Lessons for Investors from Kunal Bahl on Shark Tank India

This year, I found myself watching Shark Tank India more intently than ever before. Not just as a casual viewer, but with a deeper curiosity—what makes a great investor? What separates those who simply fund businesses from those who truly shape their growth?

One investor, in particular, stood out to me: Kunal Bahl, co-founder of Snapdeal. His approach to investing isn’t just about numbers; it’s about conviction, mentorship, and long-term impact. Watching him on Shark Tank India has been an eye-opener, reinforcing key lessons that every investor—myself included—can learn from.

1. Double Down When You Have Full Conviction

One of the biggest takeaways from Kunal’s investing style is his willingness to take substantial stakes when he truly believes in a startup. Unlike some sharks who spread their bets thin, Kunal often negotiates deals for 10-15% equity, ensuring he has enough "skin in the game" to make a meaningful impact.

Take his investment in Kiwi Kisan Window, a brand focused on bringing fresh, chemical-free produce directly from farmers to consumers. Kunal didn’t just offer funding—he took a larger stake because he saw the founders’ passion and the business's potential to revolutionize the farm-to-table model. His conviction sent a strong message: I believe in this, and I’m here for the long haul

?? Lesson for Investors: When you truly believe in a startup, go all in. Meaningful ownership means you’re not just betting on a company—you’re actively shaping its success.

2. Bet on Founders, Not Just Ideas

As someone who has built a company from the ground up, Kunal knows that ideas evolve, but founders make or break a business. He focuses on resilience, adaptability, and execution capability—traits that matter more than the initial pitch.

On Shark Tank India, he often asks tough questions to test how well founders understand their business. His own journey with Snapdeal, which saw multiple pivots, has made him deeply aware that success isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about bouncing back stronger.

?? Lesson for Investors: Great founders create great businesses. A brilliant idea with the wrong team won’t succeed, but a strong founder will figure out a way—even if the original plan doesn’t work.

3. Add Value Beyond Money

Kunal isn’t just an investor; he’s a mentor. Having navigated the challenges of scaling Snapdeal, he brings strategic insights that go far beyond capital.

For example, when he invested in Speedy Kitchen, a startup revolutionizing the food business with its innovative approach to cloud kitchens, he didn’t just fund them—he emphasized how his network and experience could help them scale. His involvement goes beyond money; he opens doors, refines strategies, and ensures founders get the right guidance.

?? Lesson for Investors: Money alone doesn’t make a startup successful. If you can offer industry expertise, connections, or operational know-how, your value as an investor multiplies.

4. Don’t Chase Money—Chase Impact

One of the things I admire most about Kunal is his purpose-driven investment approach. He backs businesses that solve real problems, not just those with high-profit potential.

Take, for example, a founder from nowhere, with no formal education, who walked into the tank and left the sharks astonished with his raw social media and digital marketing prowess. Despite lacking conventional credentials, his determination and self-taught expertise forced everyone to take notice.

Kunal’s investment in BL Fabric, a startup led by a founder with no prior experience but an unwavering "do-or-die" attitude, further reflects his belief in grit over pedigree. For him, success isn’t just about financial returns—it’s about betting on resilience, adaptability, and sheer willpower.

?? Lesson for Investors: The best investments aren’t just profitable; they are meaningful. When you invest in founders solving genuine problems, financial success often follows

Final Thought: The Kunal Bahl Philosophy

Watching Shark Tank India this year wasn’t just entertainment for me—it was a masterclass in investing. Kunal Bahl’s approach teaches us that conviction, clarity, and contribution matter as much as capital.

Before making your next investment, ask yourself: ? Am I committed enough to have real skin in the game? ? Do I believe in the founder’s ability to succeed, even when challenges arise? ? Can I add value beyond money?

Kunal’s playbook reminds us that the best investors don’t just fund companies—they help build them.

What’s your favorite Kunal Bahl moment from Shark Tank India? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!