"Father is helping"- When Barbara criticized Wanna Date? founder in Shark Tank

Shark Tank season 11 featured a direct confrontation over founder support when Barbara Corcoran addressed Wanna Date?'s Melissa Bartow. The exchange occurred after Bartow requested $100,000 for 20% equity in her date spread company. Her pitch showed $31,000 in sales across ten months, with products priced at $12 per jar and $2.40 manufacturing costs. After four other Shark Tank investors shared concerns, Barbara Corcoran stated:

"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."

Mark Cuban later offered $100,000 for 33% equity with specific conditions about product size and flavors, which was accepted.

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Barbara Corcoran criticized Wanna Date? founder for parental support in Shark Tank season 11

Melissa Bartow brought her date spread business to Shark Tank with specific goals. The NYU graduate created her first products in her dorm room, mixing dates into spreadable forms. Her crowdfunding campaign on IndieGoGo pulled in $2,250 in March 2018, funding her initial production batch. The spreads gained attention for being vegan, oil-free, and free from added sugars.

During her presentation, Bartow shared her monthly sales figures and expansion plans. She detailed her marketing strategy through food fairs and direct-to-consumer channels. The conversation shifted when she mentioned her living arrangements. Her father covered her rent expenses, allowing her to put all resources into the business.

Barbara Corcoran zeroed in on the parental support detail. The Shark Tank investor compared Bartow's situation to her own early business days, emphasizing the difference in financial pressure. Corcoran stated entrepreneurs who face immediate financial needs work harder. She pointed out that having a safety net through parental support reduced the push for rapid success.

Bartow responded by highlighting her dedication and long hours. She detailed her hands-on involvement in production, marketing, and sales. Despite this defense, Corcoran maintained her position. She followed her critique with a direct exit from investment consideration.

Kevin O'Leary turned attention to financial metrics after Barbara's exit. He questioned the $500,000 company valuation, stating Wanna Date?'s $31,000 sales figure didn't support this number. O'Leary determined the company valuation needed significant market proof. He stepped away from the deal, marking the fourth Shark to pass on the opportunity.

Mark Cuban shifted the discussion toward product strategy. He questioned the absence of a plain date spread flavor, suggesting a gap in the product line. Cuban saw potential in the brand despite the previous Sharks' concerns. He structured an offer incorporating three specific changes to the business model.

The final deal with Mark Cuban changed Wanna Date?'s direction. Cuban offered $100,000 for 33% equity, increasing his ownership stake from Bartow's initial 20% proposal. His conditions included creating smaller jars, lowering retail prices, and adding a plain date flavor option.

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Post Shark Tank

The business expanded after the episode aired, per Shark Tank Blog. Wanna Date? products reached Whole Foods, Walmart, and Kroger stores. The company launched Date Dough products in chocolate, birthday cake, and snickerdoodle flavors. By August 2022, distribution grew to 128 grocery stores across the Midwest region.

As of October 2023, Wanna Date? streamlined distribution to focus on direct website sales and Amazon platforms. As per Shark Tank Blog, the total lifetime sales reached less than $5 million. Melissa Bartow maintains additional professional roles, working as a Pilates studio manager and yoga instructor in New York while running the business.

As of January 2025, while products are listed on Amazon, they are unavailable for purchase. The official store is also down, and the Instagram account is set to private with 0 followers and 0 following, and 698 posts.

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New episodes of Shark Tank are airing on the ABC network.