Allison Ellsworth Wikipedia: Poppi Co-Founder’s Historic Shark Tank Return as Guest Investor

March 12, 2026 — Austin, Texas — Allison Ellsworth, co-founder and former Chief Brand Officer of prebiotic soda brand Poppi, made history by returning to ABC’s Shark Tank as a guest investor in season 17, the first former contestant to do so. The episode aired March 11, following Poppi’s acquisition by PepsiCo for $1.95 billion in 2025.

Ellsworth originally pitched Mother Beverage on Shark Tank in 2018 while nine months pregnant, securing $400,000 for 25% equity from Rohan Oza. The investment funded a 2020 rebrand to Poppi, which went viral on TikTok with over one billion views and topped Amazon’s soda searches.[6]

There is no dedicated Allison Ellsworth Wikipedia page, though she is prominently featured on the Poppi (drink) Wikipedia entry detailing the company’s origins in her kitchen around 2015 with husband Stephen Ellsworth.

Shark Tank Guest Appearance Details

During her return, Ellsworth evaluated nine pitches over long days from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., offering $300,000 for 11% equity in Freestyle Snacks, which did not close after due diligence. She expressed empathy for pitchers: “I had so much respect, admiration and empathy for how stressful that moment is.”[5]

“If I can’t make a genuine impact… then it’s just money.”

— Allison Ellsworth, on her investment philosophy[6]

The Shark Tank account promoted her episode on X on March 11.[14]

Poppi’s Rise and Sale

Starting as homemade drinks sold at farmers’ markets, Poppi gained traction post-Shark Tank, rebranded amid the pandemic, and earned awards like BevNet’s Campaign of the Year. Ellsworth, a University of North Texas sociology graduate with an oil and gas background, led brand strategy from Austin, where she lives with Stephen and their three sons.[12]

The couple, who owned about 12% of Poppi, netted roughly $150 million post-tax from the PepsiCo deal facilitated by Oza.[6]

Recent Recognition

Ellsworth was named a 2026 CNBC Changemaker for the sale and signed with PR agency SolComms on March 2, 2026.[10] Recent profiles highlight her TikTok strategies and daily life.[8] [9]

Despite rising fame, Allison Ellsworth Wikipedia searches still redirect to the Poppi page, underscoring her tie to the brand’s story.[1]

Allison Ellsworth Wikipedia queries reflect interest in her journey from kitchen experiments to billionaire exit, yet no standalone page exists as of March 12.