GECs
L’Oréal Paris and Shark Tank India open early entry for women founders
Exclusive application window runs from July 1 to 7, offering women founders early access to pitches
MUMBAI: Glass ceilings rarely crack on their own, but sometimes they get a helping pitch. L’Oréal Paris has partnered with Sony LIV’s Shark Tank India to launch an exclusive early application window for women entrepreneurs, giving aspiring founders a head start in securing mentorship, investment opportunities and national visibility on one of India’s biggest startup platforms.
Under the initiative, women-led businesses can apply for the upcoming season of Shark Tank India before the show’s general application process opens, creating an exclusive pathway aimed at increasing female participation in the country’s startup ecosystem.
The special application window will remain open from 1 July to 7 July 2026, with shortlisted applicants progressing through the Shark Tank India selection process and earning the opportunity to pitch their businesses before the show’s panel of investors.
The collaboration builds on L’Oréal Paris’ long-standing “I’m Worth It” philosophy, extending the message beyond beauty to entrepreneurship by encouraging more women to transform business ideas into scalable ventures.
To mark the launch, L’Oréal Paris and Shark Tank India have unveiled a campaign film, now streaming on Sony LIV, highlighting the self-doubt, societal expectations and fear of judgement that often discourage women from pursuing entrepreneurial ambitions. The film concludes with a call for women across India to step forward and present their ideas.
The initiative reflects a shared effort by L’Oréal Paris and Sony LIV to improve access to opportunities, funding and mentorship for women founders while strengthening diversity within India’s rapidly evolving startup landscape.
For Shark Tank India, the partnership aligns with its broader mission of expanding the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by encouraging more women-led businesses to enter the mainstream and connect with experienced investors capable of helping promising ventures scale.
The campaign was supported by WPP Media, which served as the strategic media partner, developing platform-first integrations to amplify the initiative and extend its reach among aspiring women entrepreneurs across the country.
By opening the doors a little earlier for women founders, the partnership aims to ensure that the next big business idea is driven not just by ambition, but by equal access to opportunity.
