Archive · 17 Jan 2026
Shark Tank India Boosts Startup Growth
Shark Tank India is a TV show where startups pitch their businesses to investors, called Sharks, to get funding.
But the biggest prize isn't always the money; it's the national exposure that can help startups grow faster.
For example, a cat food company called Smylo saw a big jump in followers and sales after their episode aired.
Another company, Get-A-Way Ice Cream, went from small sales to much bigger numbers.
The show also helps startups save on marketing costs because people already know about them.
However, the long-term success depends on how well the startups keep improving their products and business.
Some companies do really well, while others struggle after the initial boost.
The show has become a powerful marketing tool, helping startups reach more customers and grow their businesses.
Shark Tank India provides startups with national visibility, often more valuable than the investment.
Smylo, a cat food startup, saw a five- to six-fold increase in followers and reduced customer acquisition costs post-show.
Get-A-Way Ice Cream scaled revenue from ₹7.9 crore to ₹14.8 crore in FY24 after appearing on the show.
Zoff Foods saved ₹10-15 crore in marketing spends due to increased visibility and distribution access.
While the show offers immediate benefits, long-term success depends on sustained demand and strong unit economics.
- Who
- Startup founders and investors on Shark Tank India
- What
- The impact of TV exposure on startup growth and marketing
- When
- Ongoing, with examples from various seasons
- Where
- India, primarily on SonyLIV
- Why
- To gain national visibility, reduce customer acquisition costs, and accelerate growth
- Smylo
- Cat food startup, ₹75 lakh investment, ₹75 crore valuation
- Let’s Try
- Snack brand, ₹12 lakh investment, ₹40 crore valuation
- Skippi Ice Pops
- FMCG brand, ₹2-2.8 crore monthly sales post-show
- Nasher Miles
- Crossed ₹80 crore revenue post-show
- Ravelcare
- Listed, 55% IPO gain for early investors
- Get-A-Way Ice Cream
- Revenue from ₹7.9 crore to ₹14.8 crore in FY24
- Zoff Foods
- ₹1 crore investment, ₹80 crore valuation, saved ₹10-15 crore in marketing
- Snitch
- Menswear brand, ₹500 crore revenue by FY25, ₹2,500 crore valuation
- Beyond Snacks
- Revenue from ₹0.6 crore to ₹52.9 crore in FY25
- TagZ Foods
- Acquired by Reliance at ₹28 crore valuation
- Wakao Foods
- Stagnated post-TV demand
- Lahori Zeera
- Sponsored season 5, 20% of annual marketing budget