Fans of Shark Tank really wanted FUBU co-creator and resident shark Daymond John to invest in a Black-owned children’s clothing brand on the latest episode of the popular ABC series.
Ade+Ayo, a clothing company created by Temidayo Adedokum and Abisola Adedokun, sells children’s clothing and stuffed toys featuring African heritage and design. While John didn’t make a deal, Barbara Corcoran did for $200,000 in exchange for 33.3 percent of the company.
John's reason for not clinching a deal came down to his ask.
According to MEAWW, he said that he would be asking for too much of their company due to the company’s sales and current prices. He said that his deal would make him feel like they are giving up on their dream to own a business.
While fans were happy to see Corcoran make a deal with the family business, others were disappointed that John, the only Black Shark on the ABC show, didn’t help out Black entrepreneurs, especially ones in his business sector. As one viewer wrote on Twitter, “If the deal didn’t make sense to Daymond business wise I understand. I just think he should have made one for the culture.”
Regardless, Ade+Ayo can hopefully find success with Corcoran, especially since the outpouring of positive response seems to suggest the company will have new customers after its episode appearance.
