Poppi, the sparkling prebiotic drink brand co-founded by Allison Ellsworth, has achieved significant success, generating over $500 million in annual revenue. Last year, the company was acquired by PepsiCo for $1.95 billion. Ellsworth, who faced the challenge of pitching her business while nine months pregnant, first introduced the drink in 2015 by mixing fruit juice, sparkling water, and prebiotics in her kitchen, aiming to offer a healthier alternative to traditional sodas.
In 2018, Ellsworth and her husband, Stephen, appeared on Shark Tank, where they pitched their startup, which was initially named Mother Beverage. They faced tough competition, with only 0.42% of applicants from their season reaching the show and about 0.21% actually securing a deal. Ultimately, they accepted $400,000 from investor Rohan Oza for a 25% equity stake in their business.
Ellsworth emphasizes the importance of preparation, stating that they practiced their pitch for six months. She believes that nerves are a natural part of growth and success. Reflecting on her journey, Ellsworth expresses no regrets, attributing her achievements to all the experiences that led her to this point.