“Can be extended to other areas” — When Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary decided to place an offer to Zorpads founders

On Shark Tank Season 10 Episode 13, Zorpads founders Taylor Wiegele & Sierra Smith were seeking $150k for 8% of their business. They shared they had made $100,000 in sales since they launched. Their product — the odor-removing shoe insert — was innovative, though Mark Cuban wasn't quite impressed.

Sharks Lori Greiner and Kevin O'Leary, on the other hand, placed separate offers while having different points of view about how the brand could be scaled in the future. Kevin advised the founders not to give up too much equity by accepting Lori's offer. Lori explained she would help the product make it to QVC. In turn, Kevin stated, "anybody can get on QVC." The Shark Tank investor elaborated:

"I sell millions of dollars of products on QVC. And anybody can get on QVC with a good product it has to go through testing as all my products do. I like this product because it can be extended to other areas."

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Zorpads founders secured a deal with Shark Tank investor Lori and guest Charles Barkley

Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary stated that his team would help establish a well-renowned brand for the product. Kevin stated that if the founders partnered with him, he could make more noise for the products. Kevin offered $150,000 for 20% equity, emphasizing he would add value to the company.

Mark Cuban, on the other hand, was not a fan of the Taylor Wiegele and Sierra Smith's goal of spending more money on marketing and sales. They wanted to focus on selling through retail, which Mark wasn't in favour of. He stated that $150,000 wouldn't be enough to spend on marketing, and added that traditional retail wasn't the way for them to establish a successful brand.

Due to difference in vision and future plans for the company, Cuban backed out from placing an offer. He said:

"Taylor, you said that this was more odor prevention than a full tennis court. why did you choose to spend your $150,000 on branding, why make that choice? You're only asking for $150,000, right? That's not a lot relative to building even a local brand. Okay, so guys, look, Harvard Business School ruined you guys. I'm out."

Shark Tank investor Lori Greiner then offered a $150,000 investment for 30% equity and was joined by guest shark Charles Barkley. Lori said that she would help the founders make millions, and hence giving away 30% equity would be a wise decision.

Robert chimed in that he liked the idea of a celebrity endorsement with Charles by Lori's side in this deal. Lori wanted Charles to be the face of the brand, which Robert agreed with. However, he wasn't sure if the offer itself was a good one. Then, Robert placed an offer as well, matching Kevin's.

Later in the episode, Lori encouraged the founders to secure a deal with her. She asked whether the founders wanted a valuable outcome or didn't want to give up more equity. In the end, the Zorpads founders agreed to $150,000 for a 22.5% equity offer placed by Charles and Lori.

As of 2022, the company has been making $4 million per year and continues to be a successful business.

All episodes of Shark Tank are available to stream on ABC.