This Shark Tank Judge Quit Rs 1 Crore Job, Built Her Own Rs 4,000 Crore Company

The fourth season of Shark Tank India commenced on January 6, 2025, with Vineeta Singh joining the panel as one of the main judges. As the co-founder and CEO of Sugar Cosmetics, a leading cosmetic company in India, she presides over a business empire estimated at Rs 4,000 crores.

Her success story is widely recognised, and her background is rooted in prestigious institutions like IIT and IIM. However, the arduous journey and relentless efforts behind her achievements often remain obscured.

Born in Anand, Gujarat, in 1983, Vineeta Singh spent most of her childhood in Bhavnagar with her grandmother. After her father, a doctor, received an opportunity to work at Delhi AIIMS, the family relocated to Delhi. Singh completed her early education at Delhi Public School RK Puram. At the age of 23, she received a job offer of Rs 1 crore from an investment bank but decided to pursue her own business.

Vineeta Singh’s entrepreneurial journey began remarkably early, at the age of 10. While most children her age were engaged in playtime, she was already delving into the world of business. Together with a friend, she launched a small magazine, taking on the roles of both publisher and salesperson, going door to door to sell their creation for Rs 3.

From IIT-IIM to Entrepreneur

Vineeta Singh consistently excelled in her academic pursuits. She completed her education at IIT Madras and IIM Ahmedabad. At the age of 23, during placement at IIM, she received a Rs 1 crore package from an investment bank. However, she declined the offer and decided to pursue her passion for entrepreneurship by starting her own business.

Second entrepreneurial venture at 23

Launching her second business and first start-up, Quetzal, at 23, Vineeta Singh sought funding from 10 to 12 investors. However, her efforts were met with disappointment. Despite leaving a salary of Rs 1 crore, she persevered, sustaining herself on a salary of Rs 10,000.

In 2012, she established her second start-up, Fab-Bag. Success came calling with Sugar Cosmetics, a company specialising in cosmetics and personal care products. Vineeta, along with her husband, laid the foundation for the company in 2015. Currently, she owns an apartment in Powai, Mumbai. In the initial days, however, she resided in a rented house in Powai for Rs 5,000.