"We want to make life easier" When Stakt Mat Pro landed a $100,000 deal with Shark Tank's Lori Greiner 

Shark Tank brought national attention to Stakt, the innovative yoga mat company founded by best friends Millie Blumka and Taylor Borenstein during the pandemic. They saw a need in the market for multipurpose training mats and developed the folding Stakt Mat, which can be used for many types of workouts.

Due to the rapid success of their idea, they were featured on Season 14 of the popular ABC program, in which entrepreneurs attempt to secure money by pitching their firms to a panel of affluent investors.

To expand their company, increase marketing efforts, and build their brand in the cutthroat exercise equipment industry, Blumka and Borenstein went into Shark Tank looking for financing.

“Our focus is to continue iterating and creating more functional products that offer versatility while garnering results,” Borenstein explained.

Elaborating:

“We want to make life easier for both gym owners and end users while enhancing the overall workout experience.”

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What happened during Stakt Mat Pro’s Shark Tank pitch?

Entering the Shark Tank with confidence, Blumka and Borenstein asked for $100,000 in exchange for 10% equity in their company. The pair revealed impressive numbers: in just six and a half months, they had generated $110,000 in sales after investing $50,000 of their savings. Each mat cost only $21.50 to produce while retailing for $88, showcasing healthy profit margins.

The duo explained that their marketing strategy relied heavily on organic social media promotion, but they needed a Shark's expertise and investment to scale their operations. Their pitch highlighted the mat's unique selling points – its ability to fold into different configurations, providing varying levels of support for different exercises.

"When moving between an exercise where a standard mat is sufficient — such as ab work — to an elbow plank where more cushion is necessary, the mat quickly converts to support both and is at the ready for the next pose or exercise whatever that might be," Blumka explained to the Sharks.

The pitch immediately caught the Sharks' attention, but not all were ready to bite. Daymond John was the first to drop out, candidly admitting he didn't understand the market well enough to provide value. Kevin O'Leary followed, stating it simply wasn't a good fit for his investment portfolio.

Shark Tank's Mark Cuban, though impressed with the product, declined due to a conflict of interest with another fitness equipment company he had already invested in. Kendra Scott expressed concerns about repurchasing rates, noting that yoga mats are typically long-term investments rather than repeat purchases.

Just when it seemed like the entrepreneurs might leave empty-handed, Shark Tank's Lori Greiner made an offer: $100,000 for 15% equity plus a $0.75 royalty per unit sold. After brief negotiations, Blumka and Borenstein accepted the deal, thrilled to partner with the "Queen of QVC."

What makes the Stakt Mat unique in the crowded fitness equipment market? The EVA foam mat features a patented folding design that allows it to transform into four different configurations, providing varying levels of cushioning and support.

"When fully folded, it can be used for incline and decline exercises and more, allowing instruction and programming to be built around it," Borenstein explained in interviews after the show.

Beyond its versatility for different exercises, the mat's foldable design makes it ideal for small spaces and easy transport. Made from durable, water-resistant, non-slip materials, the Stakt Mat combines functionality with smart design – a winning combination in the fitness industry.

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How did Stakt fare after its Shark Tank appearance?

It's interesting that after the Shark Tank episode aired, the agreement with Lori Greiner didn't close. However, Stakt's progress remained unabated despite this setback. The mat received praise from Yahoo Life and Good Housekeeping, and within a year of its Shark Tank debut, Time magazine named it one of the top inventions of 2023.

Blumka and Borenstein had greatly increased their scope by 2024. In an innovative marketing strategy that emphasized the founders' lighthearted approach to business, they teamed up with yoga studios around the country, got spots in stores like Free People and Lagree fitness centers, and even worked with Cafe Panna to develop their ice cream flavor.

Through freebies, fitness challenges, and announcements on new collaborations, they frequently interact with their customers on social media, which has grown to over 33,000 Instagram followers.

Together with famed photographer Gray Malin, they introduced their first printed mat in 2025 that featured his trademark beach scenes. This special edition demonstrated the company's dedication to giving back by donating a part of its profits to the California Fire Foundation.

Carrying cases, cleaning supplies, grippy socks, branded clothing, towels, and their ground-breaking Stakt weights—adjustable hand weights that twist to shift between two, four, and six pounds—were added to the product line in addition to mats.

Stakt has demonstrated that often the biggest business chances arise from solving your concerns, having grown from a pandemic-born idea to a successful fitness brand. Blumka and Borenstein's story serves as motivation for entrepreneurs worldwide, demonstrating that you don't need a Shark to succeed in the market if you have the appropriate product and perseverance.

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You can watch Shark Tank in the U.S. on ABC, stream it on Hulu, or purchase episodes on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.