Shark Tank India has become one of the most popular business reality shows in India. It not only helps entrepreneurs secure funding but also entertains millions of viewers. But have you ever wondered how the show itself makes money? And how much do the sharks get paid? Let’s dive into the details.
How Does Shark Tank India Earn Money?
Shark Tank India generates revenue through multiple sources, ensuring its success as a profitable reality show. Here’s how it earns money:
1. Sponsorships & Brand Deals
Shark Tank India has several corporate sponsors who pay to be associated with the show. Brands like Sony LIV, Flipkart, Lenskart, CarDekho, and boAt have sponsored different seasons.
- Official sponsors get their logos displayed on the set and in promotional materials.
- Their products may be used by the sharks or contestants during the show.
- Brand mentions and integrations increase awareness and engagement.
2. Advertising Revenue from TV & Digital Platforms
Since the show airs on Sony Entertainment Television, the channel earns money from advertising slots during the broadcast.
- Advertisers pay high rates for prime-time commercial spots due to the show’s high TRP.
- Ads from fintech, e-commerce, and startup brands are commonly seen during Shark Tank India episodes.
- More viewership = Higher ad prices = More revenue for Sony.
3. Sony LIV OTT Subscriptions
Shark Tank India is also available on Sony LIV, an OTT platform where users pay for premium content.
- Viewers subscribe to Sony LIV to watch exclusive episodes and behind-the-scenes content.
- This increases paid memberships and revenue for Sony LIV.
4. Product Placement & Strategic Partnerships
Sometimes, startups featured on the show pay for premium positioning to get additional exposure.
- Startups with strong branding or unique products may get extra screen time for a fee.
- This indirect revenue model benefits both the show and the featured businesses.
5. International Licensing & Distribution
The show’s format is owned by Sony, and they sell broadcasting rights to other networks or platforms globally.
- The show may be syndicated in other countries or be streamed on international platforms.
- This generates royalty income and licensing fees for Sony.
How Much Do the Sharks Get Paid?
Unlike the US version of Shark Tank, where sharks get a fixed salary per season, in Shark Tank India, the primary income for sharks comes from investments they make in startups. However, reports suggest that Sony pays them an appearance fee per episode as well.
Estimated Per Episode Earnings of Sharks (Season 3):
- Aman Gupta (boAt) – ₹7-9 lakh per episode
- Peyush Bansal (Lenskart) – ₹6-8 lakh per episode
- Anupam Mittal (Shaadi.com) – ₹5-7 lakh per episode
- Vineeta Singh (Sugar Cosmetics) – ₹4-6 lakh per episode
- Namita Thapar (Emcure Pharma) – ₹4-6 lakh per episode
- Amit Jain (CarDekho) – ₹7-9 lakh per episode
- Ritesh Agarwal (OYO) – ₹10-12 lakh per episode (new shark)
Do Sharks Earn from Their Investments?
Sharks primarily earn through equity stakes in the startups they invest in. If a startup they invest in grows significantly, they can make huge profits when they sell their shares in the future.
Other Earnings from Shark Tank Fame
- Many sharks get paid brand endorsements due to their increased popularity.
- They charge fees for keynote speeches, business events, and mentorship programs.
Shark Tank India is a well-designed revenue-generating show that earns money through sponsorships, advertisements, subscriptions, and international rights. While the sharks are paid per episode, their main earnings come from the investments they make in promising startups. With the growing popularity of entrepreneurship in India, Shark Tank India continues to be a profitable venture for Sony and an inspiring platform for startups.
FAQs
1. Does Shark Tank India pay the sharks for investing?
No, sharks invest their own money. They earn only if the startups they invest in become successful.
2. Who is the highest-paid shark in Shark Tank India?
As per reports, Ritesh Agarwal (OYO founder) earns the highest appearance fee in Season 3, around ₹10-12 lakh per episode.
3. How much does Sony earn from Shark Tank India?
Exact figures aren’t public, but Sony earns crores through ad revenue, brand sponsorships, and Sony LIV subscriptions.
4. Do rejected startups get anything from the show?
Even if a startup doesn’t get a deal, they gain free publicity and often receive funding from other investors after the show.
