From Finance to Beauty Empire: Mohit Yadav’s Minimalist Joins Shark Tank India 5 After Record Rs 2,955 Crore Acquisition
Introduction: Mohit Yadav Joins Shark Tank India
Skincare entrepreneur Mohit Yadav, co-founder of the renowned brand Minimalist, has joined the judging panel of Shark Tank India Season 5. His entry into the show follows the monumental success of Minimalist, which was acquired by Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) for an impressive Rs 2,955 crore in early 2025. Alongside seasoned judges like Anupam Mittal and Namita Thapar, Yadav is set to bring fresh insights and experience to the show, inspiring many budding entrepreneurs in India.
From Finance to Beauty Empire
Before venturing into the beauty industry, Mohit Yadav had an illustrious career as a Chartered Accountant with top firms like Deloitte and Credit Suisse, earning a prestigious All India Rank 26 in his CA examinations. In 2020, together with his brother Rahul Yadav, he co-founded Minimalist, a skincare brand emphasizing science-backed, transparent formulations inspired by the global success of brands like The Ordinary.
The brand quickly gained traction by focusing on product efficacy and consumer trust, achieving profitability from its inception and crossing Rs 100 crore in revenue within eight months. By 2023, Minimalist’s revenue reached Rs 184 crore, with projections of Rs 350 crore for 2024, reflecting its explosive growth in India’s dynamic beauty market.
Record-Breaking Acquisition by Hindustan Unilever
Minimalist's meteoric rise culminated in a landmark deal in January 2025, when Hindustan Unilever Limited acquired a 90.5% stake in the company for nearly Rs 3,000 crore, marking one of India’s largest direct-to-consumer (D2C) acquisitions. This acquisition valued Minimalist at a 10X revenue multiple, surpassing the usual 4-6X multiples seen in comparable startups.
The acquisition aligns with HUL’s strategic goal to expand its Beauty & Wellbeing portfolio by tapping into high-growth premium demand spaces. According to HUL executives, the partnership aims to leverage Minimalist’s strong digital-first ethos alongside HUL’s vast distribution network, thus broadening the brand’s reach across India while retaining its core values of transparency and science-driven products.
A New Perspective for Shark Tank India
Mohit Yadav’s experience as a founder who built a successful, product-driven company informs his fresh investment philosophy on Shark Tank India. He champions "substance over static," focusing on business ideas grounded in purpose, transparency, and meaningful impact. This outlook is expected to renew the dynamics of Season 5, introducing entrepreneurs who emphasize innovation and trust.
The upcoming season of Shark Tank India will also feature new audition formats, including on-ground events and digital registrations, continuing the show’s mission to fuel entrepreneurship in India. While the premiere date is yet to be revealed, the show is anticipated to air in late 2025 or early 2026 on Sony LIV and Sony Entertainment Television.
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