Ready, Set, Food! appeared on “Shark Tank” Season 11, Episode 12. During the episode, the brand’s core team, Daniel Zakowski, Dr. Andrew Leitner, and Dr. Katie Marks-Cogan, presented their concept to the Sharks. While Kevin O’Leary and Lori Greiner offered proposals, it was Mark Cuban who captured the trio’s attention. After some back and forth, the Ready, Set, Food! Team accepted Cuban’s offer of $350,000 for 10% equity, which was contingent on donating the product to low-income families. The idea showcases the impact that food allergens have across social-economic levels.
During a July 2020 conversation with Fox Business, Cuban said, “Since my daughter has a severe peanut allergy, I know firsthand how life-changing food allergies can be.” That personal connection seemed to influence his desire to fund Ready, Set, Food! The company found a methodology to make the process simple, approachable, and understandable for the average parent. When a brand can find a way to address parental concerns in a manageable way, its success seems inevitable and the “Shark Tank” exposure gave it another platform to leverage.
The Cuban investment joined $2.75 million raised up to that point. Combined with the support of hundreds of pediatricians and allergists backing the product, the brand grew sales after its initial appearance. Currently, the company offers its four-step introduction plan, oatmeal, bars, snacks and more.
