Finding authentic, high-quality African-inspired children’s clothing at an affordable price has always been a struggle for parents. Many brands either charge too much or use prints that aren’t truly representative of African culture. Temidayo Adedokun, a mother herself, knew this problem well.
She wanted her children to wear clothing that celebrated their heritage—soft, durable, and made with real African fabrics. That’s why she created Ade + Ayo, a children’s clothing brand that blends tradition with modern comfort.
Temidayo and her husband, Abisola, appeared on Shark Tank Season 13 seeking $175,000 for 10% equity to grow their business. The sharks admired the vibrant prints and soft fabrics, but most hesitated due to concerns about valuation and scalability.
However, Barbara Corcoran saw potential and made a strong offer: $200,000 for 33.3% equity plus a $500,000 line of credit. After some negotiation, the Adedokuns accepted, gaining not just funding but also Barbara’s retail expertise.
Since Shark Tank, Ade + Ayo has continued to thrive. The brand expanded its product line, earned glowing media coverage, and even gives back by supporting education in sub-Saharan Africa. With nearly 700 five-star reviews and features in Vanity Fair and The Today Show, Ade + Ayo is proving that cultural representation in fashion matters—and sells.
Ade + Ayo Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Temidayo and Abisola were looking for an investment of $175k in exchange for 10% equity in the company. At the time of the episode, they valued their company at $1.75 million. Temidayo and Abisola successfully secured a deal with Barbara for an investment of $200k for 33.3% equity in the company. The investment adjusted the company’s net worth to around $600k. After the show was aired, the company experienced a good boost in exposure. As per my rough estimate, the current net worth of Ade + Ayo is around $3.2 million.
$175K for 33.3% equity + $500K line of credit$200K for 33.3% equity + $500K line of credit
$200,000 for 30% equity + $500K line of credit
Yes
Mark Cuban
Out
N/A
N/A
Temidayo Adedokun Backstory + Their Initial Pitch
Temidayo Adedokun’s journey with Ade + Ayo began with a simple desire—to dress her children in clothing that reflected their Nigerian heritage. She noticed that most African-inspired children’s clothes were either too expensive, poorly made, or inauthentic. Many brands used generic prints instead of real African fabrics. Determined to create something better, Temidayo and her husband, Abisola, launched Ade + Ayo in 2020.
The early days were challenging. Sourcing authentic African fabrics at fair prices wasn’t easy. They also had to educate customers about the cultural significance behind the prints. But their hard work paid off. Within 11 months, Ade + Ayo generated $160,000 in sales, proving there was demand for their products.
When they stepped into the Shark Tank, Temidayo and Abisola brought samples of their clothing—colorful, soft, and made with care. They explained how each piece was designed to celebrate African culture while being practical for everyday wear. The sharks were impressed by the quality and the brand’s mission.
Their initial ask was $175,000 for 10% equity, valuing the company at $1.75 million. They planned to use the investment for inventory, marketing, and hiring staff. While some sharks questioned the valuation, Barbara Corcoran saw something special in the couple’s passion and vision.
Queries + Shark’s Responses, and Final Deal
The sharks had mixed reactions to Ade + Ayo’s pitch.
Kevin O’Leary was the first to bow out. He liked the product but didn’t think he could add value to the business. Mark Cuban agreed, saying fashion wasn’t his expertise.
Lori Greiner loved the clothing but didn’t agree with how the Adedokuns planned to use the funds. She suggested they focus on wholesale expansion rather than hiring more staff. Since they didn’t adjust their strategy, Lori passed.
Daymond John, who has experience in apparel, was torn. He adored the designs but worried about scaling profitably. The high valuation made him hesitant, so he also stepped away.
That left Barbara Corcoran. She believed in the brand but thought the founders underestimated their financial needs. Her offer was $175,000 for 33.3% equity plus a $500,000 line of credit—much more equity than the Adedokuns wanted.
Temidayo countered with $200,000 for 30% equity, but Barbara insisted on 33.3%. After a tense moment, Temidayo accepted. The deal gave them not just capital but also Barbara’s retail connections and mentorship.
Product Availability
Ade + Ayo offers a range of African-inspired children’s clothing, including:
– Matching family outfits
– Soft, printed dresses and rompers
– Stuffed animals and crocheted toys
– Nursery décor and accessories
Each piece uses authentic African fabrics and is designed for comfort and durability. Prices range from $25 for accessories to $60 for full outfits, making them affordable for most families.
The brand sells primarily through its website (adeandayo.com), which includes a size guide and cultural stories behind each print. They also donate a portion of profits to education initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa.
What Happened To The Ade + Ayo After Shark Tank?
Since appearing on Shark Tank, the brand Ade + Ayo has seen substantial growth. They have introduced a wider variety of items and designs.
They have received almost 700 positive reviews from satisfied buyers. They have been featured in well-known publications and shows like Vanity Fair, the Today Show, and Good Morning America, which helped them reach a larger audience.
They are still committed to supporting educational initiatives in Africa through charitable work. Even though it’s not confirmed whether the deal with investor Barbara has been completed, the visibility from Shark Tank significantly increased their sales and brand awareness. As of today, Ade + Ayo is still operating and focuses on promoting African culture through their fashion line.
Conclusion
Temidayo and Abisola Adedokun entered Shark Tank with a mission—to make authentic African children’s wear accessible. While most sharks hesitated, Barbara Corcoran’s deal ($200K for 33.3% + $500K credit line) gave them the resources to grow.
Today, Ade + Ayo is more than just clothing. It’s a movement—one that represents culture, quality, and giving back. With a loyal customer base and media recognition, this brand is far from making an impact. For parents seeking meaningful, beautiful clothing for their kids, Ade + Ayo delivers—one vibrant print at a time.
Hey, I’m Amna Habib, an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. Shark Tank has always been one of my favorite TV shows because it offers a unique glimpse into the world of entrepreneurship. The way entrepreneurs present innovative solutions to everyday problems aligns with my academic interests and fuels my curiosity about business strategies. Each pitch showcases creativity and strategic decision-making, which I find both insightful and inspiring. Watching the show has deepened my passion for business and motivated me to explore the world of entrepreneurship even further. Beyond business and writing, I love food, shopping, and spending time with my friends and family.
