Who are the Sharks of Shark Tank India Season 3?

Introduction

In December 2020, the Indian television landscape witnessed a groundbreaking moment with the launch of Shark Tank India. The show quickly became a household favorite, sparking conversations about startups and entrepreneurship that resonated across the nation. Following the triumph of its debut season, the second season in 2022 only solidified Shark Tank India’s status as a television sensation. The upcoming season of Shark Tank premiers on 22nd January 2024. 

Shark Tank India isn’t just a show; it’s a colossal opportunity and a pivotal platform for aspiring entrepreneurs in the country. The ‘Pitchers,’ as the contestants are fondly called, take a plunge into the sharks’ tank, presenting their business ideas in the hopes of securing investment that can propel their ventures to unprecedented heights.

This highly popular platform has proven to be a game-changer for emerging businesses, as reflected in the staggering numbers from Season 2. The ‘Sharks’ invested an impressive Rs 80 crore across 103 businesses, showcasing not only the show’s impact but also the faith the business tycoons have in the potential of these startups. The inaugural season, too, saw significant investments, with the ‘Sharks’ putting in close to Rs 42 crore across 67 Indian businesses.

Join us on a journey as we delve into the dynamic world of Shark Tank India, exploring the stories of budding entrepreneurs, the strategic maneuvers within the sharks’ tank, and the unparalleled impact this show continues to have on the entrepreneurial landscape of India. 

Who are the Sharks in Shark Tank India Season 3?

Shark Tank India boasts a distinguished panel of judges, referred to as “sharks,” comprising some of the most prominent figures in the Indian business realm. These sharks play a crucial role by investing in promising and burgeoning Indian startup ventures that exhibit substantial growth potential.

Throughout its preceding seasons, Shark Tank India has attracted the participation of renowned Indian business luminaries. In anticipation of Shark Tank India Season 3, let’s delve into a brief overview of each judge or shark who will grace the show with their expertise and discernment.

1. Aman Gupta (Co Founder and CMO) – Boat 

Imagine the rhythm of success blending seamlessly with the beats of entrepreneurship. Aman Gupta, the Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of boAt, orchestrates this symphony. Dive into the vibrant world of Aman Gupta, where business acumen meets a passion for audio innovation.

Education & Career:

Aman Gupta’s journey kicked off with a groove in BCom at the University of Delhi. Soon, he waltzed through the challenging CA entrance, making his mark at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. The rhythm shifted, and Aman hit the corporate dance floor, grooving at Citi Bank for two years.

But Aman wasn’t just tapping his feet to the corporate tune. The entrepreneurial melody beckoned, leading him to co-create the startup, Advanced Telemedia Pvt. Ltd. The beats got even more dynamic as Aman moved to the strategic stage at KPMG’s Strategy Services Group. Balancing this with an MBA from the prestigious Kellogg School of Management, he fine-tuned his skill set for the crescendo that awaited.

The finale? Aman Gupta took the spotlight as the Director of Sales at Harman International. After five years of harmonizing with Harman, he co-founded boAt alongside Sameer Mehta, crafting a brand that would become synonymous with cutting-edge audio technology.

Net Worth:

But Aman’s symphony extends beyond boAt. He donned the hat of an angel investor, sprinkling his Midas touch on ventures like Shiprocket, Anveshan, FREECULTR, Skippi Ice Pops, Bummer, and WickedGud. The financial crescendo? A net worth that resonates at an impressive INR 700 Crores, making him not just a maestro at boAt but a strategic virtuoso in the world of investments.

2. Namita Thapar (Executive Director) – Emcure 

In the grand symphony of pharmaceuticals, Namita Thapar takes center stage as a key player in the global pharmaceutical landscape. She is the luminary associated with Emcure Pharmaceuticals, a powerhouse dedicated to developing, manufacturing, and marketing an extensive range of pharmaceutical products.

Education & Career:

Namita Thapar’s educational journey began with a BCom from Savitribai Phule Pune University, setting the stage for a harmonious blend of financial acumen and pharmaceutical expertise. The beats continued as she qualified the CA entrance and furthered her journey at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

A crescendo in her academic journey was reached with an MBA from the prestigious Fuqua School of Business at Duke University, Durham. The global stage beckoned, and Namita showcased her talents at GlaxoSmithKline, a London headquartered multinational biotechnology and pharmaceutical giant.

Her rhythm intertwined with the USA-based medical device company, Guidant Corporation, where she served as the business finance lead in the financial planning department. The climax? Her appointment as the CFO in Emcure Pharmaceuticals, where her business prowess led to her elevation as the Executive Director in 2022.

But Namita Thapar isn’t confined to the pharmaceutical stage alone. In 2017, she founded ‘Incredible Ventures Ltd.,’ an educational company that echoes her commitment to holistic growth.

Namita’s influence extends beyond the boardroom. She is an active member of the Young Presidents Organization and holds a trustee position on the TiE Mumbai Board of Trustees. As a contributor to academia, she sits on the Regional Advisory Board of the Fuqua School of Business.

In addition to her corporate endeavors, Namita is deeply involved in various government initiatives such as ‘Champions of Change,’ ‘The Woman Entrepreneurship Platform,’ and ‘Digital Health Task Force’ by Niti Aayog.

Net Worth:

Namita Thapar is not just a captain of industry; she is also an author. Her book, ‘The Dolphin and the Shark,’ published by Penguin Random House India in August 2022, adds another note to her diverse repertoire. With a net worth estimated at INR 600 Crores, Namita Thapar’s symphony of success continues to resonate, leaving an indelible mark on both the business and literary worlds.

3. Vineeta Singh (CEO) – Sugar Cosmetics 

In the vibrant canvas of the beauty industry, Vineeta Singh emerges as a trailblazer, associated with Sugar Cosmetics, a brand that has become synonymous with trendy and high-quality cosmetic products.

Education & Career:

Vineeta Singh’s academic journey commenced with engineering at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, laying the foundation for her future endeavors. The canvas expanded with an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad, where she further honed her business acumen.

The strokes of Vineeta’s career took her across continents during her MBA, with a three-month internship at Deutsche Bank in London and New York. Her journey continued with another three-month internship at ITC Limited in Kolkata.

Post-MBA, Vineeta faced a pivotal moment—a job offer with a staggering INR 1 Crore annual stipend. However, fueled by her entrepreneurial spirit, she turned it down, choosing a path less traveled. Striking a balance between ambition and reality, she worked for a modest salary of INR 10,000 per month while nurturing her dream of starting her own business.

The next chapter unfolded with her role as the Director at Quetzal Online Pvt. Ltd. in Mumbai, investing five significant years in the corporate landscape. However, the entrepreneurial spirit within her blossomed into reality with the launch of her beauty product supplying company, FAB BAG.

Finally, the masterpiece took shape in 2015 with the launch of her startup, Sugar Cosmetics. Adding a touch of glamor to her portfolio, Vineeta acquired the rights to launch her own range, ‘SUGAR X WONDER WOMAN,’ in 2021, a testament to her creative prowess.

Net Worth:

Beyond the strokes of her professional journey, Vineeta Singh’s net worth is a testament to her success, standing at an estimated INR 300 Crores. In the colorful palette of the beauty industry, Vineeta continues to paint success stories, leaving an indelible mark as an entrepreneur, innovator, and a force to be reckoned with.

4. Peyush Bansal (Co-Founder & CEO) – Lenskart 

In the visionary realm of eyewear, Peyush Bansal takes the spotlight as the force behind Lenskart, an Indian eyewear retail chain that seamlessly blends brick-and-mortar with online operations, offering a diverse array of eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses.

Education & Career:

Peyush Bansal’s academic journey began with a Bachelors in Electrical Engineering from McGrill University, Canada, setting the foundation for his technological expertise. The canvas expanded with a post-graduation in entrepreneurship from the esteemed Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bengaluru, adding a business acumen touch to his repertoire.

The lens of his career focused on Microsoft in 2007, where he served as a program manager. Simultaneously, he ventured into entrepreneurship with the launch of ‘searchmycampus.com,’ a campus classified portal in the same year.

The vision broadened in 2008 with the founding of Valyoo Technologies, a venture retailing eyewear in the USA. This laid the groundwork for the spectacle that followed in 2010—Peyush Bansal, alongside Amit Chaudhary (COO) and Sumeet Kapahi, launched Lenskart, a revolutionary name in the eyewear industry.

Net Worth:

Beyond the frames of his professional journey, Peyush Bansal is adorned with numerous accolades, including the Red Herring Top 100 Asia Award in 2012. His visionary ventures have not only earned him awards but also a significant net worth, estimated at INR 600 Crores. In the dynamic landscape of eyewear, Peyush continues to shape the way we see the world, leaving an indelible mark as an entrepreneur and innovator.

5. Amit Jain (CEO & CoFounder – CarDekho Group) – CarDekho

In the fast lane of the automotive industry, Amit Jain takes the driver’s seat as the visionary behind CarDekho, an online platform that revolutionizes the way users buy and sell new and used cars, providing a comprehensive range of automotive-related information and services.

Education & Career:

Amit Jain’s journey kicked off with a Bachelor’s degree in Technology from the Institute of Technology, Delhi, fueling his passion for technology and innovation. The gears shifted as he began his career at Tata Consultancy Services, serving as a software engineer, where he honed his skills in the dynamic tech landscape.

The journey took a transcontinental turn when Amit Jain ventured to Texas, joining a Texas-based company, Trilogy. Here, he assumed roles ranging from Senior Associate to Delivery Manager and Product Manager, adding diverse dimensions to his professional portfolio.

The road to entrepreneurship began to unfold when, after seven years, Amit Jain, along with his brother Anurag Jain, embarked on a journey to establish GirnarSoft, a software company born in the confines of their garage.

Inspiration struck after a visit to the AutoExpo, leading to the establishment of the automotive portal, CarDekho. The success of this venture prompted the duo to introduce various other portals, including CollegeDekho, InsuranceDekho, and BikeDekho.

Net Worth:

CarDekho’s journey has been marked by strategic acquisitions, including PowerDrift, Gaadi, Carmudi Philippines, and ZigWheels, amplifying its presence in the automotive landscape. Amit Jain’s net worth, estimated at a staggering INR 2980 Crores, reflects not just his success as an entrepreneur but his significant impact on the automotive tech sphere.

As Amit Jain steers the wheel of innovation, CarDekho continues to redefine the automotive experience, making him a trailblazer in the dynamic and ever-evolving automotive tech industry.

6. Anupam Mittal (Founder & Director- Shaadi.com; Founder & CEO- People Group) – shaadi.com 

In the expansive landscape of matrimony, Anupam Mittal takes center stage as the visionary behind Shaadi.com, one of the world’s largest matrimonial websites, dedicated to helping people find their life partners.

Education & Career:

Anupam Mittal’s academic journey unfolded at Boston University in Massachusetts, where he pursued an MBA in Operations and Statistics Management, setting the stage for his future ventures. The first chapter of his career saw him as a product manager at the software company MicroStrategy in Washington DC, where he immersed himself in the realm of technology.

The seeds of entrepreneurship sprouted in 1996 when Anupam Mittal established Shaadi.com, marking the beginning of a transformative journey in the matrimonial space. This marked not just the birth of a platform but also the establishment of a parent company, People Group, and other ventures under its umbrella, including Makaan.com in 2007 and Mauj in 2003.

Anupam Mittal’s influence extends beyond the world of matrimony. He is the founder and co-president of H2 India, showcasing his commitment to diverse ventures. Additionally, he holds the prestigious position of founder member and former president of the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), contributing to the digital landscape.

Anupam’s advisory role transcends his own ventures, as he offers guidance to companies like Grip, ShaadiSaga, and Kae Capital. His strategic insights also earn him a seat on the board of LetsVenture Online.

Net Worth:

Anupam Mittal’s financial portfolio is as diversified as his ventures. With investments in over 200 startups, including prominent names like Big Basket, Ketto, Pretty Secrets, Interactive Avenues, Sapience Analytics, and many more, his net worth currently stands at an estimated INR 185 Crores. As he continues to weave connections through Shaadi.com and beyond, Anupam Mittal remains a key player in both the matrimonial and startup ecosystems.

7. Ritesh Agarwal (Founder & Group CEO) – OYO   

In the tapestry of hospitality, Ritesh Agarwal stands as the visionary behind OYO, a global hospitality company that revolutionizes budget accommodation and hotel booking services.

Education & Career:

Ritesh Agarwal’s educational journey took an unconventional turn as he chose to step away from the traditional path. A college dropout from the Indian School of Business and Finance, Ritesh, despite being enrolled in the University of London’s International Programme, found his true calling elsewhere. He immersed himself in entrepreneurship events, recognizing his passion beyond the conventional classroom.

The turning point in his career came in 2013 when Ritesh Agarwal, fueled by his entrepreneurial spirit, launched OYO. The inception of OYO marked the beginning of a transformative journey in the hospitality sector.

Ritesh Agarwal’s unique journey also includes being the first Asian to receive a ‘Thiel Fellowship,’ a prestigious two-year program led by PayPal founder Peter Thiel. This fellowship, valued at $100,000, provided Ritesh with personal training from influential international figures like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, adding an extra layer to his entrepreneurial acumen.

Net Worth:

Ritesh Agarwal’s meteoric rise in the business world is evident in his staggering net worth, making him the world’s second youngest self-made billionaire with an estimated wealth of INR 16,462 Crores. Recognized as the richest self-made Indian under 40, Ritesh Agarwal continues to reshape the hospitality landscape with OYO, leaving an indelible mark on the global stage.

8. Deepinder Goyal (Founder & CEO) – Zomato 

In the flavorful world of food delivery and restaurant discovery, Deepinder Goyal takes the helm as the driving force behind Zomato, a widely popular online platform.

Education & Career:

Deepinder Goyal’s academic journey was marked by challenges, overcoming which he emerged as a standout achiever. Despite facing difficulties in school, his tenacity shone through when he cracked the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) on his first attempt, securing a spot at IIT.

Post-engineering, Goyal embarked on his entrepreneurial journey with the launch of his first delivery startup, Foodlet. Although the venture faced challenges, it paved the way for the lessons that would shape his future endeavors.

In 2006, Deepinder transitioned into the corporate landscape, joining Bain and Company, a prominent business management consulting firm, as an Associate Consultant. However, the corporate world couldn’t contain his entrepreneurial spirit for long.

Inspired to redefine the food industry, Deepinder, with a reduced salary, collaborated with his colleague Pankaj Chaddah to launch Zomato (formerly Foodiebay).

Net Worth:

Zomato’s journey has been marked by strategic acquisitions, totaling 15 organizations under its umbrella. Deepinder Goyal’s success story translates into an estimated net worth of INR 2030 Crores as of 2021. His vision continues to shape the way we experience and explore culinary delights, establishing him as a key player in the online food delivery landscape.

9. Azhar Iqubal (Co-Founder & CEO) – Inshorts 

In the dynamic landscape of news delivery, Azhar Iqubal takes the lead as the visionary behind Inshorts, a revolutionary news aggregation app known for its concise and summarized articles.

Education & Career:

Azhar Iqubal’s academic journey began at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, where he pursued engineering in Mathematics and Computer Engineering. However, driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, he deviated from the conventional path, choosing to drop out of IIT and embark on a journey of innovation.

Collaborating with his IIT peers, Anunay Pandey and Deepit Purkayastha, Azhar Iqubal founded InShorts, a venture that aimed to redefine the news consumption experience.

Within an impressive span of 5 years, Azhar Iqubal turned InShorts into a profitable venture, disrupting the traditional news aggregation landscape. His dedication and innovation garnered recognition, earning him prestigious awards such as a place in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 List of India, Forbes’ 40 Under 40 List, Entrepreneur Of the Year Award (2022), Aegis Graham Bell Award for Innovative Mobile App (2022), and Leaders of Asia Award.

Net Worth:

Amidst the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Azhar Iqubal’s InShorts application became a beacon of reliable information. It ranked among the Top 3 recommended applications on the Play Store for pandemic updates. With a current estimated net worth slightly exceeding INR 500 Crores, Azhar Iqubal stands as a trailblazer in the news-tech domain, shaping the future of news consumption with Inshorts.

10. Radhika Gupta (MD & CEO) – Edelweiss Mutual Fund 

In the dynamic world of financial services, Radhika Gupta takes center stage as the influential figure behind Edelweiss Mutual Fund, a company offering a spectrum of mutual fund products and services.

Education & Career:

Radhika Gupta’s academic journey unfolded at the University of Pennsylvania, where she was enrolled in the Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Computer Science from the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science. Further showcasing her versatility, Radhika graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania – The Wharton School in 2005, with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Economics, concentrating in Finance and Management.

Radhika Gupta’s professional journey commenced in 2005 as a Business Analyst at McKinsey & Company. The seas of her career shifted, leading her to AQR Capital Management, LLC in 2006, where she became a Portfolio Manager within the global asset allocation team. Her career witnessed its share of challenges and triumphs.

In 2009, Radhika returned to India and co-founded Forefront Capital Management with her husband, Nalin Moniz, and friend, Anant Jatia. Her leadership and dedication caught the attention of Edelweiss Financial Services Limited, leading to the acquisition of Forefront Capital Management in 2014. Radhika’s hands-on approach continued, and in 2016, she played a pivotal role in the acquisition of Ambit Alpha Fund and the onshore business of JPMorgan Asset Management.

In 2017, Radhika Gupta assumed the role of CEO at Edelweiss Asset Management, succeeding Vikaas Sachdeva.

Net Worth:

Radhika Gupta’s impactful leadership is mirrored in the tangible net worth of Edelweiss Mutual Fund, standing at INR 7,193 Crores. Her journey is a testament to resilience, expertise, and the ability to navigate the complex landscape of the financial industry.

11. Varun Dua (Founder & CEO-) – Acko 

In the ever-changing landscape of digital insurance, Varun Dua spearheads Acko General Insurance, a company revolutionizing insurance dynamics through its cutting-edge online platform.

Education & Career:

Varun Dua’s educational journey commenced at the University of Mumbai, culminating in the completion of his Bachelor’s degree. Building on this foundation, he pursued a master’s degree at MICA, a distinguished business school in India. Varun’s wealth of experience in product management and business development is rooted in this robust educational background.

Varun Dua, the visionary founder of Coverfox, an online insurance aggregation platform, chose the road less traveled in a startup climate often dominated by the mantra of “act rapidly and damage things.” His strategic approach and foresight set him apart in the entrepreneurial landscape.

Varun’s professional journey unfolded with a stint as a Trainee at Leo Burnett Advertising, followed by roles at Tata AIG Life Insurance and Franklin Templeton Investments as a marketing manager. Before the inception of Coverfox in 2013, Varun had already launched two companies, Glitterbug Technologies and Enser Communications.

One of Varun’s driving motivations for founding Acko was recognizing the immense potential of utilizing the World Wide Web to introduce innovative ways of selling insurance products.

Net Worth:

Acko, the Bengaluru-based insurtech startup, faced a threefold increase in net loss, soaring to INR 382.3 Crores in the financial year 2021-22 (FY22) from INR 132.5 Crores in FY21. This surge in expenses outpaced the growth in revenue. Despite the challenges, Acko, which joined the unicorn club, witnessed a remarkable 129% rise in revenue to INR 1,087.5 Crores during the year, up from INR 475.3 Crores in FY21. Varun Dua’s journey epitomizes the blend of innovation, challenges, and strategic vision in the insurtech domain.

12. Ronnie Screwvala (Chairperson & Co-Founder) – upGrad 

Navigating the dynamic terrain of online education, Ronnie Screwvala leads Upgrad, a platform transforming learning encounters with its array of courses and degrees developed in partnership with diverse universities and institutions.

Education and Career:

Ronnie’s entrepreneurial journey commenced in the 1970s as a toothbrush manufacturer, and in 1981, he expanded into the cable TV business. A pivotal moment came in 1990 with the founding of UTV, initially recognized for television production before making waves in the film industry. In 2012, Ronnie orchestrated the sale of UTV stakes to Disney for over a billion dollars. Continuing his impact, he launched RSVP Movies in 2014 and co-founded UpGrad in 2015 with three IIT graduates—Mayank Kumar, Phalgun Kompalli, and Ravijot Chugh.

Net Worth:

Screwvala’s journey started in cable television, leading to the creation of UTV Software Communications—a media and entertainment conglomerate partnering with industry giants like News Corp, 20th Century Fox, The Walt Disney Company, and Bloomberg. In 2012, he sold UTV to Disney for an enterprise value of approximately INR 11,639 crore (USD 1.4 billion), significantly contributing to his net worth. As UpGrad’s chairperson, Ronnie Screwvala made substantial investments in the EdTech company, now valued at around INR 187.07 crore (USD 2.25 billion).

In a remarkable turn, some entrepreneurs who couldn’t secure funding on Shark Tank India found success with Velocity, proving that every setback can lead to a significant comeback in the dynamic world of startups. Read the story of Jhaji Pickle on how they found their calling.

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