Shark Tank India: Shah Rukh Khan's former co-star's food startup gets Rs 2.5 crore funding

Synopsis Shark Tank India Season 5 kicked off with The Croffle Guys, four young entrepreneurs from Mumbai, seeking Rs 1 crore for 1% equity. Their cinematic pitch, influenced by their film industry backgrounds, impressed sharks Kunal Bahl and Mohit Yadav, leading to a Rs 2.5 crore investment for 5% equity. Shark Tank India returned for its fifth season with an opening pitch that instantly stood out for its cinematic flair and youthful energy. The new season began on an energetic note when four young entrepreneurs from Mumbai stepped onto the stage with a concept that blended food innovation with storytelling. Rahul Vinod Vohra, Annaya Agarwal, Amay Thakkar, and Veer Pinto introduced their brand, The Croffle Guys, presenting a unique dessert that merges the flaky texture of a croissant with the crisp structure of a waffle. Their lively presentation immediately caught the attention of the investors and set the tone for the season’s launch. A Bold Ask and a Confident Vision As the first entrepreneurs of Shark Tank India Season 5, the founders made a daring financial request. They sought funding of Rs 1 crore in exchange for just 1 percent ownership in their company, placing the valuation at a substantial Rs 100 crores. While the numbers were ambitious, the clarity of their vision, coupled with their confident delivery, ensured that the sharks listened closely. The panel, consisting of Kunal Bahl, Namita Thapar, Anupam Mittal, Aman Gupta, and Mohit Yadav, was intrigued not only by the product but also by the journey that led to its creation. Film Industry Roots Shape the Brand Story What made the pitch particularly memorable was the founders’ background in the entertainment world. Their previous association with films and advertising added depth to their entrepreneurial narrative. Rahul Vohra and Veer Pinto, in particular, brought their experience from the film industry into the way they shaped their brand identity and presentation style. Their storytelling instincts were evident in the dramatic structure of the pitch, which felt polished yet personal. Crafting a Cinematic Pitch After the episode aired, Rahul Vohra reflected on the experience and explained how the pitch came together. The dramatic tone of the presentation was the result of close collaboration between the founders and the show’s creative team. Being deeply involved in content creation and digital marketing for their brand, the founders played an active role in shaping how their story was told. With Rahul and Veer having a background in films, incorporating a cinematic touch felt natural. The production team provided a framework, which the founders then expanded upon, blending structured storytelling with their own creative instincts. From Acting Dreams to Entrepreneurial Reality On the show, Rahul and Veer opened up about their connections to the film industry. Veer continues to work closely with Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, while Rahul has appeared alongside Shah Rukh Khan in a major advertisement. Rahul also spent nearly a decade working with filmmaker Kabir Khan, progressing from an intern to a co-directing role before eventually stepping away. His early ambition to become an actor, combined with the opportunity to work on a high-profile international tourism campaign featuring Shah Rukh Khan, marked a significant milestone in his career and remains a cherished memory. Choosing a New Path Despite his deep attachment to the film world, Rahul described his decision to leave the industry as a difficult but necessary turning point. After investing nine years into filmmaking and creative collaborations, he felt emotionally tied to the profession. However, personal changes and the emergence of a promising business opportunity led him to reassess his priorities. A trip to Thailand coincided with this period of reflection, eventually becoming the spark that inspired the birth of The Croffle Guys. Looking back, the transition felt unexpectedly aligned, as though circumstances naturally guided him toward a new chapter. A Winning Deal to Start the Season The founders’ blend of creativity, business clarity, and personal storytelling resonated strongly with the sharks. Impressed by both their professional background and the origin story of the brand, Kunal Bahl and Mohit Yadav decided to invest. The final agreement saw The Croffle Guys secure Rs 2.5 crores in funding in exchange for 5 percent equity, marking a successful and memorable beginning to Shark Tank India Season 5. (Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online. ...moreless (Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online. ...moreless For a future, Hindustan Copper is reviving what it junked in past FOMO or geopolitical safety net: What’s fuelling the gold ETF rush? Generous payouts come back to bite IT firms in the era of AI Scott Adams and the weasel-proof wallet Stock Radar: Coal India stock breaks out from Ascending Triangle range to hit fresh 52-week high in January 2026; time to buy? These mid-cap stocks with ‘Strong Buy’ & ‘Buy’ recos can rally over 25%, according to analysts 1 2 3