"They're all confused about this" — When Shark Tank expert Kevin O'Leary invested in Pop It Pal

Shark Tank
Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary Discusses The Intersection Of NFT's And Art - Source: Getty

One of the most talked-about moments on Shark Tank is when Kevin O'Leary invested in Pop It Pal, though he has made some of the most memorable deals. This unusual idea took the sharks off guard during season 10, which was full of creative pitches, causing a pause before O'Leary jumped in with a deal.

A toy called Pop It Pal, which mimics the strangely pleasant sensation of popping pimples, confused the investors. Although others thought it was strange, the founders passionately defended its high sales figures and viral popularity. O'Leary chose to negotiate because he recognized promise in its niche market, even if the other sharks were skeptical.

""No one else is going to make you an offer. I'm the only one with creativity that can actually structure things like this. They're all confused about this," he said.

Kevin used his position to negotiate a bargain because there were no competing offers. He was persuaded to invest by Pop It Pal's distinct appeal and capacity to garner social media attention. Fans wondered if this was O'Leary's riskiest or best move after the unexpected transaction.


When Pop It Pal appeared on Shark Tank Season 10 Episode 8

When Pop It Pal made its Shark Tank debut in Season 10, Episode 8, its unique yet strangely appealing concept immediately caught viewers' attention. The creators present their toy, a pimple-popping simulation that simulates the sensation of popping zits. The product's viral success and impressive sales numbers aroused curiosity from the sharks, who were originally dubious.


Pop It Pal founders' pitch

In season 10, episode 8, Billy, Kayla, and Summer Pierce debuted on Shark Tank with their innovative invention, Pop It Pal, a toy that simulates popping pimples. They marketed their product as a stress-relieving, entertaining invention for people who like the strangely fulfilling sensation of bursting zits. The founders valued their business at $2.5 million and asked for $250,000 for a 10% stock investment.

When the entrepreneurs showed the sharks their amazing sales figures, $315,000 in just four months, they impressed them. They described how their product received millions of views on social media and went viral. Their large profit margins were a powerful selling factor because each unit cost $0.80 to produce and sold for $19.99.


Kevin O'Leary negotiated a deal with Pop It Pal

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Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary promised the creators of Pop It Pal $250,000 in exchange for a 5% stock stake in the business and a royalty of $1.50 per unit until he recovers $750,000. He advised the business to accept the offer as soon as possible, stressing that it was powerful.

Mark Cuban, in the meantime, made a rival offer of $250,000 in exchange for a much bigger 25% ownership stake in the company. Following much deliberation, the founders decided against Mark's higher-equity offer in favor of Kevin's proposition.


To watch more such deals, head to ABC and binge all the episodes of Shark Tank.

Edited by Debanjana
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