Jaipur | Rajshree Upadhyaya | Akshay Mahendru has carved a niche for himself by launching a science-backed nutrition brand, Nootie by Pet Point, in India. His journey is rooted in legacy, patience, and a deep understanding of the evolving pet care landscape in the country. Long before the brand appeared on Shark Tank India, its foundation had already been laid in 2003, when the Mahendru family started Pet Point as a neighborhood pet retail and grooming business in Delhi.
Over the years, the store grew into much more than just a shop-it became a key touchpoint where the family closely observed changing pet parent behaviors, their concerns around nutrition, and the clear gap between premium pricing and genuine product quality. At the center of this transformation is Akshay Mahendru, who co-founded Nootie under Pet Point India Private Limited along with his father, Anil Mahendru and brother, Karan Mahendru.
With a background in biotechnology, Akshay brought a scientific perspective to what was traditionally a retail-driven business. Instead of continuing with a conventional store model, he focused on building a brand that could address deeper pet health issues through research-based solutions. This shift marked Nootie’s journey from simply selling products to seriously developing them.
The brand Nootie was officially launched in 2022 as a mass-premium pet wellness company. Built on years of direct customer insights, its aim was to bridge the gap in transparency and depth of nutrition in the existing market. The company introduced science-backed pet nutrition, grooming products, and wellness solutions, all designed in consultation with veterinarians and aligned with clean-label and human-grade ingredient standards. This approach strongly resonated with a new generation of aware pet parents who increasingly treat their pets as family members.
Growth through digital platforms and quick commerce
A defining aspect of this journey is its hybrid growth model. While Pet Point continued to operate as a trusted offline retail chain, Nootie scaled rapidly through digital platforms and quick commerce. By adopting modern distribution channels and leveraging its existing credibility, the brand was able to reach customers across multiple cities in a short time. This combination of offline trust and online expansion played a crucial role in building early traction and repeat customer loyalty.
The turning point came in 2026 when the brand appeared on Shark Tank India Season 5. Competing in a high-pressure match-off round, the Mahendru family presented their brand with a compelling mix of emotion and clarity. Akshay Mahendru’s personal connection to the business and the family’s decades of experience stood out even in tense moments during the pitch.
Their strong fundamentals and clear vision impressed the investors, resulting in a Rs. 1 crore deal with Namita Thapar and Anupam Mittal, structured as a combination of equity and royalty. This deal reflected confidence not only in the product but also in the founders’ ability to scale the business.
Rising visibility and demand
Following the show, the brand witnessed a significant surge in visibility and demand, leading to increased sales and broader recognition. This momentum helped Nootie expand its product portfolio, including functional treats and targeted nutrition offerings, while also strengthening its distribution network. Today, Nootie by Pet Point is fully operational and steadily growing in India’s competitive pet care market. Backed by two decades of strong foundation through Pet Point and a modern, research-driven approach through Nootie, the Mahendru family has successfully transformed a local pet store into a scalable pet wellness brand. This journey demonstrates how traditional knowledge, when combined with scientific thinking and contemporary branding, can build a business that grows alongside its customers and is firmly rooted in trust.
