cities in 2016. They decided to take action. After delving deeper into the issues of climate change and air pollution, the duo realized the need for a sustainable solution to urban mobility. This realization led to the creation of Curve Electric, designed to combat pollution through e-bike-sharing services.

Together, they co-founded Curve Electric in 2023, an innovative startup aimed at providing eco-friendly urban transportation solutions. Together, Yameen and Zubair have turned a shared childhood memory into a mission-driven company that not only addresses environmental concerns but also inspires the next wave of entrepreneurs from the Kashmir valley.

About Curve Electric

Curve Electric’s launch introduced Srinagar to its first e-bike-sharing fleet. These bikes, designed to endure the harsh weather conditions of the region, operated on a trust-based model—no app downloads, no security deposits. It was a bold move, relying solely on the honesty of their customers. To their amazement, this trust was rewarded. In two years of operations, the startup reported zero thefts and zero damage, a testament to the values of their community and the thoughtful design of their service.

The impact of Curve Electric was undeniable. In just two years, the startup facilitated over 55 thousand rides, covered 720,000 kilometers, and prevented the emission of 145 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide. These numbers weren’t just statistics; they represented lives touched, cities transformed, and a planet cared for.

Their model quickly gained traction in Srinagar, and the duo set their sights on expansion. The dream is to bring Curve Electric’s eco-friendly bikes to mountain towns like Shimla and Mussoorie and to 1,400 college campuses across India.

Ownership of Curve Electric is - Yameen holding a 57% stake and Zubair 33%. Incubators hold 4%, while venture capitalists and angel investors account for 6%. 

Curve Electric in Shark Tank India

Recently, Yameen and Zubair presented their vision on Shark Tank India, pitching their idea to a panel of seasoned entrepreneurs, including Anupam Mittal, Vineeta Singh, Aman Gupta, Peyush Bansal, and Kunal Bahl. They asked for ₹50 lakh for 5% equity at the valuation of 10 crores.

The Sharks were visibly impressed by the duo’s dedication, customer-centric approach, and the sheer audacity of their vision. Peyush Bansal, struck by their attention to detail, remarked, “It’s like looking in a mirror; you are me. Everything I would have said 10 years ago is being said by you. I haven’t seen Shark Tank exhibit your meticulous, customer-focused dedication in four years.”

Even though all the judges commended their ingenuity, they voiced concerns about scalability, especially given the dependence on government and local bodies for expansion. 

Despite leaving without a deal, Yameen and Zubair walked away with something far more valuable. The journey of Curve Electric is far from over. Armed with the feedback from Shark Tank, the duo is refining their approach and gearing up for expansion.

The story of Zubair Bhat and Sheikh Yameen is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and community. As they pedal toward a greener future, their journey serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring countless others to chase their dreams, no matter how steep the climb.