When Akshay Mahendru stepped into the Shark Tank India Season 5 arena with his pet care brand Nootie, nobody expected the pitch would turn into one of the most emotional moments of the season. The founder’s vulnerable breakdown, combined with his brand’s compassionate mission, ultimately secured a game-changing ₹1 crore investment from Namita Thapar and Anupam Mittal.
Nootie Deal Breakdown at a Glance
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment Amount | ₹1 crore |
| Equity Given | 4% + 1% royalty |
| Final Valuation | ₹25 crore |
| Initial Ask | ₹1 crore for 1.2% equity |
| Annual Revenue | ₹24+ crore |
| Customer Base | 70,000+ families |
From Legacy to Innovation: 27 Years in Making
Founded by the Mahendru family—Anil, Akshay, and Karan—under Pet Point India Pvt. Ltd., Nootie represents over two decades of pet care expertise. The journey began with The Pet Point retail stores in 2003, gradually expanding to 8-10 outlets across Delhi NCR and Chandigarh before evolving into India’s first mass-premium, science-backed pet care brand.
What sets Nootie apart is its commitment to using 100% human-grade ingredients formulated specifically for Indian pets and weather conditions. Rather than importing global formulas, the brand bridges the gap between expensive premium products and low-quality affordable options.
The ₹10 Biscuit That Touched Hearts
Nootie’s standout moment came when Akshay introduced their ₹10 dog biscuit pack available on Swiggy Instamart—designed specifically for feeding community (stray) dogs. With over 3,000 street dogs fed through this initiative, Namita Thapar called it “thoughtful and noble.” This compassionate approach resonated deeply with the Sharks, demonstrating that profit and purpose can coexist.
Discover more inspiring startup success stories and Shark Tank India highlights on our platform.
When Vulnerability Became Strength
During intense questioning about profit margins and marketing strategy, Akshay struggled to articulate answers clearly. Anupam Mittal jokingly called it a “brain fail,” but when Akshay admitted, “I am a mama’s boy,” the moment struck a chord nationwide. Despite the stumble, both Anupam and Namita saw genuine potential, investing based on passion and market opportunity rather than just spreadsheets.
Post-episode, Akshay confirmed immediate impact: “We’re seeing organic search spikes, inbound business queries, and incredible brand recall.” At a recent Bengaluru pet industry event, attendees approached him for photos—validation beyond funding.
