Gaurav Taneja, better known as Flying Beast, is a name millions recognize from YouTube. With nearly 10 million subscribers, he built a solid community through fitness content, vlogs, and personal stories. But his journey didn’t stop at content creation. Not long ago, Gaurav stepped into the world of business, launching his own whey protein brand. The move wasn’t without challenges, but it showcased his belief in building something authentic in a market clouded by doubts.
His appearance on Shark Tank India became a talking point. He pitched his protein brand to the sharks but left without a deal. One of the show’s investors, Anupam Mittal, didn’t hold back on his criticism, questioning several aspects of the product and business model. Though the episode stirred debate, it didn’t dent Gaurav’s confidence.
In a recent interview on the Think Ink podcast, Gaurav spoke openly about the harsh realities of running a business in today’s environment. According to him, the biggest problem isn’t pricing or competition, it’s trust. He shared how easy it is to find low-quality, cheap protein, especially in Delhi, where gym trainers often sell it informally to clients. He explained how even the most famous brands aren’t spared from counterfeits. The market, he felt, has been overrun by mistrust.
To address this, Gaurav decided to challenge both his customers and competitors. Determined to prove his brand’s integrity, he announced an open offer. Any customer could purchase his protein, get it tested at any lab in the country, and if the results revealed a mismatch with the label claims, he promised to pay Rs 10 lakh.
When asked if anyone had tested his claims, Gaurav revealed that no one had taken up the offer. He admitted that making such a promise requires unwavering belief in the product. He also mentioned how he communicated this to his manufacturing partner. If any irregularity was ever discovered, the Rs 10 lakh would be recovered from them. However, he added that over time, the relationship with the manufacturer has turned professional and reliable. Both parties understand the stakes and continue delivering quality because both stand to gain from consistent business.
The conversation moved to financial figures and business milestones. Gaurav didn’t shy away from discussing the numbers. In its very first year, the brand clocked Rs 30 crore in revenue. When factoring in the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) sales, the total reached Rs 50 crore. After deducting taxes and discounts, the business made a net profit of Rs 85 lakh.
He acknowledged that not every month was smooth. There were periods when the business burned cash. But these losses weren’t unforeseen. He and his team had predicted them early. Gaurav said they made strategic decisions to invest in awareness campaigns and on-ground customer feedback initiatives. This meant intentionally letting go of profits during certain months to build credibility and brand presence.
Today, his venture stands as a blend of risk-taking and calculated strategy.
