Poppi founder on TikTok, Super Bowl ads, and her return to Shark Tank
In a TechCrunch Equity video, Poppi co-founder Allison Ellsworth explains how she turned a kitchen experiment into a $1.95 billion PepsiCo acquisition. She covers pitching on Shark Tank, going viral on TikTok, buying a last-minute Super Bowl ad, and returning to Shark Tank as a guest investor. The piece sets Poppi against long-standing venture skepticism toward beverage startups.
Key Takeaways
- Poppi is a prebiotic soda brand that grew from a kitchen experiment into a $1.95 billion acquisition by PepsiCo.
- Co-founder Allison Ellsworth pitched the brand on Shark Tank while nine months pregnant.
- The brand went viral on TikTok as part of a new wave of functional soda companies.
- Ellsworth and her team bought a last-minute Super Bowl ad.
- She has returned to Shark Tank as a guest Shark and investor.
Stats & Key Facts
- #Poppi was acquired by PepsiCo for $1.95 billion
The video and guest
The conversation airs as a TechCrunch Equity video.
- ›Poppi co-founder Allison Ellsworth breaks down the brand's journey.
- ›The discussion covers building a beverage startup in a venture world dominated by SaaS and AI.
- ›The piece is dated March 11, 2026.
The article notes that venture capitalists have long been skeptical of beverage startups, citing thin margins and brutal distribution. A new wave of functional soda companies, including Poppi, has been challenging that assumption.
From kitchen experiment to acquisition
- ›Poppi grew from a kitchen experiment into a category-defining consumer brand.
- ›The brand reached a $1.95 billion acquisition by PepsiCo.
- ›Ellsworth describes what it takes to build such a brand.
The video promises a breakdown of how Ellsworth scaled the brand and what she looks for now that she is back on Shark Tank as an investor.
Shark Tank and viral marketing
- ›Ellsworth pitched on Shark Tank while nine months pregnant.
- ›The brand went viral on TikTok.
- ›The team bought a last-minute Super Bowl ad.
The piece frames social media and fast marketing decisions as central to how Poppi built recognition and a loyal following.
Returning as an investor
- ›Ellsworth returns as a guest Shark herself.
- ›The video covers what she looks for in founders.
- ›She now sits on the investor side of the pitch.
Ellsworth returns as a guest Shark herself, and the video covers what she looks for in founders now that she sits on the investor side of the pitch.
Where to watch
- ›Equity is available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Overcast and Spotify.
- ›Viewers can subscribe across these platforms.
- ›Equity can be followed on X and Threads at @EquityPod.
The article directs viewers to subscribe to Equity on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify and other platforms, and to follow Equity on X and Threads at @EquityPod.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Poppi?
Poppi is a prebiotic soda brand, part of a wave of functional soda companies, that grew from a kitchen experiment into a category-defining brand.
How much did PepsiCo pay for Poppi?
PepsiCo acquired Poppi for $1.95 billion.
How did Poppi go viral?
The brand went viral on TikTok, and the team also bought a last-minute Super Bowl ad.
Did Ellsworth appear on Shark Tank?
Yes. She pitched on Shark Tank while nine months pregnant and has since returned as a guest Shark and investor.
Where can I watch the episode?
It is available on the Equity channels, including YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Overcast and Spotify.
The video traces Poppi's rise from a home experiment to a $1.95 billion PepsiCo deal and Ellsworth's move to the investor side.
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