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Friday, January 31, 2025

“Shark Tank India Pitcher Accused of ‘Disrespecting Cash’ After Spent ₹14 Crore of Husband’s Money on Kids’ Brand Tikitoro!”

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In the latest episode of Shark Tank India, an entrepreneur from Chennai, Prasanna, pitched her children’s healthcare brand Tikitoro, sparking a fiery exchange with the sharks. Prasanna, a mother and former homemaker, presented her company as a solution to a gap in the market—products like shampoos and lotions tailored specifically for kids aged 3 to 16. She shared her personal inspiration for the brand, revealing that after noticing the lack of products catering to older children, she was driven to create Tikitoro.

Asserting that while the market was flooded with baby care products, there were few options for older children, Prasanna asked for ₹25 lakh in exchange for just 0.5% equity, valuing her brand at ₹50 crore. The panel of sharks, including Namita Thapar, Anupam Mittal, Vineeta Singh, Kunal Bahl, and Peyush Bansal, listened intently as Prasanna outlined her journey.

Before launching Tikitoro, Prasanna spent 14 years as a homemaker, which she believes shaped her understanding of business management. Armed with degrees in engineering and business, she highlighted how her personal challenges—having battled infertility for seven years—drove her entrepreneurial spirit. She shared that her company made ₹6 lakh in revenue in its first year, and the following year, the numbers soared by an impressive 3000%. This sharp increase in growth led Prasanna to project ₹17 crore in revenue for the current year.

However, things took a tense turn when Prasanna revealed her financial history. She confessed that she had spent a whopping ₹14 crore of her husband’s money on the business, which raised eyebrows among the sharks. Vineeta Singh, in particular, was visibly shocked and accused Prasanna of “disrespecting cash.” She pointed out that while the growth was impressive, burning through such a large amount of money without a sustainable plan was a red flag.

Prasanna defended her approach, arguing that while the brand was still in its growth phase and burning cash, it had substantial potential. She acknowledged the need for further investment to scale the operations and optimize the brand’s cost structure. Despite the high-risk approach, Prasanna was confident that Tikitoro could achieve even greater success with the right backing.

While the entrepreneurs on the panel were impressed by Prasanna’s drive and the brand’s growth potential, the concerns over her financial management led to a mixed response. Vineeta’s critical remarks about the high cash burn and lack of profitability didn’t deter Prasanna, who remained resolute in her vision for Tikitoro.

In the end, the episode highlighted the fine line entrepreneurs must walk between ambition and financial discipline, showcasing the challenges that come with building a business from scratch—especially when substantial personal resources are involved. Prasanna’s bold pitch and the fiery feedback from the sharks offered a glimpse into the tough decisions that entrepreneurs face on their journey to success.

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