Since 2009, Shark Tank has given entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their innovative ideas before a panel of billionaire investors. Some struggle to convince the sharks, while others land gifts on the spot with innovative yet ready-for-market products.
Rarely, several sharks will fight over such an idea, knowing it will change the world for the better. Once the sharks see a startup that thrills them, an offer can be made right away; from cleaning solutions to technology, these are in practically all cases because these startups are far too good to pass up.
Companies such as Scrub Daddy, Groovebook, and Squatty Potty have all turned into multimillion-dollar brands after securing their investments on the show. Others, including xCraft and Breathometer, were able to woo all five sharks into believing that their inventions are not just great ideas but truly industry-changing solutions.
We now present you with a list of 10 instant hits on Shark Tank that have accomplished outstanding levels of success. From viral campaigns to lucrative acquisitions, they have shown that with the right investor, the right idea can yield phenomenal returns. Step aside now to explore the clever products that won over the sharks in record time.
1. Scrub Daddy
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One of the legendary stories of Shark Tank is the Scrub Daddy, a sponge with a smiley face that changes texture with water temperature- soft with warm, hard with cold. Founder Aaron Krause's pitch impressed Lori Greiner, who put in $200,000 for a 20% stake. The investment has certainly paid off. Scrub Daddy has since raked in a remarkable $250 million in sales. They have since launched a whole line of other cleaning products found in major retail outlets such as Walmart and Amazon. Viral marketing, such as sponsorships with TikTok influencers, helped their cause.
2. Groovebook
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Brian and Julie Whiteman's presentation on Shark Tank changed the way that people print pictures forever. Groovebook allowed users to upload 100 pictures per month from their phones to be made into a custom photobook for just $2.99. Kevin O'Leary was impressed with the subscription-based model and offered $150,000 for 80 percent of the licensing rights.
Less than a year later, Groovebook was purchased by Shutterfly for $14.5 million. This deal proved O'Leary's instincts right, as the product was set up perfectly to ride the wave of digital photography. Groovebook continues to be a highly used and convenient photo printing service even after the acquisition.
3. Squatty Potty
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The invention of Bobby and Judy Edwards improved toilet posture for better digestion, and it immediately caught the attention of Lori Greiner. She invested $350,000 for 10%, and then the product exploded. A viral unicorn-themed ad campaign skyrocketed sales, with more than $175 million in revenue. Today, Squatty Potty is a household name, carried out at major retailers like Bed, Bath & Beyond, and, of course, Amazon. They have now branched into a complete line of health bath products, proof that even the strangest ideas can change the landscape.
4. Lumio
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With its elegant shape and one-stop-shop design, Max Gunawan Lumio, a foldable book light, left the sharks thunderstruck. Robert Herjavec did not waste time; he agreed to invest $350,000 for 10% off a huge profit. Soo,n Lumio gained international attention by landing in luxury-design stores and appearing in Time magazine's "Best Inventions." The product's popularity soared in the higher-end market, embraced by celebrities and interior designers for their clean, minimalist look. Lumio expanded into several product lines, including miniversions and color-changing models.
5. KIN Apparel
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Philomena Kane, the YouTuber-turned-entrepreneur, wowed the sharks with KIN Apparel--hoodies lined with satin to protect one's natural hair from breakage. The business idea of Kane made both Emma Grede and Lori Greiner interested in it. They invested a combined $200,000 into the business.
Since then, it has expanded into satin-lined hats, pillowcases, and even home goods. All of this happened right after Shark Tank made KIN Apparel. The success of the company is driven by a strong social media presence, celebrity endorsements, and partnerships with major retailers.
6. Breathometer
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Breathometer bragged about being the first ever smartphone-connected breathalyzer, enabling users to test blood alcohol concentration using a pocket device. So convincing was the pitch that, in an unprecedented turn of events, all sharks, Mark Cuban, Kevin O'Leary, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, and Daymond John, went in together with an investment of $1 million for 30% equity.
The product gained greater notoriety, even pairing with Uber to promote responsible drinking. However, after a string of regulatory troubles, it found itself settling with the FTC for claims regarding inaccurate readings.
7. BuggyBeds
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This early detection system for bedbugs, developed by Maria Curcio and Veronica Perlongo sparked the interest of the sharks because of its effective solution. Recognizing the market potential for such a venue, all five sharks came together, putting in a combined amount of 250,000 dollars in exchange for a 25% equity stake.
The product catapulted itself onto the major retailer shelves: Home Depot, Walmart, and, of course, Amazon. Beyond the home market, BuggyBeds engaged with agreements in the hotel and travel environments as well. This is a classic example underscoring the fact that simple, everyday solutions go a long way in the world of startups.
8. xCraft
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Drones today have dominion over several industries, from film-making to defense-and xCraft established itself as the market leader. Founded by JD Claridge and Charles Manning, the company initially pitched a hybrid drone with vertical takeoff and high-speed forward flight. Impressed, the sharks, Mark Cuban, Kevin O'Leary, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, and Daymond John, offered $1.5 million for a 25 percent stake in the company.
Since then, xCraft has entered into partnerships with large defense firms and developed applications for commercial drones. The company remains a leader in drone technology, developing next-generation UAVs for multiple industries.
9. Slyde Handboards
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Steve and Angela Watts took love between them to level height with the Slyde Handboards, compact handboards designed to further your experience while wave riding. Impressed with their pitch, Mark Cuban and Ashton Kutcher came in with an investment of $200,000 in exchange for 22 percent equity.
Almost immediately, the product gained ground in the water sports scene through endorsements from pro surfers and the extensive social media presence it amassed. Slyde Handboards expanded its line of products to include new designs and collaborations, making this increasingly popular but hardly used sport from freeride-fun all the way down to beginner-friendly.
10. The Mad Optimist
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The Mad Optimist is an Indiana-based company that revolutionized the personal care industry with its fully customizable, all-natural soaps and skin care products. Founded by three best friends, it allowed consumers to select the ingredients and scent of their soaps and even the price.
Mark Cuban, impressed by the ethical business model and inclusive approach, invested $60,000 for a 20% stake in the company. Since their appearance on Shark Tank, they have widened their product offering to include shampoos and body care with an emphasis on sustainability and fair pricing.
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