In a surprising move, Kunal Bahl, the co-founder of Snapdeal, has replaced Deepinder Goyal, the CEO of Zomato, as one of the judges on Shark Tank India Season 4. This change has stirred conversations in the entrepreneurial world, particularly because of Goyal’s popularity in previous seasons. While Goyal’s unique perspective on food tech and startup scalability will be missed, Bahl brings a fresh approach, steeped in his extensive experience within e-commerce and investments in over 250 startups.
Kunal Bahl is known for building Snapdeal into one of India’s leading e-commerce platforms and becoming an influential figure in the country’s startup ecosystem. Over the years, he has earned accolades like the Economic Times Entrepreneur of the Year and a spot on Fortune’s 40 Under 40, cementing his reputation as a leading entrepreneur. Bahl’s ability to identify potential in young startups and guide them to success makes him a valuable addition to the Shark Tank India panel. His vast knowledge in scaling businesses will provide new opportunities for entrepreneurs, especially in the tech and e-commerce sectors, giving them the mentorship they need to navigate the highly competitive landscape.
Deepinder Goyal, on the other hand, humorously commented on his departure, implying that Swiggy—Zomato’s fierce competitor—had a role in pushing him out. Swiggy is a sponsor of Season 4, and Goyal’s exit might also reflect the competitive dynamics between the two food-tech giants. Nevertheless, Goyal’s absence will leave a gap in the food-tech expertise on the panel, which Bahl is expected to fill with his technology-focused insights.
Apart from Kunal Bahl, Season 4 will see familiar faces like Namita Thapar, the Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, and Aman Gupta, co-founder of boAt. They will be joined by Ritesh Agarwal, CEO of OYO Rooms, and Peyush Bansal, co-founder of Lenskart, who bring their own expertise across healthcare, electronics, and hospitality. These investors, including Bahl, represent a wide range of industries, promising to bring well-rounded perspectives for entrepreneurs across multiple sectors.
The excitement around Shark Tank India Season 4 extends beyond the new investors. The show has also introduced new hosts, Sahiba Bali and Ashish Solanki, who will add an extra layer of energy and engagement. Though the official premiere date is still awaited, the anticipation is building among both fans and aspiring entrepreneurs who are eager to see how the new dynamics will shape the show.
As the Indian startup ecosystem continues to thrive, Shark Tank India has become a key platform for emerging businesses to gain mentorship and financial backing from some of the country’s top investors. With Kunal Bahl joining the panel, entrepreneurs from tech-related ventures, in particular, have much to gain from his insights into scaling and innovating within the digital space.
Overall, this season of Shark Tank India promises to be one of the most exciting yet, with a powerful mix of returning and new investors. The panel is now more diverse, with expertise spanning across sectors like healthcare, e-commerce, hospitality, and technology, making it an incredible opportunity for the entrepreneurs who make it to the show.
