When Todd Pliss saw how distracted typical teenage babysitters could be, he realized there was a gap in the childcare market for experienced, attentive caregivers. Inspired by the wisdom and warmth of grandmothers, he launched the Rent-a-Grandma service, connecting families with reliable, nurturing older women for babysitting and household help.
With a vision to expand nationwide, Todd took his unique idea to Shark Tank Season 3, Episode 8, hoping to win over the sharks and secure funding for growth.
| Company Name | Rent-a-Grandma | |
| Founder/Co-Founder | Todd Pliss | |
| Founded | 2010 | |
| Product | Childcare and domestic help by experienced older women | |
| Asked For | $150,000 for 20% equity | |
| Final Deal | No Deal | |
| Shark | No Shark | |
| Episode | S3 E8 | |
| Air Date | March 9, 2012 | |
| Business Status | In Business | |
| Website | Visit Website | |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, California, United States | |
| Annual (Revenue) | Estimated over $1 million | |
| Worth / Valuation | $750,000 | |
| Buy and Watch | Buy Now | Amazon Prime |
Business Pitch Episode Recap
Todd Pliss entered the Tank seeking $150,000 for 20% equity, pitching Rent-a-Grandma as a solution for parents tired of inattentive teenage babysitters. Demonstrating the difference, he contrasted a texting teen model with an engaging “grandma” who baked cookies and interacted with the children, even sharing fresh cookies with the sharks to drive the point home.
At the time of the pitch, Rent-a-Grandma had about 50 grandmas on its roster, with annual sales of $25,000. Grandmas earned $14–$20 an hour, compared to the $10–$13 typical for younger sitters, and families paid a 10–15% placement fee upfront. Todd’s vision was to franchise the business, but he admitted he didn’t yet have the numbers or a proven system to support rapid expansion.
The sharks liked the heartwarming concept and saw the potential for success, but ultimately, none were willing to invest. Concerns included the challenge of scaling, thin margins, and the lack of a clear growth strategy. Todd left the Tank without a deal, but with praise for his creativity and mission.
Sharks Offers List
| Sharks | Offers |
|---|---|
| Mark Cuban | No Offer |
| Daymond John | No Offer |
| Kevin O’Leary | No Offer |
| Barbara Corcoran | No Offer |
| Robert Herjavec | No Offer |
| Founder’s Counter | No Counter |
| Final Deals | No Deal |
Rent-a-Grandma Shark Tank Update
Despite not landing a Shark, Todd Pliss pressed on. The show’s exposure brought a surge in website traffic, new clients, and more grandmothers joining the platform. While the original franchise model was set aside, Rent-a-Grandma evolved into a web-based service, similar to Angie’s List, where families can browse and connect with background-checked grandmas in their area.
Grandmas pay a small, one-time fee for their listing, and the business now offers a range of services beyond childcare, including senior care, tutoring, pet care, and housekeeping.
Rent-a-Grandma remains active and continues to grow, providing meaningful work for older women and trusted help for families. The company is still based in Los Angeles and has expanded its reach to serve users worldwide.
What Is Rent-a-Grandma Net Worth?
Rent-a-Grandma was valued at $750,000 during its Shark Tank pitch, based on the $150,000 for 20% equity ask. While the sharks passed, the business has seen steady growth since then.
By 2025, Rent-a-Grandma’s estimated net worth is around $1.2 million, with some sources reporting even higher figures in recent years as the company diversified its services and revenue streams.
