Shark Tank India 5 is gearing up for a new season with a fresh face promising a more empathetic approach to entrepreneurship. Pratham Mittal, the founder of Masters' Union and Tetr College of Business, is joining the popular reality show for its upcoming Campus Special episodes. The new season is scheduled to premiere on January 5, 2026, on Sony TV and Sony Liv.
A Softer Shark in the Tank
In a recent interview, Mittal opened up about his philosophy, which starkly contrasts with the often-critical tone of reality television. He described the genre as "very ruthless" and expressed his desire to infuse more compassion into the format. "You can’t be overtly critical of someone so young," Mittal stated. "Even if they make mistakes, they need to be told it’s okay instead of putting them down."
His mission is clear: to be a positive voice for young innovators. He believes the current narrative around entrepreneurship has become overly harsh, which can be discouraging. "I mean, this person has left their job to try something new. They need feedback, not criticism," Mittal emphasized, highlighting his supportive stance.
Focus on the Next Generation of Founders
Mittal's role in the Campus Special aligns perfectly with his professional work. He explained that platforms like Masters' Union are designed for the impatient, risk-taking Gen Z and Alpha generations, for whom traditional corporate ladders feel risky. "For the young ones in my family, jobs are a backup because they aren’t as secure as they once were," he noted.
He describes his institutions as a hybrid between an incubator and a college, focused on building businesses rather than rote learning. One of his key motivations for joining Shark Tank India is to amplify this very message and champion student entrepreneurship on a national platform.
Friendly Waters with Fellow Sharks
Despite being a new shark, Mittal is not entering unfamiliar territory. He shares a close bond with several existing panelists. He revealed that Aman Gupta is a dear friend and neighbor who helped him feel comfortable during filming. He also has prior connections with Peyush Bansal and Ritesh Agarwal.
"People have been incredibly nice," Mittal said, adding that the shoot days were as surprising for the sharks as for the audience. On his own demeanor, he admitted, "I’m a very soft person. It’s very difficult for me to say anything that’ll hurt somebody. I think I’ll be fine…I might be boring, but that’s a separate issue."
With his entry, Shark Tank India 5 promises not just deals and drama, but also a renewed focus on nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit with encouragement and heart, starting with its campus-focused episodes.
