Mar 16: Tikitoro, a pioneering kids’ and teens’ personal care brand founded by Prasanna Vasanadu, recently captured widespread attention on the entrepreneurial reality show Startup Singham, where its compelling pitch and powerful message about children’s skincare resonated with both audiences and investors.
The episode opened with a unique and memorable moment as children staged a playful yet thought-provoking mock protest, demanding skincare products specifically designed for them. Their message highlighted a genuine gap in the market: while babies and adults have dedicated personal care products, children and teenagers are often left using formulations not tailored to their developing skin.
This introduction set the stage for Tikitoro’s mission. During the pitch, founder Prasanna Vasanadu shared how the brand was born from her personal journey as a mother searching for safe skincare products for her child. Concerned about harmful ingredients such as endocrine disruptors found in many personal care formulations, she set out to build a brand focused on clean, safe, and scientifically formulated products specifically designed for children aged 4 to 16 years.
Since its launch, Tikitoro has experienced significant growth. What began as a two-member operation has expanded into a team of over 40 members, offering a portfolio of 25 carefully formulated products across kids’ and teens’ skincare categories. The brand has already earned the trust of more than two lakh parents and maintains a strong repeat purchase rate of 45 percent.
All Tikitoro products undergo rigorous testing and trials before launch. Each product is dermatologically tested and paediatrician verified, ensuring high standards of safety and efficacy. The brand also follows strict research and product development protocols, including focus group feedback, and has received international safety certifications, including recognition from Safe Cosmetics Australia.
During the pitch on Startup Singham, Prasanna Vasanadu sought an investment of ₹1.2 crore for 1.5 percent equity, valuing the company at ₹81 crore. Investors appreciated the brand’s category-defining vision and the founder’s strong commitment to safety, research, and innovation.
Tikitoro ultimately secured a strategic investment from Mohan LKN at a valuation of ₹72 crore. The investment marks an important milestone for the brand and will support its expansion plans as it works toward becoming a ₹100-crore brand with a global presence.
With its mission to provide safe, effective, and age-appropriate skincare solutions, Tikitoro is not only building a fast-growing brand but also leading a much-needed conversation around children’s skin health—ensuring that the youngest consumers finally have skincare products designed specifically for them.
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