The wait is over for India's entrepreneurial community. The highly anticipated fifth season of Shark Tank India is officially set to premiere on 5 January 2026. The new season promises more high-stakes pitches and potential deals, featuring a significantly expanded panel of investors that mixes beloved familiar faces with powerful new business leaders entering the Tank for the first time.
Meet the Sharks: A Blend of Experience and Fresh Perspectives
The judging panel for Season 5 is its most diverse yet, reflecting the vast spectrum of India's booming startup ecosystem. The show continues to be a pivotal platform for early-stage founders seeking capital, mentorship, and strategic partnerships.
Several fan-favorite sharks are returning with their proven expertise. Aman Gupta of boAt, Namita Thapar from Emcure Pharmaceuticals, and Vineeta Singh of SUGAR Cosmetics are back. They are joined once again by Peyush Bansal (Lenskart), Anupam Mittal (Shaadi.com), and Ritesh Agarwal (OYO). Recent season regulars Kunal Bahl (Snapdeal/Titan Capital) and Amit Jain (CarDekho) are also confirmed. Viraj Bahl, founder of Veeba, returns with his FMCG insights.
New Faces in the Tank
Season 5 introduces exciting new sharks from cutting-edge sectors. Mohit Yadav, co-founder of the science-backed skincare brand Minimalist, brings a finance and product-driven approach. Shaily Mehrotra (Fixderma) adds dermatology-focused healthcare expertise, while Hardik Kothiya of Rayzon Solar infuses the panel with renewable energy and sustainability credentials.
The new lineup also includes Kanika Tekriwal, founder of JetSetGo Aviation, representing luxury air travel and logistics. Varun Alagh, CEO of Honasa Consumer Ltd (parent to Mamaearth and The Derma Co), will share his experience in building massive personal care brands.
Innovative Segments and Broadcast Details
A notable new feature for Season 5 is the "Campus Special" segment. This initiative will focus specifically on student-led startups, with judges like Pratham Mittal, founder of Masters' Union, guiding young entrepreneurs. This move underscores the show's commitment to nurturing talent from its earliest stages.
Viewers can catch all the action on Sony Entertainment Television, with streaming available on Sony LIV. The series maintains its status as a cornerstone of business reality programming in India, blending the drama of competitive television with real-world business mentorship that can shape the future of startups across the nation.
With its early January launch, Shark Tank India Season 5 is poised to deliver another round of compelling pitches, candid feedback, and transformative deals. The strategic mix of veteran investors and dynamic new voices not only highlights established success stories but also mirrors the rapidly expanding and ambitious landscape of Indian entrepreneurship.
