Originally airing on ABC in 2009, Shark Tank stands as a business reality show where aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their products to investors referred to as “Sharks.” These investors determine whether to invest in the presented ideas. Over the years, numerous individuals have stood before the Sharks with hopeful aspirations of securing deals; however, not all have succeeded. Nevertheless, success stories do exist. Presented below are the products that achieved significant success, whether with or without the support of the Sharks.
ReadeREST – $27 Million
Rick Hopper, the mastermind behind ReadeREST, formulated his concept during his time as a supervisor at Home Depot. Frustrated by the constant misplacement of his reading glasses, he conceived a solution – a magnetic glasses holder designed to attach securely to any shirt. The magnet’s snug grip ensures that the glasses remain in place even during bends.
Rick Hopper/YouTube
Following a $150,000 agreement with Lori Greiner, in exchange for 65% ownership of the company, ReadeREST achieved sales of $100,000 after its debut on QVC. Subsequently, the product’s total sales have surpassed $27 million.
Cousins Maine Lobster – $20 Million
Originating from Maine, renowned for its delectable lobster offerings, cousins Jim Tselikis and Sabin Lomac transplanted the authentic Maine lobster dining experience to Los Angeles through the establishment of a food truck.
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Remarkably, it was Shark Tank that proactively reached out to invite the cousins for a show appearance. Following their compelling presentation, Barbara Corcoran became an investor, contributing $55,000 to their enterprise. This infusion of funds facilitated the expansion of their rapidly evolving business, leading to the incorporation of additional trucks. Presently, Cousins Maine Lobster boasts impressive sales exceeding $2 million.
Bubba Q’s – $16 Million
In the year 2014, the former NFL player Al “Bubba” Baker entered the entrepreneurial arena by presenting his boneless ribs and sauce venture named Bubba Q’s on the television show. Captivated by the concept, Daymond John seized the opportunity and struck a deal, investing $300,000 for a 30% stake in Baker’s company.
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Before making its television debut, Bubba Q’s had recorded modest sales of $154,000. However, this figure skyrocketed to an impressive $16 million by the year 2017. Adding to the triumph, Baker also holds the patent for his unique product, establishing him as the exclusive purveyor of deboned and cooked ribs.
Ring – $1.1 Billion
In a turn of events, even though the doorbell-camera company Ring eventually secured a $1.1 billion acquisition deal with Amazon, CEO James Siminoff faced a challenging situation when he appeared on the show back in 2013. The Sharks demonstrated less enthusiasm for his idea, and only O’Leary showed interest in forging a deal. However, the ultimate success of Ring proved the doubters wrong.
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Following its impressive acquisition by Amazon for a sum exceeding $1 billion, Siminoff allocated a portion of the proceeds to enlist Shaquille O’Neal as the company’s spokesperson in 2016. This partnership was solidified through an equity arrangement, which ultimately proved highly lucrative for O’Neal. Presented here is the prototype showcased during the show, along with the transformative journey that led to the product’s current state.
Copa Di Vino – $14 Million
Copa Di Vino’s visionary, James Martin, made not one but two captivating appearances on Shark Tank! His inaugural stint was in 2011, showcasing his groundbreaking idea of individualized wine servings that uphold the wine’s impeccable freshness.
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Even though a deal eluded him, he persevered and went on to amass a remarkable $5 million in earnings! Such an accomplishment caught the attention of the Sharks, prompting a second invitation to the show in 2017. Despite no takers for a business partnership, that didn’t deter him, as he successfully vented over 38 million units of his creations that very year. Consequently, the company’s current valuation stands at an impressive $14 million.
Continue reading to find out which product generated the first $100 million in sales.
Simply Fit Board – $160 Million
While their appearance might appear slightly unconventional, the Simply Fit Board stands as an innovative balance workout apparatus meticulously crafted to activate the user’s core. The brainchild of Gloria Hoffman and Linda Clark was unveiled during the 2015 show, instantly capturing the attention of Lori Greiner, who recognized its significant prospects.
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With swift precision, she aided the duo in securing a patent, leveraging her influence at QVC and consequently propelling the company’s revenue from a modest $757,000 to a staggering $9 million within mere months. Presently, the tally of Simply Fit boards sold has exceeded a remarkable $160 million.
Drop Stop – $24 Million
A common frustration encountered by many in their vehicles is the vexing loss of items within seat crevices. This very annoyance served as the inspiration for co-creators Marc Newburger and Jeffery Simon to devise the Drop Stop, a brilliant solution that safeguards against objects vanishing into what they playfully term the “Bermuda Triangle.”
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Their appearance on the 2012 show showcased the efficacy of their foam innovation in averting the misplacement of belongings and clinched a lucrative agreement, propelling their enterprise to amass sales surpassing $24 million.
FiberFix – $50 million
FiberFix stands as a remarkable entity, specializing in remedies that transcend the capabilities of conventional duct tape and analogous solutions. What sets FiberFix apart from its adhesive counterparts is its premium adhesive tape formulation, which transforms upon application, solidifying to establish an impermeable and enduring enclosure on virtually any material.
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In 2013, co-visionaries Spencer Quinn and Eric Child took center stage on the show, leaving an indelible impression on Lori Greiner and culminating in a successful collaboration. Subsequently, the company has achieved extraordinary sales figures, surpassing the $50 million mark.
Mission Belt – $40 Million
Zach Holzapfel and Jeff Jensen conceptualized the Mission Belt, driven by their vision to revolutionize the belt industry by discarding the conventional notch system in favor of an adaptable, one-size-fits-all solution.
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Unquestionably, the ingenuity of their design, coupled with an array of colors and styles, captured the discerning eye of fashion industry luminary Daymond John when the Mission Belt graced the stage in 2012. Since then, the Mission Belt has achieved a remarkable sales milestone of $25 million, with Zach and Jeff’s philanthropic commitment shining through as they contribute $1 from each belt sale to support small businesses in developing nations.
Scrub Daddy – $200 Million
One of the most iconic success stories from Shark Tank is Scrub Daddy, a resilient sponge with a cheerful smiley face that effortlessly tackles the most stubborn, stuck-on food. Upon exposure to hot water, it transforms into a soft, conventional sponge texture.
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Innovator Aaron Krause’s pitch secured a $200,000 investment from Lori Greiner, a choice she undoubtedly found rewarding. By 2017, Scrub Daddy had achieved an impressive sales milestone of $100 million, surpassing all other Shark Tank products. Since its inception, the brand’s sales have surged beyond $200 million.
Discover the pancake mix company that forged its own triumphant path!
Safe Grabs – $5 Million
For anyone who spends considerable time in the kitchen or has a penchant for frozen meals, the experience of scorching your hands while retrieving a hot dish from the microwave is likely all too familiar. After enduring multiple palm burns, Cyndi Lee devised a brilliant solution: Safe Grabs, silicone mats that snugly cradle your dish within the microwave.
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Once the timer expires, these mats assume the role of protective oven mitts, ensuring your hands remain unscathed by the dish’s heat. Recognizing the potential, Lori Greiner seized the opportunity, leading to an investment of $75,000 in 2016. Since then, Safe Grabs has achieved an impressive sales milestone, amassing over $5 million in revenue.
InstaFire – $5 Million
the challenge, even within the confines of your indoor space, equipped with all the necessary tools. However, InstaForex has effectively rendered this struggle a thing of the past, courtesy of their ingenious kits. These kits comprise volcanic rock, wood pellets, and paraffin wax, a combination that effortlessly engenders a flame reaching impressive heights of up to 16 inches, and sustains its burn for over 30 minutes.
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Despite their compact size, these kits possess remarkable capabilities that captured the interest of both Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner, prompting a combined investment totaling $300,000. Following their compelling debut on the show, InstaFire has witnessed exceptional sales growth, exceeding a noteworthy $5 million.
Discover the transformative prowess of InstaFire and join in its journey of success!
BedJet – $26 Million
Mark Aramli, renowned as the creator of BedJet, brings with him a background as a former NASA employee who embarked on a mission to tackle the discomfort of nighttime heat. In 2015, he made a notable appearance on Shark Tank, presenting his innovative solution, the BedJet. This inventive marvel takes the form of a climate-controlled mattress pad, empowering users to customize their bed’s temperature according to their preferences.
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Despite an impressive showcase, the Sharks were taken aback by the valuation of $2.5 million, ultimately dissuading any investment. Surprisingly, a mere 18 months following the show, Aramli achieved a remarkable feat: raking in over $3 million in sales and a staggering $26 million in revenue, all without the assistance of the Sharks.
Tipsy Elves – $70 Million
In recent times, the popularity of ugly sweater parties has surged during the holiday season. Attendees often scour thrift stores or delve into their grandmothers’ wardrobes in search of these quirky garments. This trend inspired Nick Morton and Evan Mendelsohn to establish Tipsy Elves, a brand specializing in unconventional holiday sweaters.
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Back in 2013, Robert Herjavec enthusiastically invested $100,000, securing a 10% stake in the company. This strategic partnership paved the way for remarkable growth, propelling sales to exceed $10 million by 2015. Presently, their revenue has skyrocketed to over $70 million.
Kodiak Cakes – $100 Million
Joel Clark, the visionary behind Kodiak Cakes, recognized a timeless love for pancakes among people. However, he observed that enjoyment was hindered by the unhealthy ingredients present in traditional mixes.
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Determined to make a difference, Joel Clark pioneered a revolutionary pancake mix crafted from wholesome grains and unique protein sources, setting Kodiak Cakes apart from the competition. In 2013, despite declining a partnership that demanded a 10% ownership stake, Clark persisted in his mission. Today, Kodiak Cakes proudly stands as the fourth-largest pancake mix brand, boasting an impressive annual revenue exceeding $100 million.
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Squatty Potty – $30 Million
In 2014, Bobby Evans introduced a revolutionary bathroom accessory known as the Squatty Potty, designed to enhance the ease and naturalness of the bathroom experience. This innovative product garnered immediate attention, with Lori Greiner recognizing its potential and promptly contributing a $500,000 investment. Subsequently, within a mere 24-hour period following its televised debut, the company achieved remarkable sales exceeding $1 million.
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Since its inception, the company has not only achieved impressive sales exceeding $30 million but has also garnered substantial scientific support for the efficacy of Evans’ invention in alleviating constipation. Multiple studies conducted by researchers have conclusively demonstrated the positive effects of this inventive solution.
GrooveBook – $14 Million
Julie and Brian Wilson conceived GrooveBook in response to the growing desire among individuals to transform their social media pictures into tangible prints. However, they opted to elevate the concept by curating these prints into personalized photo albums.
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Appearing on Shark Tank, the Wilsons initially boasted approximately 18,000 subscribers. Yet, through a successful collaboration with Mark Cuban and Kevin O’Leary, their subscriber base surged to surpass 500,000. This momentum culminated in the sale of their enterprise to Shutterfly for $14.5 million in 2015.
Chef Big Taste – $5 Million
In 2012, Shawn Davis made his entrance on the show with a strong belief that his concept for a shrimp burger restaurant, inspired by creating a meal for his Episcopalian daughter, would attract interest from one of the sharks.
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Regrettably, his idea failed to ignite significant enthusiasm among the Sharks, leading Davis to depart the pitch feeling disheartened. However, the exposure gained from his appearance proved to be a turning point, propelling his business, Chef Big Shake, from a modest $30,000 in revenue to an impressive $5 million.
The Sleep Styler – $100 Million
Tara Brown, an ophthalmologist with a packed schedule, found herself unable to allocate time for curling her hair. As a solution, she ingeniously crafted hair curlers using yoga mat materials, enabling users to style their hair effortlessly overnight. The debut of her innovation, named The Sleep Styler, took place on Shark Tank in 2016.
ABC/Pinterest
In the entrepreneurial arena, Lori Greiner swiftly recognized the potential, offering $75,000 in exchange for a 30% ownership stake. Within three weeks following the broadcast of the episode, The Sleep Styler had already secured partnerships with prominent retailers, including Walmart, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Amazon. At present, the product’s remarkable journey has translated into sales surpassing the $100 million mark.
Moki Door Step – $3 Million
Zach and Alyssa made a memorable appearance on Shark Tank, showcasing their ingenious creation known as the Moki Door Step. This innovative device conveniently attaches to a car’s door frame, offering a practical stepping platform. It caters to drivers with roof racks as well as handicapped individuals, facilitating easy entry and exit from vehicles.
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Their collaboration with Rightline Gear materialized into a thriving venture, showcasing their impressive achievements. The Moki Door Step garnered high praise, with one review lauding it as “the ultimate car accessory.” Zach and Alyssa are thrilled to share their success, revealing a noteworthy monthly revenue of $65,000 attributed to their inventive solution.
