“You’re missing discipline": When Shark Tank investor Robert called out Monti Kids owner Zahra Kassam 

Shark Tank Season 10 episode 12 showcased Monti Kids, a business idea pitched by Zahra Kassam who was seeking $200,000 for 2.5% equity. The Montessori-based learning subscription service was for new parents to feel at ease in homeschooling their children up to 3 years old.

The service aimed to provide educational material as well as toys for child development. The sharks were initially intrigued by the pitch. However, after they got to know about the burn rate of the business, they weren't pleased. Robert expressed his displeasure saying:

"Somebody like you who burns through $2.6 million like that tells me you miss a reality in life of how hard it is to get that kind of money. You know what you are missing? You're missing discipline, you're missing discipline today."

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Shark Tank investor Robert backed out after giving an offer for Monti Kids

After Monti Kids founder revealed that their burn rate was $90,000 per month, Shark Tank investor Robert stated that the business lacked discipline. He admitted that the business strategy was leading to a major loss. However, Robert was ready to lend a helping hand. Despite Zahra losing $2.6 million, Herjavec gave an offer, he stated the reasoning behind his higher equity demand:

"Here's where I am at, anybody else besides you standing up there with your $2.8 million raised, $2.6 million gone, ninty thousand dollar burn rate per month, would not be smiling anymore. It's a horrible story but for some reason, you have this incredibly captivating character that we are still listening to you."

The Shark Tank investor continued saying that Zahra needed to face reality and that it was "real money" she was dealing with, not a "Harvard" project. Robert offered his expertise, stating he would help Monti Kids land back on its feet by generating revenue and becoming more profitable. He further mentioned:

"So because of your incredible ability with this crazy story and I still like you, I want to be in on it. I think there's a market."

Robert gave an offer of $200,000 for 10% equity of Zahra's business. He explained that he would bring value and "reality" to Monti Kids, which the company was lacking. Another Shark Tank investor, Kevin O'Leary also decided to make an offer of $200,000 for 2.5% equity alongside a $2.50 royalty until the $600,000 was paid back. Meanwhile, Robert said:

"I love where you're going, I know how hard it is to raise money and I know how to get revenue. Because that's how much value I think I can bring to it because if you don't get somebody like me with reality, you're going to go off a cliff."

Initially, Zahra agreed to Robert's deal by splitting the 10% with equity at 5% and giving him 5% advisory shares. However, when she tried to convince Mr. Wonderful and Robert to combine their offers and come together for her business, Robert backed out. He expressed his frustration to the Monti Kids founder who couldn't make a decision even when the Shark Tank investor had agreed to her offer thrice.

With only one option remaining, Zahra agreed to accept Kevin O'Leary's offer. As of 2021, the business has been able to generate up to $7 million per year. New episodes of Shark Tank are available to stream on ABC.