A Look at the Startups After the Pitch
Since its launch, Shark Tank India has become more than just a business reality show—it's a cultural phenomenon. Entrepreneurs from across the country pitch their ideas to India’s leading business tycoons (the Sharks), hoping to secure investment, mentorship, and national visibility.
But what happens after the tank? Do those businesses soar or sink? Here’s a deep dive into some of the most talked-about startups from Shark Tank India and where they are today.
🔥 What Is Shark Tank India?
- Adapted from the global Shark Tank franchise, the Indian edition first aired in 2021.
- Judges (Sharks) like Ashneer Grover, Aman Gupta, Namita Thapar, Anupam Mittal, Vineeta Singh, Peyush Bansal, and Ghazal Alagh have become household names.
- Startups pitch their business ideas in exchange for equity investments.
As of now, hundreds of startups have walked out with funding, but more importantly, millions have walked away inspired.
🚀 Where Are They Now? Success Stories from Shark Tank India
1. Skippi Ice Pops (Season 1)
- Pitched: India’s first naturally flavored ice pops.
- Ask: ₹45 lakhs for 5% equity.
- Update: Went viral post-show, expanded to 10,000+ outlets.
- Now: Grew 40x in just one year, exporting globally.
2. Hammer Lifestyle (Season 1)
- Pitched: Smart audio wearables and grooming devices.
- Ask: ₹30 lakhs for 3% equity (deal with Aman Gupta).
- Now: Boosted website traffic by 2000%, became one of the fastest-growing D2C audio brands in India.
3. Zillionaire (Season 1)
- Pitched: Luxury streetwear brand.
- Ask: ₹50 lakhs for 10%.
- Now: Attracted celebrity endorsements; rapidly gaining traction among Gen Z audiences.
4. JhaJi Store (Season 2)
- Pitched: Authentic Maithil pickles by women entrepreneurs in Bihar.
- Ask: ₹50 lakhs for 10% equity.
- Now: Tripled production, became a case study in rural entrepreneurship.
5. Twee In One (Season 2)
- Pitched: Convertible women’s wear (one outfit, many looks).
- Ask: ₹75 lakhs for 7% equity.
- Now: Featured in fashion magazines, expanded into international markets.
🧨 Startups That Blew Up Even Without Funding
Some entrepreneurs didn’t get a deal but won India’s heart and scaled up through crowd support and online buzz.
6. TagZ Foods
- Gourmet popped chips brand.
- Gained huge traction post-show.
- Now sold in 10,000+ stores and via Swiggy, Blinkit, etc.
7. Aas Vidyalaya
- Education startup for rural students via virtual schooling.
- Did not receive a deal.
- Post-show: Collaborated with NGOs and raised funds from angel networks.
🤝 Impact Beyond Money
Shark Tank India does more than fund businesses:
- Brand Visibility: A 2-minute pitch on national TV often leads to massive traffic, orders, and social media growth.
- Mentorship & Network: Startups gain access to Shark networks, investors, and business advice.
- Investor Interest: Many firms attract external investors even if no deal is struck on-air.
💡 What Makes These Startups Thrive?
- D2C (Direct to Consumer) Approach: Most successful startups use digital channels for fast scaling.
- Strong Storytelling: Founders who could emotionally connect with the audience often saw the most traction.
- Scalable Models: Brands that were "shark-ready" with clean metrics and scalability attracted multiple offers.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Shark Tank India has done more than entertain—it has kickstarted India’s entrepreneurial revolution. Startups, whether funded or not, have used the platform to launch, grow, and inspire.
As India’s startup ecosystem matures, it’s clear: The real shark is the Indian consumer—smart, curious, and ready to support desi innovation.