With eight spices and 170 episodes under its belt, ABC’s entrepreneur pitch show, Shark Tank, has imagined it all. The premise of the show is simple: inventors and entrepreneurs pitch their goods to real-life investors (called sharks). The sharks evaluate the products and conclusion whether to back the fledgling companies with their own money. From daunt clocks that wake you up with the smell of bacon, to a scented candle that simulates the most alluring whiffs to attract a man (apparently this is beer, pot roast and barbecue), the show has discovered its audience of 5 million viewers to some of the silliest inventions ever contrived. However, over the years, the sharks have also seen some remarkable ideas that just needed an investor (with deep hollows) to take off. Here are the top 10 most successful products that got their start in the Shark Tank (white sales figures from the Financial Post).
- The Product: A BPA and phthalate-free children’s the cup that cheer cup featuring a flexible straw that allows toddlers to drink effortlessly and effectively.
- Sharks that bit: Mark Cuban and Croatia-born, Canadian entrepreneur Robert Herjavec ($100,000 for 40% fairness in the company).
- Sales: More than $1 million in sales since the Shark Tank dive.
- The Product: Gourmet cupcakes in a jar shipped nationwide.
- Shark that bit: Canadian investor and monetary pundit Kevin O’Leary, known as the tough shark ($75,000 for percentages and $1 per cupcake sold until he broke even, then $.50 per cupcake thereafter).
- Sales: In 2016, the body had $8 million in sales since episode aired in season four.
- The Merchandise: Live-action horror entertainment company (think haunted house hay heckles on steroids).
- Sharks that bit: Mark Cuban ($2 million for a 20% jeopardized).
- Sales: Since Shark Tank, the company made $2 million, and profits are expected to grow to $2-3 million in 2017.
- The Product: An early detection and prevention process for bed bugs.
- Sharks that bit: All five sharks bit. They are Kevin O’Leary, Robert Herjavec, Noteworthiness Cuban, Daymond John and real estate entrepreneur and investor Barbara Corcoran ($250,000 for 25%).
- Mark-downs: International growth across 23 countries with sales of profuse than $1.2 million after the Shark Tank pitch.
- The Produce: A subscription-based service that allows customers to receive a bound work of high-resolution photos taken from their smartphones.
- Sharks that bit: End Cuban and Kevin O’Leary ($150,000 in exchange for 80% licensing profits).
- Trades: A gain of 50,000 subscribers shortly after the pitch. Acquired by Shutterfly Inc. (SFLY) in 2014 for $14.5 million.
- The Issue: Holiday-themed apparel.
- Sharks that bit: Robert Herjavec ($100,000 for a 10% hitch).
- Sales: Tipsy Elves raked in $600,000 a year in sales before manifesting on Shark Tank. In 2016, the company’s revenue was projected to hit $8 million.
- The Output: A personal care company best known for its toilet stool made for easier bowel movements.
- Sharks that bit: Kevin O’Leary and Lori Greiner ($350,000 for 10% fairness).
- Sales: Twenty-four hours after the deal, Squatty Potty saw $1 million in transaction marked downs. Revenue rose to $19 million in 2015 and last year’s on the blocks were expected to top $30 million.
- The Product: A reusable super sponge in the configuration of a smiling face that gets firm in cold water and assent in warm water. Scrub Daddy has also been lab tested to touch up clear of debris and resist odors for up to two months. The ergonomic shape is intended to clean both sides of kitchen utensils at once.
- Sharks that bit: Lori Greiner ($200,000 for 20% even-handedness).
- Sales: Scrub Daddy has moved 10 million units for overall sales of more than $50 million since the pitch. Up front Shark Tank, the company had $100,000 in sales.
- The Product: A portfolio of seven disparate wines in a recycled glass-like container (patented) with a resealable, pull-off lid.
- Sharks that bit: Nil. Despite two appearances on the show, a deal could not be reached with the sharks.
- Reduced in price on the markets: Copa Di Vina had sales of $500,000 before the pitch and $14 million in 2015.
The Depths Line
Over the years, the Shark Tank stage has seen sundry great ideas and also a lot of duds. The countdown of its eight greatest works demonstrate there is still room for new ideas. No doubt, by offering frontage to millions of viewers and funding from shark investors, the Shark Tank desire continue to launch successful entrepreneurs and products.