Tikitoro on Shark Tank India: Infertility Led Her to Rethink Skincare
Three points you will get to know in this article:
- Tikitoro offers dermatologist-approved skincare for kids and teens.
- Founder Prasanna’s personal journey inspired her to build Tikitoro.
- Tikitoro secured a ₹25 lakh deal for 1% equity and 0.5% royalty.
About Tikitoro
Tikitoro, When it comes to skincare for children and teens, the options have traditionally been limited. Enter Tikitoro, a Chennai-based startup founded by Prasanna Vasanadu, that is transforming the industry. Focused on providing safe, high-quality products tailored to young skin, Tikitoro is bridging a critical gap in the market.
Click here to visit their official website : Tikitoro
Tikitoro’s journey gained widespread attention after its appearance on Shark Tank India Season 4, where its thoughtful approach and the founder’s inspiring personal story left a lasting impression on the sharks.
The Evolution of Tikitoro
Tikitoro’s story began in December 2021, but its roots lie in a deeply personal experience. Prasanna, a full-time homemaker for 14 years, underwent infertility treatment to have her son, which left her with a heightened awareness of hormonal health. Motivated to protect her child from similar challenges, she channelled her energy into creating skincare and haircare solutions designed specifically for growing children and teenagers.
Before founding Tikitoro, Prasanna earned an engineering degree and an MBA in marketing from Symbiosis Pune. She later became a certified parent educator, using her knowledge to design products that meet the unique needs of children. This combination of technical expertise and maternal instinct is what sets Tikitoro apart.
Tikitoro’s Product Line
Tikitoro caters to two distinct age groups with products designed to address their specific needs:
1. Tikitoro Kids (Ages 4–10)
Products under this category focus on gentle, nurturing care for younger children. The formulations are pediatrician-approved and use natural, high-quality ingredients.
2. Tikitoro Teens (Ages 11–16)
For pre-teens and teenagers, the products are designed to tackle common issues like acne, oily skin, and dryness, while being free from harmful chemicals.
Currently, Tikitoro offers 20 SKUs, ranging from shampoos and face washes to moisturisers.
Tikitoro Financial Highlights
Tikitoro’s growth trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable:
- 2021–22: ₹6 lakh in sales
- 2022–23: ₹2 crore in revenue, climbing to ₹8.2 crore
- 2024–25 (till October): ₹8.5 crore in sales
- projected to reach ₹17 crore by year-end.
Despite being 20% EBITDA negative, Prasanna is confident that Tikitoro will become profitable by next year.
Investment and Inventory
Tikitoro has been entirely self-funded so far, with Prasanna investing ₹14 crore of her personal savings into the business. The company holds an inventory worth ₹6 crore and plans to inject another ₹5–6 crore as needed.
Tikitoro on Shark Tank India
When Tikitoro appeared on Shark Tank India, Prasanna asked for ₹25 lakh in exchange for 0.5% equity, valuing her company at ₹50 crore. Her pitch highlighted Tikitoro’s unique product offerings, its rapid growth, and her personal connection to the brand.
Prasanna’s presentation left an impression on the sharks, but not everyone was ready to invest:
- Sharks Piyush Bansal, Kunal Shah, and Anupam Mittal opted out, citing concerns about the brand’s current stage and financial metrics.
- Shark Vinita Singh initially made an error during her offer, stating ₹25 crore for 3% equity but quickly corrected it to ₹25 lakh for 3%.
- Shark Namita Thapar proposed ₹25 lakh for 1% equity along with a 5% royalty until profitability is achieved.
Ultimately, Prasanna chose Namita’s offer, valuing the mentorship and her expertise in the healthcare industry.
Challenges in Building Tikitoro
1. High Cost of Production
Tikitoro’s commitment to quality has made its products more expensive than competitors. While this has been well-received by customers who value premium products, it presents a challenge in penetrating cost-sensitive markets.
2. Scaling with Limited Funding
With ₹14 crore already invested and plans for future funding, Tikitoro faces the challenge of balancing growth and profitability.
What Sets Tikitoro Apart?
- Every product is carefully formulated and pediatrician-approved, ensuring safety for kids and teens.
- By catering exclusively to children and teenagers, Tikitoro has carved out a unique space in the skincare industry.
- Prasanna’s vision of creating safe, effective skincare stems from her personal journey, resonating deeply with parents who share similar concerns.
Future Plans for Tikitoro
Tikitoro has ambitious plans to:
- Reach a revenue of ₹100 crore by expanding its product line and market reach.
- Launch exclusive brand outlets in the next three months to enhance customer experience.
- Continue investing in inventory and product development to meet growing demand.
Lessons from Tikitoro’s Journey
- Prasanna’s journey highlights how personal challenges can inspire solutions that benefit others.
- Tikitoro’s dedication to premium products has set a standard for trust and reliability in the market.
- Partnering with Namita Thapar provides not just funding but invaluable guidance for scaling Tikitoro.
As one of the few brands focusing exclusively on children’s and teens’ skincare, Tikitoro is not just selling products—it’s starting conversations about hormonal health and safe skincare practices for young individuals.
With its growing popularity and strong foundation, Tikitoro is well on its way to becoming a household name, not just in India but globally.
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