Ever since its December 2021 launch, Shark Tank India has gone on to become one of the most successful reality shows in the country, drawing in legions of fans with its very first season.
Shark Tank India features a panel of seven big-name investors or ‘Sharks’ —each of whom has redefined the meaning of entrepreneurship and business in today’s India. Hosted by Rannvijay Singha, the show filtered out a massive 62,000 applicants, giving 198 businesses the chance to pitch their ideas to the Sharks, in hopes of securing funding that’ll help them realize their dreams. Like its American counterpart, much of the show’s appeal rides on the unique insights and personalities of the Sharks themselves. That said, this is a show where money talks. So who’s voice is the loudest? Let’s find out!
7. Ghazal Alagh
Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer, Mamaearth
Total Amount Invested: Rs 0.4 crore in two deals
Net Worth: Rs 148 crore
At 33, Ghazal Alagh is the youngest Shark of all, boasting an impressive resume as one of the key minds behind Mamaearth and TheDermaCo. Her goal of creating safe, all-natural skincare products stemmed from her own experiences as a parent—leading her to massive success in the field since Mamaearth’s launch in 2016. She also received the coveted Super StartUps Asia Award in 2019.
6. Vineeta Singh
Co-Founder and CEO of SUGAR Cosmetics
Total Amount Invested: Rs 2.33 crore in nine deals
Net Worth: Rs 59 Crore
An IIT Madras and IIM Ahmedabad alum, Vineeta Singh made a powerful entrepreneurial statement right after graduating— by turning down a tempting Rs 1-crore placement in favour of launching her own business. Apart from launching the hugely successful SUGAR cosmetics in 2015, Singh co-founded FAB BAG in 2012, one of India’s largest and most-established beauty subscription companies.
5. Namita Thapar
Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals
Total Amount Invested: Rs 4.68 crore in 16 deals
Net Worth: Rs 600 crore
With GSK, Guidant, and other massive MNCs in her portfolio, Namita Thapar has been amassing a wealth of finance and marketing expertise for over 20 years. As one of India’s most influential businesswomen, Thapar’s eye for talent and focus on women-centric startups has made her a fan favourite on the show.
4. Anupam Mittal
Founder and CEO of Shaadi.com and People Group
Total Amount Invested: Rs 4.78 crore in 21 deals
Net Worth: Rs 185 crore
One of the show’s savviest investors and original Internet disruptors, Mittal’s story is quite fascinating. Going from a US-based software developer role to being India’s first matchmaking entrepreneur, he’s even produced films and become a major investor in successful companies such as Ola.
3. Ashneer Grover
Co-Founder and Managing Director of BharatPe
Total Amount Invested: Rs 5.14 crore in 18 deals
Net Worth: Rs 700 crore
Grover’s tough persona has become one of the show’s major highlights, often playing ‘bad cop’ to the participating entrepreneurs. Another IIT grad Shark, the 40-year-old businessman has one of the show’s most impressive resumes, with key roles at Kotak Investment Banking, American Express and Grofers.
2. Peyush Bansal
Co-founder and CEO of Lenskart
Total Amount Invested: Rs 5.34 crore in 21 deals
Net Worth: Rs 600 crore
One of India’s best and brightest entrepreneurs, 36-year-old Bansal’s ‘visionary’ startup is just the latest in a long series of career triumphs. Initially part of Microsoft, the ambitious engineer went on to create SearchMyCampus in 2007, following it up with multiple masterstrokes in the eyewear segment while simultaneously supporting innovative new startups.
1. Aman Gupta
Co-founder and CMO of boAt
Total Amount Invested: Rs 7.25 crore in 25 deals
Net Worth: Rs 700 crore
With a plethora of shares across many exciting startups, this tech entrepreneur’s brand has been making audio and peripheral equipment since 2015, and has seen it become a massive success story. As the show’s most prolific investor, he’s always on the lookout for new ideas—taking risks on quirky and interesting startups that aim to break the mould.
Image Credits: Sony Entertainment Television
