In the startup world, journeys often come back to where they began — just in very different roles. That’s exactly what happened when Snapdeal co-founder Kunal Bahl witnessed a deeply personal moment on Shark Tank India. A former team member, once part of his startup journey, stood on the Shark Tank stage not as an employee, but as a founder pitching his own dream. What followed was more than a business anecdote — it became a powerful reflection on mentorship, growth, and what real success in the startup ecosystem truly looks like.
From Team Member At Snapdeal To Creator on Shark Tank
Full circle moments like these never get old.
Years ago, @ashishlath was an integral part of the @snapdeal journey with us. Now, he walked into the Tank as a founder, pitching his own dream. Watching that arc come together is deeply fulfilling.
We’ve always believed that… pic.twitter.com/hdLaywRKRb
— Kunal Bahl (@1kunalbahl) January 10, 2026
Kunal Bahl, a co-founder of Snapdeal, recently talked about what he described as a very satisfying “full-circle moment” when a former coworker — not an employee, but a founder selling his own startup — appeared on Shark Tank India.
Bahl wrote on X (previously Twitter) about witnessing Ashish Lath, a former key member of the Snapdeal team, boldly presenting his company on Shark Tank. Moments like these never lose their power, according to Bahl’s poignant message.
He talked about how Ashish had played a significant role in Snapdeal’s development in the past and how it was deeply fulfilling to watch him now pursue his own business goals.
Leadership Beyond Building Companies
430 free flights, 100 hotel nights & ₹15 lakh jewellery, not by luck, but by smart credit-card reward optimisation.
A Gurgaon founder on Shark Tank India showed how most Indians leave real money unused because we don’t understand our own spending data.
This isn’t “hacks”.
It’s… pic.twitter.com/NxDTLnnlKM— Divya Gandotra Tandon (@divya_gandotra) January 13, 2026
Kunal Bahl also discussed his views on leadership, stating that helping others develop along the way is just as important to success as building companies. He continued by saying that team members should be respected and given complete support when they are willing to take chances and launch their own ventures.
Kunal Bahl commended Ashish Lath’s development and character as he wrapped up his post. He praised Lath’s humility, conviction, ambition, and depth of knowledge, called the moment well-earned, and wished him continued success in the future.
With over 11,000 views so far, the post has touched people’s emotions on social media. Many users described it as heartwarming and inspirational.
Ashish Lath Responds With Gratitude
Thank you, @1kunalbahl
The exposure, learning, and perspective I gained at @snapdeal under your guidance have played a huge role in shaping my journey.
Always grateful to have you as a mentor.
— Ashish Lath (@ashishlath) January 10, 2026
Ashish Lath left a heartfelt thank-you note in the comments. He expressed gratitude to Kunal Bahl for his guidance and said that his business journey was greatly influenced by the exposure, knowledge, and perspective he acquired while working at Snapdeal.
Social Media Buzz
People on social media responded quickly. One commenter cited the instance in which Ashish called Bahl “bade bhaiya,” describing it as an obvious indication of their close relationship. Others commended the experience, calling it poignant, motivating, and a reminder of the importance of mentoring in today’s startup environment.
Last night was truly special!
Walking into the @sharktankindia, pitching @savesage_club to the sharpest minds in the country, and standing there defending a vision I deeply believe in – it was intense, humbling, and incredibly energising.
Grateful beyond words to have 4… pic.twitter.com/dhGwrxqW5x
— Ashish Lath (@ashishlath) January 8, 2026
This wasn’t just a proud mentor moment — it was a reminder of what meaningful leadership looks like. Startups aren’t only measured by valuations or exits, but by the people they nurture along the way. Watching a former team member step forward as a founder is perhaps the most honest proof of growth.
Kunal Bahl’s reflection struck a chord because it highlighted something often overlooked in the startup race: success multiplies when knowledge, trust, and mentorship are passed forward. And when that happens, the ecosystem doesn’t just grow — it evolves.
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