The highly anticipated Season 5 of Shark Tank India has unveiled its biggest, most diverse panel of judges yet as the reality business show returns with fresh investor talent alongside familiar faces from India’s startup ecosystem. The season premiered on January 5, 2026, on Sony Entertainment Television and streams on SonyLIV.
Expanded Judging Panel for Season 5
This season features a mix of seasoned entrepreneurs and dynamic new investors who will evaluate pitches, mentor founders, and potentially fund the next wave of Indian businesses. The lineup blends industry veterans with emerging business leaders across tech, consumer brands, renewable energy and more.
Returning Sharks: Seasoned Investors
• Aman Gupta, the Co-founder of boAt, a leading consumer audio and wearable brand known for its youth-centric positioning and strong branding.
• Namita Thapar, the executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, is known for her direct, strategic investment style.
• Peyush Bansal, the founder of Lenskart, is transforming eyewear in India with a tech-driven model.
• Vineeta Singh, the co-founder of Sugar Cosmetics, is representing success in beauty and D2C branding.
• Anupam Mittal, the founder of Shaadi.com and Makaan.com, is an early internet entrepreneur.
• Ritesh Agarwal, the founder of OYO Rooms, is one of India’s fastest-growing global hospitality startups.
• Amit Jain, the co-founder of CarDekho Group, is a key figure in the auto tech space.
• Kunal Bahl, the co-founder of Snapdeal and Titan Capital, is experienced in e-commerce and investment.
• Viraj Bahl, the founder of Veeba sauces and condiments, is bringing food FMCG insights.
New Sharks: Fresh Business Perspectives
This season introduces multiple new judges bringing diverse expertise:
• Mohit Yadav, the Co-Founder of Minimalist, which was acquired by Hindustan Unilever, is known for strong product-led D2C growth.
• Varun Alagh, the CEO & Co-Founder of Honasa Consumer Ltd (parent company of Mamaearth).
• Shaily Mehrotra, the CEO of Fixderma India, is blending healthcare and beauty with strong brand growth experience.
• Kanika Tekriwal, the Founder of JetSetGo Aviation, is reshaping the private jet marketplace in India.
• Hardik Kothiya is the entrepreneur behind Rayzon Solar, championing renewable energy manufacturing with major growth and valuation in clean tech.
• Pratham Mittal, on the other hand, is a young entrepreneur and founder of Masters’ Union & Tetr College of Business, bringing education-ecosystem and early-stage startup mentorship to the tank.
What This Panel Means
Season 5’s judges represent India’s entrepreneurial diversity, from consumer brands and edtech to healthcare, aviation, and renewable energy. Their combined expertise promises deeper mentorship, tougher negotiations and top-tier investment opportunities for pitching founders.
With this mix of established businesses and next-gen business leaders, Shark Tank India continues to be a launchpad for startups aspiring to scale nationally and globally.
