Smylo on Shark Tank India Season 5 Episode 6: Natural Cat Nutrition Startup Secures ₹75 Lakh Deal

The creators of Smylo entered the Tank with a daring goal in an exciting episode of Shark Tank India Season 5 (Episode 6): to alter the way cats are fed in India. The Sharks were drawn to the startup’s emphasis on natural, preservative-free cat food and its robust subscription model, which ultimately resulted in a sizable investment transaction that might support its next stage of expansion.

Related: Antinorm Secures ₹1.03 Cr Investment from Anupam Mittal on Shark Tank India Season 5

Abhishek Agrawal (IIT Delhi) and Kartikeya Gupta (BITS Pilani) co-founded the research-driven pet nutrition company Smylo, which debuted in late 2024. The founders’ loss of a cherished pet, which made them aware of how badly prepared and excessively processed many cat food options in India were, gave rise to the concept for Smylo.

Smylo distinguishes itself from generic treat-style goods by emphasizing 100% natural, preservative-free meals created especially for cat wellness. The company sells a variety of flavors, including Chompin’ Chicken, Tastin’ Tuna, and Munchin’ Mackerel, all of which are designed to improve digestion, vitality, and general health.

Website url – Smylo

Compared to dog food, cat food is still underrepresented in India’s quickly expanding pet care sector. With premium nutrition supported by research and a subscription-based delivery system, Smylo seeks to close this gap. To lower obstacles for new clients, the product strategy offers a ₹299 trial pack with a 100% money-back guarantee.

Additionally, Smylo’s business model uses premium positioning to draw in pet owners who are prepared to spend money on their cat’s nutrition through recurring purchases and long-term subscriptions.

Though still in its early stage, Smylo has shown promising financial traction and growth metrics:

Revenue Growth: Increased from ₹21 lakh in FY 2024-25 to ₹56 lakh in October 2025, with cumulative sales hitting ~₹2.3 crore.

Product Margins: Smylo’s bone broth products command ~75% gross margins, a healthy indicator for unit economics.

User Metrics: Over 4 lakh cat meals sold, with approximately 2,500 – 2,800 monthly customers, a 45% repeat rate, and ~30% conversion of trial packs to paid subscriptions.

EBITDA Status: The company is still investment-led and reported a ~20% monthly EBITDA loss as it focuses on scaling operations.

Funding History: Smylo previously raised ₹4 crore in May 2024 ahead of its Shark Tank appearance.

These metrics reflect early growth and strong unit economics, especially for a niche D2C pet nutrition brand still scaling customer acquisition and product expansion.

Smylo’s founders came to the Shark Tank with a compelling story. They started by pointing out a significant gap in the Indian pet food market: although dog nutrition has experienced fast innovation, cat food in India is still highly processed, opaque, and mostly imported, making it costly and unreliable in terms of nutrition. Their personal story of losing a pet to health issues brought on by subpar food served as the pitch’s emotional center and the inspiration for founding Smylo.

With an emphasis on biologically appropriate meals rather than generic kibble, they positioned Smylo as India’s first fresh, natural, and research-backed cat nutrition brand. The inventors described how their product line, which includes freshly prepared meals, bone broths, and high-protein formulas, is made to meet the dietary requirements of cats and is free of fillers, preservatives, and plant-based alternatives that are difficult for cats to digest.

The Ask

The entrepreneurs asked for ₹68 lakh in exchange for 1% equity, valuing Smylo at ₹68 crore. The valuation immediately triggered curiosity and scrutiny from the Sharks, as the company was still in its early revenue stage.

Key Discussion Points with the Sharks

The Sharks looked extensively at Smylo’s product difference and market potential, pointing out that although the pet care sector in India is expanding quickly, cat food is still a niche market in comparison to dog food. The founders clarified that growing premiumization and cat adoption in cities present a significant opportunity for specialized, scientifically supported nutrition. They positioned Smylo as a science-driven substitute for traditional kibble by highlighting its fresh, preservative-free formulations, high moisture content—which is crucial for feline health—and vet-designed recipes.

Next, unit economics, scalability, and valuation were discussed. The Sharks questioned cold-chain logistics, production prices, profit margins, and the viability of growing outside of major cities. Smylo revealed that a subscription model was generating significant repeat business and that its gross margins were good. Negotiations that matched development potential with present financial realities resulted from the panel’s perception that the ₹68 crore valuation was excessive for an early-stage brand.

After intense deliberation, Kunal Bahl, Anupam Mittal, and Varun Alagh saw strategic potential in building a category-defining brand in premium cat nutrition. They made a joint offer:

• ₹75 lakh for 1% equity
• Plus 5% advisory equity
• Implied valuation: ₹75 crore (pre-money, headline valuation)

Smylo intends to expand its market reach and product innovation with the Sharks’ new investment. The company has stated that it plans to enhance national distribution agreements, grow across quick-commerce platforms, and launch dry food variations.

The support of seasoned investors also creates opportunities for broader penetration into India’s changing pet care ecosystem, where consumer willingness to spend on premium nutrition is increasing, as well as strategic counsel and brand building.

Smylo’s voyage on Shark Tank India Season 5 Episode 6 was a validation of a unique idea in a narrow area, not just a means of obtaining finance. Smylo has made a name for itself in India’s rapidly expanding pet care industry by promoting nutrition-first cat food. With a clear business objective and ₹75 lakh in Shark funding, Smylo is well-positioned to popularize nutritious cat diets throughout the nation.