Next up is Kelechi Anyadiegwu of Zuvaa, seeking $460,000 for 10 percent equity.

Key Takeaways: Zuvaa on Shark Tank

  • Investment: No deal was secured on Shark Tank.
  • Product: An African-inspired clothing line featuring vibrant, bold fashion and accessories.
  • Sales Success: Zuvaa was generating over $2 million in sales annually at its peak before experiencing operational challenges.
  • Shark Hesitation: Despite the impressive sales, the sharks were concerned about valuation and scaling issues.
  • Entrepreneur: Kelechi Anyadiegwu, the founder, sought to create a global impact through her unique fashion platform.
  • Latest Update: As of 2024, Zuvaa is in the process of restructuring after rapid growth led to scaling challenges. The brand remains a favorite for those seeking African-inspired fashion, and its online presence is steadily being rebuilt.

What is Zuvaa? A Quick Company Overview

Zuvaa is an African-inspired clothing line that features bold fashion and colorful designs.

According to their Facebook page, the apparel company promotes “an online community and marketplace that presents customers with [a] unique online shopping experience. Showcasing the beauty and vibrancy of the African continent, Zuvaa provides customers with affordable African inspired clothing and accessories to brighten up any outfit.”

The company, which CNN reported was estimated to do $2 million in sales in 2016, is currently going through a rebuilding process after growing “a little too fast” last year.

The Sharks Make Offers, But Anyadiegwu Doesn’t Accept Them

The sharks are impressed by her story and even more so by the sales. There are approximately 120,000 monthly visitors to the site. Anyadiegwu does about $220,000 in sales per month.

Lori Greiner thinks Anyadiegwu is doing “fantastic” and wonders why she needs an investment. She hopes to create a “global impact” and scale through their online platform. Kevin O’Leary worries about the valuation, as does Mark Cuban. He goes out, followed by guest shark Sara Blakely. Greiner likes her mission but doesn’t think she needs an investment. She goes out.

Daymond John calls her a “lightning bolt for entrepreneurship” but thinks there’s too much risk involved in vetting potential designers.

He thinks he could be a liability and goes out. O’Leary then decides to offer $460,000 as a loan at 12 percent interest with 10 percent equity overall. She declines and walks away without a deal.

Social Media Reacts to Zuvaa’s Appearance on “Shark Tank”

Closing Thoughts

Each week on “Shark Tank,” budding entrepreneurs have the opportunity to pitch their emerging businesses to multi-millionaire and billionaire investors, known as sharks:

  • Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks;
  • Daymond John, fashion mogul and founder of FUBU;
  • Kevin O’Leary, self-proclaimed Mr. Wonderful and founder of O’Leary Financial Group;
  • Barbara Corcoran, real estate maven; Lori Greiner, queen of QVC;
  • Robert Herjavec, technology guru and founder/CEO of the Herjavec Group.

Philanthropist and Virgin Group founder Richard Branson, Spanx founder Sara Blakely, Skinnygirl Cocktails founder and Real Housewife Bethenny Frankel, Vitamin Water founder Rohan Oza and former MLB player Alex “A-Rod” Rodriguez are also slated to appear as guest sharks this season.

“Shark Tank,” which is based on “Dragons’ Den,” is produced by Mark Burnett and first debuted in 2009. To date, the sharks have invested more than $100 million in various companies after engaging in numerous bidding wars and shark fights. A new episode airs each Sunday at 9 p.m. on ABC.

Would you wear Zuvaa clothing? Sound off in the comments section below!