Jaipur | Rajshree Upadhyaya | When T Paul Koshy, Sushma Joseph, and Praveen Crasta stepped onto the stage of Shark Tank India Season 5, they were not pitching another consumer brand or lifestyle product. Instead, the Bengaluru-based founders brought forward a much larger mission: transforming the way buildings are constructed in India. Through their startup Circato, the trio set out to address two pressing challenges at once-mounting plastic waste and the environmental impact of conventional construction.
The name Circato draws inspiration from the concept of a circular economy, a system that focuses on reducing waste and reusing resources. Built around this philosophy, the company develops sustainable wall systems, energy-efficient façade systems, and modular construction panels made from recycled plastic waste. Rather than relying solely on traditional materials such as bricks, cement, and glass, Circato aims to offer alternatives that are lighter, faster to install, and more environmentally responsible.
The founders believe that sustainability should not be treated as a premium feature available only to a select few projects. Their vision is to make greener construction commercially viable and scalable. By combining recycled materials with modern manufacturing techniques, Circato seeks to help developers reduce waste while improving construction efficiency. The company positions itself at the intersection of climate innovation and infrastructure development, an area that is becoming increasingly important as India continues its rapid urban growth.
Circato gained national attention through its appearance on Shark Tank India Season 5. The founders entered the Tank seeking Rs. 90 lakh in exchange for 3% equity, valuing the company at Rs. 30 crore. During the pitch, they highlighted the environmental burden created by traditional construction methods and explained how their products could contribute to a more sustainable future. The presentation sparked significant discussion among the investors, many of whom appreciated the vision but raised concerns about execution, scalability, and the company’s early-stage status.
At the time of the pitch, Circato was still in a pre-revenue phase, making the investment decision more challenging for the sharks. Several investors stepped away due to concerns about product-market fit and the risks associated with scaling a construction-focused startup. However, Anupam Mittal saw long-term potential in the concept and made an offer of Rs. 90 lakh for 10% equity, valuing the company at Rs. 9 crore. The offer was subject to technical due diligence and included support for the company’s initial operational journey. After negotiations, the founders accepted the deal, securing one of the season’s notable sustainability-focused investments.
Beyond the television spotlight, Circato has continued to build momentum. The startup was selected for Brigade REAP’s 19th cohort, a respected UrbanTech accelerator that supports promising startups working on challenges within the built environment. The company has also reported pilot deployments of its technology at notable sites, including projects associated with public infrastructure and government buildings. These developments indicate that Circato is actively working to translate its vision into real-world applications.
As of 2026, Circato appears to be operational and pursuing growth opportunities within India’s sustainable construction ecosystem. While still in the early stages of its journey, the startup stands out for tackling one of the country’s most significant environmental challenges through innovation. By turning plastic waste into practical building solutions and promoting resource-efficient construction, Circato is attempting to prove that sustainability and business growth can move forward together.
