“Succeeding is an option” — When Shark Tank investor Barbara Corcoran opted out of Wanna Date? deal

On Shark Tank Season 11 Episode 11, Wanna Date? made a memorable entrance before the investors to present her one-of-a-kind product for the sweet tooth. Melissa Bartow, the founder, entered the tank and offered a sample of her date-based spreads. She introduced the velvety spread as a low-calorie, healthful substitute for conventional sweet options. She impressed the sharks with her tenacity and spirit of entrepreneurship and requested $100,000 in exchange for a 20% share in her business.

During her pitch, Melissa explained how she founded the company on her passion for eating healthily. As she talked about the spread, she emphasized the product's nutritional advantages, such as its vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free status. They were made to satiate sweet cravings guilt-free and came in a variety of flavors for everyone. She further revealed she made $31,000 in sales in her first year and gained a lot of internet momentum.

Impressed by the numbers and the entrepreneur's confidence, Barbara Corcoran opened up about the reason she won't be investing in the company.

"Here's where for me it falls apart. When I was starting my business, if I didn't make a deal within two weeks, I was dead. I needed to live somewhere and eat. What is in your way, I believe, is that your father is helping you because succeeding is an option versus a necessity."

Despite her criticism, the founder was able to score a deal with Shark Tank's Mark Cuban.

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When Wanna Date? appeared on Shark Tank Season 11 Episode 11

Melissa Bartow went to Shark Tank to ask for $100,000 in exchange for 20% of her company, Wanna Date? Her company sold date-based spreads as healthier substitutes for conventional nut butter and chocolate spreads. The perfect bread companion which came in several flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, and cinnamon, was sold for $12 per jar.

Bartow revealed how the company made sales of $31,000 during 10 months. With no artificial ingredients, preservatives, or added sugars, the all-natural spreads were positioned as healthy choices in the expanding sector.

Even though the number and the story of Melissa's father helping her financially didn't settle well with some sharks, it did entice one. Mark Cuban, who highlighted the gap in the product strategy, did see some potential. This is when he made a conditional counteroffer to the owner. Cuban offered $100,000 for 33% of company shares. He added that he would want the company to make smaller sizes, add a plain flavor, and reduce the retail price.

After giving it a quick thought, Mellisa decided to say yes to the expert. After she was able to get the OG on board, the company made its way to Walmart, Kroger stores, Whole Foods, and 128 stores in the Midwest.

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You can binge more episodes of Shark Tank on ABC.