From Rejection to Rs 2955 Crore: Mohit Yadav's Shark Tank Journey
Shark Tank India's newest judge Mohit Yadav opens up about his remarkable entrepreneurial path. The co-founder of Minimalist shares exclusive details about facing investor rejections, taking huge risks, and ultimately building a beauty empire valued at Rs 2955 crores.
The Shark Tank Inspiration
Mohit Yadav reveals how Shark Tank became his guiding light during difficult times. "As a founder, I grew up watching Shark Tank," he says. "When you have those low moments, you need inspiration and motivation. Real stories from people around you provide that strength."
He explains how watching other entrepreneurs hustle through tough phases helped him navigate his own challenges. The show became more than entertainment—it became a source of practical wisdom for his entrepreneurial journey.
The Bold Decision: Mortgaging His House
In a dramatic revelation, Mohit shares how he mortgaged his house for Rs 1 crore to fund The Minimalist. "It was a tough time," he admits. "My family put immense faith and trust in me. If things didn't work out, we were putting everyone's life at risk."
He describes the emotional weight of this decision. "I could see the Mohit of 2008-2010 in that founder, and just wanted to help. I got a little emotional around that time," he recalls from his Shark Tank India 5 appearance.
Facing Investor Rejections
The journey wasn't smooth. Mohit and his co-founder Rahul faced multiple rejections from investors. "In 2021, we pitched to multiple investors," he remembers. "Half of them said they couldn't even pronounce half of the names. They claimed most people in India wouldn't understand our products."
Some investors doubted the business scale. Others questioned whether India would transition from natural to chemical-based products. "Every founder goes through their set of rejections and then proves themselves," Mohit states with conviction.
The Turning Point and Massive Success
Despite the challenges, Mohit and Rahul persisted. They understood that brand value mattered more than just products. This realization became their turning point.
Their perseverance paid off spectacularly. They sold 90 percent of their stakes to Hindustan Unilever at a staggering valuation of Rs 2955 crores in 2025. From mortgaging a house for Rs 1 crore to creating a brand worth 2955 times that amount—their journey defines entrepreneurial success.
Lessons in Maturity and Teamwork
Mohit reflects on personal growth. "Maturity came late for me," he confesses. "During our first startup, we weren't mature enough to understand that it was a problem of the startup, not us as individuals."
He learned to separate business failures from personal worth. "With maturity, you become somewhat more humble," he says. "You understand the mistakes you made, and you become brave enough to let your ego go away."
Teamwork proved crucial. "I was lucky to have Rahul, my co-founder, who would support me in my bad phase," Mohit acknowledges. Their partnership helped scale the business from a team of 10-15 people to 900 employees.
Shark Tank India 5 Experience
As a new judge, Mohit finds comfort in familiar faces. "It was good to have Kunal in the tank," he shares. "We met in 2011, even before Shark Tank. Namita and I were in touch, so some faces helped."
His first day surprised him. "The entire crew made me feel so comfortable that I didn't realize it was my first day," he says with appreciation.
Investment Philosophy
Mohit approaches investments with an open mind. "There is no mandate on the money or limit of investments," he clarifies. "If I like a venture, it has enough skin in the game for me and the growth is mutual. Money is secondary, especially at this stage in my life."
He takes one pitch at a time, focusing on value rather than capital. This philosophy reflects his own journey—where belief in the idea mattered more than immediate financial backing.
Looking Forward
Mohit Yadav's story inspires countless entrepreneurs. From facing rejections to building a Rs 2955 crore empire, his journey demonstrates resilience, calculated risk-taking, and continuous learning.
As Shark Tank India 5 continues to stream on Sony TV and SonyLiv, Mohit brings not just investment capital but invaluable experience to budding entrepreneurs. His journey proves that with determination and the right mindset, even the biggest risks can lead to extraordinary rewards.
