Credit: ABC Entertainment Press Site
Snapshot
- The USA is the country with the most number of entrepreneurs in the world.
- Shark Tank allows aspiring entrepreneurs to take a shorter route and earn a global presence in less time.
- Many products, including Calm Strips and Larq that have appeared on Shark Tank have brought about significant changes in their industries.
Did you know there are millions of entrepreneurs worldwide, with the US topping the list? With such massive global competition, standing out and making a mark for yourself becomes more complicated.
Against this backdrop, Shark Tank has emerged as a savior for entrepreneurs, allowing them to present their products/companies globally. Additionally, grabbing investment deals from eminent Sharks like Mark, Kevin, Lori, Daymond, and Barbara help them acquire the required financial assistance and expert guidance.
Below mentioned are a few Shark Tank products that revolutionized their industries in an unprecedented manner:
1. Squatty Potty
When we talk about bringing revolutions in any industry, Squatty Potty cannot be left out. On hearing the name the first time, you may start smiling and wondering what this product is all about. Let’s cut to the chase.
Squatty Potty is a breakthrough attempt at redefining the way Americans have been using their toilets for ages. The idea is to ease down bowel movements with its uniquely designed stool. All you need to do is when you sit on the toilet seat, instead of placing your feet on the ground, put it on the stool. You’ll see the difference in your bowel movements with a changed angle by squatting rather than sitting.
Lori Greiner liked the idea and closed the deal at $350K for a 10% equity stake.
Post Shark Tank, the ingenious idea brought up by a mother-son duo named Bobby and Judy Edwards has brought a new wave in America with many new similar products coming up in the market. The sales generated is not to be missed as well, which has touched a milestone figure of $260 million by 2023.
2. Larq
Larq is a self-purifying and self-cleaning water bottle that enables people to access “pristine drinking water” sustainably and easily. Brought up by Justin Wang, this water bottle is different from the others in this overtly popular industry with its unique ability to use UV light for cleansing the bottle.
Striking a comparison with the regular plastic water bottles, Justin cleverly explained why Larq was a better alternative and how this could be a contributor to the environment as well.
The investment sought was $500K for 1% of the company. Just like the Sharks, you might as well be wondering why such a low equity stake. But the reason was his confidence that the Sharks would go for it, as there’s almost no other brand that does something similar.
The same happened when Lori and Kevin partnered together and nabbed the deal at $1 million for 4% (the deal never closed).
In a market where there are a hundred brands of water bottles, Larq, with its unique selling point, has carved a niche and grown to be currently valued at $50 million.
3. BasePaws
Anna Skaya came up to the tank with her product BasePaws, the world’s first DNA test for cats. The kit offers powerful briefs and insights about a cat’s ancestral breed, genetic traits, and diseases by leveraging new-age technology.
Delivered through the mail, the cat kit includes a swab and adhesive tape, which can be put on a cat. Next, you need to whisk it off and the sample is then sent to labs, after which the company offers comprehensive reports on the DNA of cats.
Anna proposed an offer of $250K for 5% of her company. After a detailed round of negotiations, the final deal was clinched by Kevin and Robert for $125K each at 10%.
BasePaws brought quite a revolution in the petcare genetics industry. This can be ascertained from the fact that, impressed by its services, Zoetis, a renowned animal health brand acquired it for over $50 million in 2022. Pumped up by the positive response, Anna is now eyeing on test kits for dogs.
4. Calm Strips
Michael Malkin and Luce Fuller presented Calm Strips, textured sensory adhesives, for an offer seeking $250K at 10% equity. Explaining their functionality, they described how you can touch, rub, or scratch these strips to calm yourself in moments of stress or anxiety.
This eventually leads to reduced fidgeting, increased focus, and regulated restless energy. Further, they are reusable and residue-free, so you can also stick them to your phones and laptops.
The strips are available in either a sandy or “river rock” texture. Discussing their consumer base, the entrepreneur revealed that schools nationwide made the most significant purchases. Additionally, they said they offer complete refunds if somebody is unhappy with the product.
Except for Daymond and Mark, all the other Sharks were interested in making the deal. Robert offered $250K for 35%. Kevin was next in line and offered $250K for a royalty of $2.5 per unit. Lori entered the chat saying she was ready to do it similar to Kevin’s but with an equity of 8%. The final deal was, however, locked with Robert for $250K at 35%.
Although the deal with Robert never really closed, after its appearance on Shark Tank, Calm Strips has been bringing about new changes now and then in the industry.
They marked their presence online at Walmart by 2022 and entered more than 75 mom-and-pop retailers by 2023. The annual revenue has also touched over $1 million.
Summing Up
The path to success for any entrepreneurial venture is guided by out-of-the-box ideas. This can be understood from all the products discussed above. Each has something unique to offer, which makes them easily identifiable and valuable for their user base.
References
1. These Are the Most Entrepreneurial Countries, U.S New & World Report
Entrepreneur, auteur, raconteur. Rob Merlino is a blogger and writer who enjoys the Shark Tank TV show and Hot Dogs. A father of five who freelances in a variety of publications, Rob has a stable of websites including Shark Tank Blog, Hot Dog Stories, Rob Merlino.com and more.
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