Deepinder Goyal, CEO of Zomato, has said that he will not be returning as a “Shark” on the fourth season of the popular reality show, Shark Tank India. According to Goyal, his exclusion is a result of Swiggy, its biggest rival food delivery company, becoming the sponsor of the upcoming season and demanding his removal as part of the sponsorship deal.
In a fireside chat with Economic Times, Goyal said that Swiggy’s sponsorship had led to his departure from the show.
When asked about his thoughts on Swiggy’s upcoming IPO, Goyal stated that he is not particularly knowledgeable about the matter and is not focusing on it.
Goyal also discussed Zomato’s quick commerce business, expressing surprise at its rapid growth. He admitted that he had not anticipated such a significant expansion in the quick commerce sector.
The rivalry between Zomato and Swiggy has intensified in recent times, as both companies compete in the food and grocery delivery market. Swiggy’s decision to block Goyal from Shark Tank highlights the competitive nature of their relationship.
Shark Tank India Season 4
Shark Tank India, which airs on Sony Television, recently began filming for its fourth season. Returning sharks include Anupam Mittal, Aman Gupta, Namita Thapar, Peyush Bansal, and Ritesh Agarwal. Goyal made his debut as a shark on the third season of the show.
It’s widely believed that Swiggy’s decision to block Goyal from Sharkt Tank India 4 is linked to its upcoming IPO. Swiggy’s updated Draft Red Herring prospectus, DRHP, indicates that of the Rs 3,750 crore that the company aims to raise, Rs 950 crore will be allocated towards brand marketing and awareness initiatives to expand its reach and attract more customers. Neither Swiggy, Zomato, nor Sony Television have provided comments for this story.
