Robert Herjavec Gets Emotional In The NineteenTwenty Pitch
Highlights
- NineteenTwenty appeared on Shark Tank Season 16 with its line of convertible clothing.
- Ashley and Zach Sankar sought $250K for 10% equity in their company.
- Their backstory made the Sharks emotional in the latest season.
Shark Tank has garnered the love of audiences due to the touching emotions shown in the show. Entrepreneurs’ struggle stories, in particular, receive huge attention. The NineteenTwenty pitch on Shark Tank Season 16 was one such pitch that made the panelists become teary-eyed.
Zach and Ashley Sankar brought NineteenTwenty, a clothing company, to the fourth episode of Shark Tank Season 16. During the pitch, the Shark investors became sentimental when they learned about the hardships the entrepreneurs faced before they came on the show.
Below are detailed insights into their backstory, pitch, negotiations, and final deal status, as seen in Shark Tank Season 16.
NineteenTwenty Shark Tank Pitch: A Quick Recap
The husband-wife entrepreneur duo of Zach and Ashley Sankar approached the panelists with NineteenTwenty on Shark Tank Season 16. Seeking $250K for 10% equity, the entrepreneurs claimed that their multifunctional convertible clothing was aiming to revolutionize the clothing space.
For a better explanation, Ashley entered the show wearing the company’s puffer jacket. She stated that the jacket could be converted into a blanket or a tote bag. This is how the NineteenTwenty product was an ideal pick for travel purposes. Other than that, one could take it to markets, laundromats, and gyms.
Zach, too, appeared on Shark Tank wearing a windbreaker. He said that it had a convertible hood, which, when zipped off and on, could be changed into a crossbody bag.
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What Did The Sharks Ask The NineteenTwenty Founders?
The first question was regarding their background. Ashley revealed that she had been working in the supply chain industry for nine years as a logistics officer in the Army. On the other hand, Zach donned multiple roles in operations and customer management at US Airlines.
Further questions were raised regarding sales after the Shark investors tried their samples. The entrepreneur duo revealed that they started NineteenTwenty in December 2022. Since then, with all sales done through D2C, they have generated $157K. Lifetime sales are currently projected to be $505K.
Apart from this, the entrepreneur couple claimed that they were quite popular on social media. The first video of NineteenTwenty got about 66 million views.
Despite the numbers, all the Shark Tank investors were apprehensive about their low profits.
Emotional Sharks After Listening to NineteenTwenty Backstory
The emotional part of the NineteenTwenty pitch came during the negotiation stage. As discussed, Mark Cuban felt that the company was not making enough profits, so he opted out of the deal. After this, Daniel Lubetzky, too, opted out of the deal because he thought the fashion industry was quite competitive.
Zach interrupted and said that he had supported Ashley every single day and watched her work 10 to 12 hours a day and then work again six to eight hours every night.
However, Kevin O’Leary thought that as the entrepreneurs were still doing their jobs, this venture was not a ‘full-time gig.’ He further added that NineteenTwenty was a product, not a company. Additionally, their commitment would probably be an issue. Robert Herjavec felt the statements were not fair.
Kevin then had a small argument with Robert and Lori Greiner regarding his opinion on NineteenTwenty’s founders’ commitment. After this, he offered $250K for 30% equity on the condition that Ashley and Zach quit their jobs. The founders politely rejected the deal.
This moment marked the beginning of both the entrepreneurs’ emotional backstory. Zach requested a moment with the Shark Tank investors to discuss his ‘hardworking’ wife.
Zach then revealed that his wife was working because he initially went to do pilot training, as his lifelong dream was to become an airline pilot. While he was doing the training, she started her business to help supplement their income. The business did amazingly well for them.
This is why Ashley found herself at the crossroads of whether to keep going with the business to support Zach in the endeavor or take it up in a full-fledged manner. But Zach decided that this was entirely her decision to make. So, he put his dream on hold so that she could do what she wanted.
Zach choked up, and Ashley got a bit sentimental when hearing all of this. Robert thought both of them were amazing and knew what was best for their business. This included their decision about working for a job or two jobs and working for 24 hours a day.
So, although he knew NineteenTwenty’s profits were in trouble, Robert expressed his support to the couple. He made an offer of $250K for 25% equity. Ashley countered with 20% equity, but he refused it. Right after this, she broke down, remembering her late mother.
Zach then revealed that Ashley’s mom passed away when she was just eight. He fell in love with her during high school. A visibly teary-eyed Zach further stated that both of them had climbed to success together since childhood, including their experience in retail and corporate.
The NineteenTwenty founders’ journey to Shark Tank was nothing less than a dream. While he was sharing the backstory, Lori stepped up, hugged Ashley, and calmed her down.
After this, Robert choked up and said that although he did not have a lot while growing up, he had his mom, who always stood by his side. Getting a bit emotional, he also said that they had the belief that could take them to great heights. Further, he said that they should not argue over just 5% equity.
The entrepreneurs eventually agreed to take up his offer of $250K at 25% equity.
Conclusion
The NineteenTwenty pitch on Shark Tank Season 16 was the perfect showcase of emotional resilience brought by entrepreneurs. Ashley and Zach’s story touched both the Shark Tank investors and viewers with its mention of love, sacrifice, and perseverance. This is how they bagged a deal despite the apprehensions.
Entrepreneur, auteur, raconteur. Rob Merlino is a blogger and writer who enjoys the Shark Tank TV show and Hot Dogs. A father of five who freelances in a variety of publications, Rob has a stable of websites including Shark Tank Blog, Hot Dog Stories, Rob Merlino.com and more.
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