Shark Tank India has suddenly become much larger than a program. It has given an incredibly exciting cultural sense of entrepreneurship and made it possible for dreamers to see the horizon across the country with intense boardroom drama, real-world business lessons, and life-changing investments. Out of all, it gives hope to those budding entrepreneurs. It’s not just stepping into the Tank and pitching in front of a panel of some of India’s most coveted investors for many; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

What is Shark Tank India?

In other words, Shark Tank India is the Indian version of the worldwide reality show Shark Tank, where budding entrepreneurs showcase their ideas for business to the panel of successful investors known as “sharks.” Being successful business leaders, these sharks do not just invest money-they also invest the expertise, mentorship, and great networks developed over the years.

If the pitch wins them over, they may offer to invest in your venture in: exchange for equity, giving both capital and a valuable strategic partner. 

So it is not just a show, as much as it entertains; the show has ended up with some great opportunities to change people’s businesses. So, if one is dreaming of making it big in such a status-quo, he or she really must know how to apply to Shark Tank India.

This is a complete step-by-step guide on how the interested entrepreneur should prepare to create a long-lasting impression before applying to Shark Tank India:

Why Do People Apply for Shark Tank India?

  • National Presence

Presenting your brand on national television helps raise your brand in the market and gives you a lot of exposure.

  • Seeking an Investment

People who are looking for a good amount of investment or funds for their businesses go to Shark Tank India if they receive it can increase their business growth.

  • Mentorship

The judges who sit on Shark Tank India chairs hold good experience in the business world based on which they can offer valuable mentorship including tips on startups and business solutions.

  • Improve Networking

Besides the motive of funding and mentorship people also visit here to increase their connections with influential individuals.

How to Apply for Shark Tank India

Want to grow your business success? Here is the procedure to apply for the investment and gain mentorship after which you can be one of the greatest business owners in the world.

knowing the Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for applying to Shark Tank India is an important step so let’s know who is eligible as given below:

Who can Apply?

  1. The types of businesses are startups, small and medium businesses (SME), and one-person enterprises.
  2. And of course, businesses in every area, from tech to health, retail to manufacturing, and many more.

Age Requirements

  • You have to be 18 or older to make the application.
  • If below 18, you can have a parent or legal guardian apply on your behalf.
  • It’s best if your business is already operative with an actual product/service ready for the market.
  • Sales traction helps, but it’s not necessary. 
  • You may apply even with a business idea; your business can be at any stage. 
  • If you have more than one business idea, you can submit them all separately with different mobile numbers.

Legal & Financial Eligibility

  • In India, you’re supposed to be an Indian citizen residing in India. 
  • Your business should be registered legally in India. 
  • Financial transparency—clear records of: Revenue, Valuation and Funding History (if Any)
  • If there are any existing investors, getting their approval before applying is mandatory.

Filling Application & Registration

The Application process for the Shark Tank India is very easy but competitive. You must follow the given process for your successful business career:

  1. Visit the Website: Visit SonyLIV’s app or log on to www.sonyliv.com and click on the Shark Tank India Season registration banner.
  2. Create your Account / Complete Registration: Sign up with your email ID and mobile number and verify your account.
  3. Fill the Application: Fill all the important details as required in the application given below:
  1. Company/Industry Name
  2. Business Model and Revenue Generation 
  3. Competition and Market Potential
  4. Financial Status (Sales, valuation, and funding history)
  5. Growth Planning

Be sure to provide all the authentic details in your application about yourself and your business which will leave a good impact on the judges of Shark Tank India.

Creation of Compelling Video and Submission

At length, this is your great opportunity to shine, narrate your tale, and put the business idea really on camera. Your time is now to show the Sharks what distinctively makes you and your venture truly unforgettable. Here’s how to make it count:

  1. Duration of Video: It should be short (about 2 to 3 minutes).
  2. Content of Video: The video should include the content (Introduction, Business ideas explanation, and reason for seeking an investment).
  3. Showcase Your Product: Try to show your product and services.

If you want to confirm your selection then make sure to create a good video that highlights the important facts about your product/services based on which you will get this opportunity.

Prepare for Your Auditions

shark tank india

Image credit: Velocity Blog

You would be called for an audition which could be online or offline if you make it to the shortlist. This is what most people would say as the final audition that proves that you are pitch-ready. Just get ready for what might be a very good grilling question; preparation is the best.

Frequently Asked Questions During Auditions

  1. What are the issues addressed by your commodities or services?
  2. Who are the end-users, your target customers?
  3. What is the potential market for your product or service, and who are your competitors?

Tips For Victory

  • Understand your financials; i.e., revenue, costs, and profits. 
  • Confidently display belief in your business idea, even if it may not pan out. 
  • Maintain lucidity in an explanation of your business. 
  • Be flexible: Accept the possibility of negotiation and constructive feedback.

If you have successfully completed all these steps then you must also know what happens on Shark Tank India show. Here is the paragraph which will help to know about the show.

What Happens in the Shark Tank India Show?

That’s the moment for which you prepare the whole show. You can pitch your business to a panel of seasoned investors, otherwise known as the Sharks. They are going to break down your presentation into a ton of questions, and they’ll ask some tough questions of you that will be posed as hypotheses testing your business sense.

Now that they are already interested, prepare for the high-stakes negotiation. The offers may come in quite fast and you might even have a few Sharks going into a bidding war for your deal. It means that you would not only be able to have investment on board but probably also a mentor and a partner in strategic performance improvement for taking your venture to greater heights.

Keep calm, keep sharp and above all, keep true to your vision.

Shark Tank India Judges’ Names and Their Businesses

shark tank india judges

Image credit: GQ India

Name of JudgeCompany and Role
Aman GuptaCo-Founder & CMO, boAt (Consumer Electronics)
Anupam MittalFounder & CEO, Shaadi.com (Online Matchmaking)
Namita ThaparExecutive Director, Emcure Pharmaceuticals (Pharmaceuticals)
Peyush BansalFounder & CEO, Lenskart (Eyewear Retail)
Ritesh AgarwalFounder & CEO, OYO Rooms (Hospitality)
Varun DuaFounder & CEO, ACKO General Insurance (Insurance)
Kunal BahlCo-founder, Snapdeal & Titan Capital (E-commerce & Venture Capital)
Viraj BahlFounder & MD, Veeba (Food & Beverages – Sauces & Condiments)
Azhar IqubalCo-founder & CEO, Inshorts (News Aggregation)
Vineeta SinghCo-founder & CEO, SUGAR Cosmetics (Beauty & Cosmetics)

Conclusion

It’s not just a show on TV. In reality, Shark Tank India is quite a good launchpad for aspirational entrepreneurs. Small entrepreneurs, potential startup idea owners, and ready-to-scale venture owners can choose this option as a once-in-a-lifetime chance not just to get funding but also mentorship, exposure, and credibility.

The ideal set up, a complete pitch, and a clear vision would be the ingredients with which you become the next entrepreneur to walk out with life-changing deals. So, if you have a passion and an idea, do not wait to take the leap and apply to Shark Tank India. Your big break may just be a pitch away.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. When is the best time to apply for Shark Tank India?

The application process launches several months before the beginning of each season. Stay tuned to the Sony LIV website and their official social media pages for the latest news and updates.

  1. Is there a fee to the application for Shark Tank India?

No. Applying for Shark Tank India is free of cost. And there are also no hidden surprises involved in this.

  1. Can I apply if my business is not yet profitable?

Yes, profit is not a hard criterion. If you are willing to make an application, you should have a well-framed business model and a clear plan to make it profitable.

  1. Must I have a prototype in order to apply?

A prototype is good, especially for product-based businesses, but it’s not a necessity. If you have a solid idea or concept, just go ahead and apply.