Shark Tank India has become one of the most talked-about shows in the country, bringing entrepreneurship and investment discussions into the mainstream. Since its launch in December 2021, the show has provided a platform for aspiring business owners to present their ideas to some of India’s most successful investors.
Now in its fourth season, the show has continued to attract a wide range of startups, from innovative tech-driven businesses to consumer-focused brands. This season, the sharks have invested an astonishing ₹94.8 crore in startups, making it the biggest season yet in terms of funding. With several high-value deals, this season has seen intense negotiations, bold investments, and some surprising acquisitions.
One of the most notable aspects of this season is the participation of new investors alongside the returning sharks. Kunal Bahl, co-founder of Snapdeal, and Viraj Bahl, founder of Veeba, made their debut as investors, bringing fresh perspectives and strategies to the panel. They joined established names like Aman Gupta, co-founder of boAt; Anupam Mittal, founder of Shaadi.com; Namita Thapar, executive director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals; Vineeta Singh, co-founder of Sugar Cosmetics; Peyush Bansal, co-founder of Lenskart; and Ritesh Agarwal, founder of OYO. The sharks have collectively invested in businesses spanning multiple industries, including fashion, food, health, and technology.
Among the investors, Aman Gupta emerged as the biggest contributor this season, with investments totaling ₹17.4 crore. He was closely followed by Ritesh Agarwal, who invested ₹16.3 crore. Other major investors included Anupam Mittal with ₹10.8 crore, Kunal Bahl with ₹10.2 crore, and Peyush Bansal with ₹10.1 crore. Namita Thapar and Vineeta Singh also played key roles, investing ₹9.8 crore and ₹9.3 crore, respectively. Smaller investments came from Azhar Iqubal, who contributed ₹1 crore, and Varun Dua and Viraj Bahl, who invested ₹53.3 lakh and ₹45 lakh, respectively.
NOOE
Several startups managed to secure deals that were among the highest in the history of Shark Tank India. One of the standout deals was made by NOOE, a premium lifestyle brand known for its minimalist Scandinavian-inspired products. The company originally sought ₹50 lakh for 1% equity, valuing itself at ₹50 crore. However, after negotiations, Peyush Bansal acquired a controlling 51% stake for ₹5 crore. This was one of the most unexpected deals of the season, as it saw an investor take majority control of a company rather than opting for a smaller stake.
Culture Circle
Culture Circle, a luxury fashion marketplace, also secured a major deal. The startup initially sought ₹1.2 crore for 0.5% equity, valuing itself at ₹240 crore. However, after discussions, the company closed a deal with Kunal Bahl and Ritesh Agarwal, who invested ₹3 crore for a 3% equity stake. This brought the company’s valuation down to ₹100 crore, but the founders accepted the offer to gain the strategic expertise of their investors.
Palmonas
Palmonas, a demi-fine jewelry brand, was another major success story. Founded in 2022, the brand aims to make luxury jewelry more accessible and wearable for daily use. The founders asked for ₹1.26 crore for 1% equity, valuing the company at ₹126 crore. They ultimately struck a deal with Namita Thapar and Ritesh Agarwal, securing the full amount for a 1% stake. Additionally, they agreed to pay a 1% royalty until the investment was recovered.
The Bear House
The Bear House, a Bengaluru-based men’s fashion brand, also attracted attention with its impressive numbers. The company, which focuses on premium clothing inspired by European fashion, had grown significantly, reaching ₹96.5 crore in revenue by FY24.
The founders pitched for ₹3 crore in exchange for 1% equity at a ₹300 crore valuation. However, after negotiations, Namita Thapar offered ₹1 crore for 1% equity and ₹2 crore as a loan at a 10% interest rate over five years. The final deal valued the company at ₹100 crore.
BeautyWise
Another interesting deal came from BeautyWise, a brand specializing in skincare and hair supplements. Founded by siblings Anousha and Shreyansh Chauhan, the startup impressed the investors with its scientific approach and strong market potential. The founders asked for ₹1 crore in exchange for 1.5% equity, valuing the company at ₹66.67 crore. After receiving multiple offers, they secured a deal with Aman Gupta, who invested ₹3 crore for a 6% stake, bringing BeautyWise into his growing portfolio of consumer brands.
TaffyKids
TaffyKids, a Mumbai-based kidswear brand, also made headlines. The company, which focuses on trendy yet affordable clothing for children, had been growing rapidly by introducing 30 to 40 new designs every week. The founders sought ₹75 lakh for 1% equity, valuing the company at ₹75 crore.
After negotiations, they accepted an offer from Ritesh Agarwal and Vineeta Singh, who invested ₹75 lakh for a 1.5% stake, with an additional 0.5% royalty until the investment was recovered. The deal brought the company’s valuation down to ₹50 crore, but the founders gained access to experienced investors who could help scale their business.
KIWI Kisan Window
The season has also seen many other interesting deals across various industries. KIWI Kisan Window, a startup focused on Indian flavors, secured ₹2.5 crore for a 10% stake. Speed Kitchen, a cloud kitchen startup, received ₹2 crore for a 6% equity stake, showcasing the growing demand for shared commercial kitchen spaces. Go Zero, a sugar-free ice cream brand, caught the attention of Namita Thapar, who invested ₹1 crore for a 1.5% stake.
Easy Rugs
Among other deals, Easy Rugs, a startup making hand-washable and sustainable rugs, secured ₹35 lakh for a 5% stake from Aman Gupta and Vineeta Singh. Whale Wearables, a brand dedicated to women’s safety, received ₹30 lakh for a 3% stake from the same investors, valuing the company at ₹10 crore.
This season of Shark Tank India has set new benchmarks, not just in terms of the total amount invested but also in the variety of businesses that received funding. The investments have ranged from ₹45 lakh to as high as ₹17.4 crore, covering industries from fashion and lifestyle to food and technology. The deals have also demonstrated the sharks’ willingness to experiment with different types of funding structures, including equity deals, royalties, and debt financing.
As the season progresses, more startups are expected to secure funding, and the total investment amount is likely to rise even further. The show continues to highlight the potential of Indian entrepreneurship, bringing new ideas into the spotlight and helping businesses scale with the support of experienced investors. The success of many of these startups will depend not just on the financial backing they receive but also on the strategic mentorship provided by the sharks.
