In an unexpected twist that has rocked India’s startup scene, Deepinder Goyal, the charismatic CEO of Zomato, is not returning as a judge on the upcoming fourth season of Shark Tank India. The reason? His biggest competitor, Swiggy, is taking over as the show’s sponsor—and they’ve reportedly pushed Goyal off the panel!
Announcing the news at the ET Startup Awards 2024, Goyal didn’t shy away from humor, quipping, “I unfortunately can’t go back because Swiggy sponsored Shark Tank this time and kicked me out.” The remark instantly lit up social media and news platforms, fueling discussions about the fierce rivalry between these two food delivery giants.
The Gritty Details Behind Goyal’s Exit
Swiggy’s sponsorship deal, rumored to be worth a cool ₹25 crore, effectively edged Goyal out of the show where he had gained fame as one of the sharks. This power move from Swiggy comes at a critical time, as they prepare for a massive ₹5,000 crore IPO—an aggressive play to cement their market position while Zomato has been making significant strides in India’s food delivery ecosystem.
This battle isn’t just about food; it’s about dominance. Swiggy’s IPO is set to be one of the biggest tech offerings in recent years, and their sponsorship of Shark Tank India is clearly a strategic effort to bolster their brand ahead of this milestone.
Rivalry On and Off the Screen
For Deepinder Goyal, the news of being booted from Shark Tank India couldn’t have come at a more dramatic time. His company, Zomato, has enjoyed a stellar year in 2024, with its stock surging by 125%, and it now boasts a market capitalization of $25 billion, more than double Swiggy’s estimated valuation of $10 billion(ABP Live)(Entrackr). Goyal’s public persona as a bold and innovative entrepreneur had only grown since he joined Shark Tank India last year, and fans are disappointed to see him exit in such fashion.
But Goyal isn’t backing down from the competition. Zomato continues to hold the upper hand in India’s food delivery market, with food delivery accounting for nearly 46% of its revenue. Swiggy, meanwhile, has been focusing heavily on its quick-commerce segment, including the launch of its 10-minute food delivery service, Bolt(Entrackr).
What’s Next for Deepinder Goyal?
While Goyal may be stepping away from Shark Tank India, he remains a central figure in India’s tech landscape. His sharp sense of humor and candor are a breath of fresh air in the corporate world, making him a favorite among budding entrepreneurs. And as the competition between Zomato and Swiggy heats up, expect more fiery exchanges and strategic battles.
Whether or not Swiggy’s latest move will give them the upper hand is anyone’s guess, but one thing’s for sure—this rivalry is just getting started.
Deepinder Goyal Wife ?
Deepinder Goyal is married to Kanchan Joshi Goyal, who has remained largely out of the public spotlight despite her husband’s high-profile role as the CEO of Zomato. Kanchan, a highly educated professional, worked as a school teacher before transitioning into the tech space. She has been a strong support system for Deepinder throughout his entrepreneurial journey, particularly during the challenging early days of Zomato’s development. While the couple keeps their personal life private, Kanchan’s contributions behind the scenes have been acknowledged by Deepinder on multiple occasions, highlighting the important role she plays in his life.
