Shark Tank India, the hit business reality show, is gearing up for its fourth season, but there’s already controversy surrounding the judges’ panel. While familiar faces like Anupam Mittal, Namita Thapar, Aman Gupta, Ritesh Aggarwal, and Piyush Bansal are set to return, Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal will no longer be a part of the show.
Why Was Deepinder Goyal Excluded?
The decision to remove Deepinder Goyal from the panel reportedly comes after a major sponsorship deal was secured by Swiggy, Zomato’s direct competitor. According to sources, Swiggy has entered into a sponsorship agreement worth ₹25 crore for Season 4 of Shark Tank India. One of the conditions of the deal was Goyal’s departure from the show due to the rivalry between the two food delivery giants.
Deepinder Goyal’s Reaction to Being Removed
Speaking at the ET Startup Awards, Goyal addressed the issue openly. He explained that he had only been part of the show for a brief period but felt he brought something unique to the table. Goyal commented, “I was there to offer a different narrative and to be real. It was important for me to change how people view startups in India.” He expressed disappointment over his exit, stating, “Unfortunately, I can’t return because Swiggy sponsored Shark Tank, and I was removed. That’s the reason I’ve heard.”
Tension Between Zomato and Swiggy
This development has added to the growing tension between Swiggy and Zomato, two of India’s largest food delivery platforms. As Swiggy prepares for its stock market debut, the company is focusing on raising ₹6,664 crore from the primary market. Of this, ₹950 crore is set aside for brand marketing, which could further fuel competition between the two brands.
While Deepinder Goyal’s exit from Shark Tank India comes as a surprise, his passion for changing the perception of Indian startups remains strong. Fans will now look forward to how the dynamics of the show shift with Swiggy’s involvement and the absence of one of India’s most well-known entrepreneurs.
