MontiKids Accepts $200,000 From Kevin O’Leary

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Zahra Kassam is seeking a $200,000 investment from the Sharks in exchange for a 2.5% share of her company, MontiKids. MontiKids is an in-home Montessori based learning program for children from birth to three. Because 85% of the brain is formed by age 3, the most important developmental years which are the most critical for learning, typically happen before children are even in school. MontiKids provides a subscription service for children three and under in which they will receive a box of 6 learning toys every 3 months based on their age and skill level. Along with this box, comes video tutorials on how to introduce the toys to the child and how to aid in their learning and development with the toy.

MonitKids has been on the market for 14 months and has netted $550,000 in sales, and showing a steady 20% growth month over month. Although the initial financial picture looks promising, as the Sharks begin to dig deeper into the business, they learn that the finances are actually very bleak and not sustainable. Overall, the company has burned through $2.6 million. The Sharks are very concerned about the financial portfolio and what little regard Zahra seems to have about monetary investments. Many of the Sharks questions Zahra’s decision making and leadership skills, as well as the cost of the program. They do not believe this is affordable for most families — especially the families who need it most.

Although the financial situation is terrible, Robert Herjavec would still like to extend an offer to MontiKids. He offers $200,000 but would require 10% of the company since he believes the valuation is very inflated. His plan is to help them drive revenue and feels that they strongly need guidance with their company. He also is willing to come on their board and split his shares into advisory shares if needed. Kevin O’Leary also offers Zahra $200,000 for a 2.5% share in MontiKids, however, he also will require a royalty of $10 a unit until $200,000 is paid back. The royalty will then drop to $2.50 per unit until $600,000 is paid and then the royalties will go away altogether.

Zahra counters back and forth with Robert and Kevin so many times that Robert becomes frustrated and withdraws his offer from consideration. He tells Zahra that he works too hard for his money and he doesn’t feel that she truly values the money that could be invested into her business. This leaves Kevin’s offer still on the table. Without any additional offers to choose from, MontiKids accept Kevin O’Leary’s offer.

What do you think of Kevin’s investment in MontiKids? Would you purchase this product? Sound off in the comments below!

For a full summary of this episode, check out this article. Shark Tank airs on Sundays at 9:00 PM EST.