A Mumbai-based food startup, The Croffle Guys, secured a ₹2.5 crore investment on the opening episode of Shark Tank India Season 5, which began streaming on SonyLiv on January 5, 2026. The episode also marked the debut of a new investor on the panel, Mohit Yadav of skincare brand Minimalist.
The startup was presented by four founders—Rahul Vinod Vohra, Annanya Agarwal, Amay Thakkar and Veer Pinto—who appeared on the show as equal business partners. The founders shared the brand’s origin story and outlined its growth plans before the panel of investors.
The Croffle Guys operates in the quick-service food space and focuses on a single core product, the croffle, described as a hybrid of a croissant and a waffle. The product is offered in both sweet and savoury variants to appeal to a wide customer base.
Croffle Guys Funding
During the pitch, the founders explained that the idea for the brand emerged during a leisure trip to Thailand. The team said they encountered the product at a local stall, where its taste and format stood out, prompting them to explore its potential in the Indian market.
The first outlet of The Croffle Guys was launched in May 2025, followed by a second outlet in September 2025. The founders stated that the brand has been positioned as an affordable, youth-focused dessert and snack option in urban locations.
The entrepreneurs sought an investment of ₹1 crore in exchange for 1 percent equity, valuing the company at ₹100 crore. This valuation drew questions from the sharks, leading to a detailed discussion on scalability, margins and expansion strategy.
Founder Backgrounds
Rahul Vinod Vohra shared that he studied economics at New York University and later worked in the Indian film industry for nearly nine years. He said his professional background includes working with filmmaker Kabir Khan and that he has since moved full-time into entrepreneurship.
Annanya Agarwal stated that she completed an MBA in Atlanta and has prior entrepreneurial experience. She co-founded a recycling startup in 2017 and continues to be involved in its operations alongside building The Croffle Guys.
The founders also highlighted Agarwal’s earlier venture, Runaya, which they said is projected to reach significant revenue milestones in the coming financial year. The background of the founding team was discussed as a strength during the pitch.
Investor Response
All the sharks on the panel made investment offers, reflecting strong interest in the concept and the founders’ presentation. The offers varied in terms of valuation and equity, with investors citing branding potential and early traction as positives.
After deliberation, the founders accepted a joint offer from Kunal Bahl and Mohit Yadav. The agreed deal involved an investment of ₹2.5 crore for a combined 6 percent equity stake in the company.
The deal implied a revised valuation compared to the founders’ initial ask. The investors indicated that their involvement would focus on brand building, product consistency and expansion planning.
Looking Ahead
The Croffle Guys’ appearance added to the growing list of food and beverage startups gaining visibility through Shark Tank India. The show continues to act as a platform for early-stage consumer brands seeking capital and mentorship.
With the new funding, the startup is expected to focus on expanding its retail footprint and strengthening operations. Further details on rollout plans were not disclosed during the episode.
Shark Tank India Season 5 is set to feature a mix of consumer, technology and manufacturing startups, with increased participation from new-age founders across India.
