Quick Reads / Key Highlights
- Shark Tank India Season 5 premieres on January 5, 2026
- The show will air on Sony Entertainment Television and stream on Sony LIV
- A mix of returning sharks and new investors will feature this season
- Industries represented include healthcare, FMCG, aviation, renewable energy, D2C brands, and technology
- New sharks include founders from Minimalist, Fixderma, Rayzon Solar, JetSetGo Aviation, and Honasa Consumer
- A special “Campus Special” segment will spotlight student-led startups
- Pratham Mittal will judge campus-focused pitches
- The season reflects India’s evolving startup ecosystem with broader sector representation
Top Line:
Shark Tank India is making a comeback with its fifth season on January 5, 2026, bringing together a powerful mix of returning investors and first-time sharks from industries such as healthcare, aviation, consumer goods, and renewable energy. The upcoming season will also introduce a special segment spotlighting student-founded startups.
India’s popular business reality show Shark Tank India is ready to return for Season 5, promising a refreshed judging panel and new opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. The new season will air on Sony Entertainment Television and stream digitally on Sony LIV, continuing its role as a key platform for early-stage founders seeking funding, mentorship, and national exposure.
Over the years, Shark Tank India has grown beyond a television format into a cultural touchpoint for India’s start-up ecosystem. Season 5 reflects that evolution, with judges representing both established business leadership and emerging sectors shaping the country’s economic future.
Shark Tank India 5: Judges Confirmed for the New Season
Several familiar faces from earlier seasons will return to the Tank, bringing continuity and experience. Aman Gupta, co-founder and CMO of boAt, is back with his sharp focus on branding and consumer electronics. Namita Thapar, Executive Director at Emcure Pharmaceuticals, continues to represent healthcare and wellness investing.
Vineeta Singh, CEO of SUGAR Cosmetics, returns with insights drawn from building a fast-scaling D2C beauty brand, while Peyush Bansal, founder and CEO of Lenskart, offers expertise in consumer technology and omnichannel retail. Anupam Mittal, founder of Shaadi.com and People Group, also joins again, contributing his deep understanding of digital marketplaces.
Hospitality entrepreneur Ritesh Agarwal, founder and CEO of OYO, remains one of the most closely watched sharks, given his global business journey and experience scaling a start-up into an international brand.
Familiar Investors and Industry Leaders Continue
Season 5 will also feature Kunal Bahl, co-founder of Snapdeal and Titan Capital, along with Amit Jain, CEO of CarDekho Group, both of whom have been active participants in recent seasons. Viraj Bahl, founder of Veeba and VRB Consumer Products, adds strong FMCG and brand-building perspectives to the panel.
New Sharks Join Shark Tank India Season 5
This season introduces several new investors, expanding the show’s industry representation. Mohit Yadav, co-founder of Minimalist, joins as a new shark, bringing a background in finance and product-led entrepreneurship. A Chartered Accountant by training, he has played a key role in building Minimalist into a globally recognised skincare brand.
Healthcare-focused leadership will be represented by Shaily Mehrotra, CEO of Fixderma India, while Hardik Kothiya, founder and managing director of Rayzon Solar, adds renewable energy and sustainability expertise to the panel.
Aviation entrepreneur Kanika Tekriwal, founder of JetSetGo Aviation, enters the Tank with experience in private aviation, logistics, and premium travel services. Meanwhile, Varun Alagh, CEO and co-founder of Honasa Consumer Ltd (parent company of Mamaearth and The Derma Co), brings insights from scaling large personal care and digital-first brands.
Campus Special to Highlight Student Entrepreneurs
A key new addition this season is the “Campus Special”, a dedicated segment designed to encourage student-led startups. Pratham Mittal, founder of Masters’ Union and Tetr College of Business, will feature as a judge for this segment, focusing on innovation emerging from universities and young founders.
This move highlights Shark Tank India’s growing emphasis on nurturing entrepreneurial talent at an early stage.
What to Expect From Shark Tank India Season 5
With its mix of experienced investors and fresh industry voices, Shark Tank India Season 5 aims to reflect the changing landscape of Indian entrepreneurship. From consumer brands and healthcare to clean energy and aviation, the new season promises diverse pitches, candid feedback, and potential deals that could shape the next wave of Indian start-ups.
The show premieres on January 5, 2026, positioning itself as one of the year’s most anticipated business and reality television launches.
