Smylo is a cat-first pet nutrition startup that appeared on Shark Tank India Season 5, Episode 6, titled “Pawfect Pitches”. The brand focuses exclusively on clean, research-led cat food, positioning itself as a specialist in a market often dominated by dog-centric pet brands.
The founders highlighted how cat owners in India are underserved despite cats having very different dietary and nutritional needs. Smylo presented itself as a purpose-driven brand built around feline health, wellness, and long-term nutrition.
Smylo Investment Details
| Company | Smylo |
| Founders | Abhishek Agrawal & Kartikeya Gupta |
| Website | Visit |
| Season | Shark Tank India Season 5 |
| Original Ask | ₹68 lakhs for 1% equity @ Valuation ₹68 Crore |
| Investment Secured | Yes |
| Deal | ₹75 lakhs for 1% equity + 2% advisory stake @ Valuation ₹75 Crore |
| Investor | Anupam Mittal, Kunal Bahl & Varun Alagh |
Sharks Feedback & Key Highlights
The Sharks appreciated:
- Clear niche positioning focused entirely on cats
- Research-led approach to product development
- Strong founder conviction and personal connection to the problem
They believed that category specialization, when backed by quality and trust, could help Smylo build a defensible brand in the pet nutrition space.
What Made Smylo a Winning Pitch?
These factors helped the startup secure investment despite the competitive match-off format.
- Deep focus on an underserved customer segment
- Credible, science-backed nutrition narrative
- Clear differentiation from generic pet food brands
Key Takeaways for Founders
- Deep focus on a specific customer segment (e.g., cats) can differentiate a brand in a crowded pet market.
- Emphasizing clean ingredients, balanced nutrition, and health outcomes strengthens credibility with investors and consumers.
- Personal founder experiences tied to product purpose can make the pitch more resonant.
FAQs
Yes, Smylo secured ₹75 lakh for 1% equity along with a 2% advisory stake in Season 5 Episode 6.
Smylo sells clean, high-quality cat food formulated specifically for feline health and nutrition.
Smylo appeared on Shark Tank India Season 5, Episode 6.