Since its debut in 2009, Shark Tank has captivated audiences with its dramatic pitch sessions, entrepreneurial spirit, and exciting investment deals. Aspiring entrepreneurs from across the country present their innovative products and businesses, hoping to secure a deal with one of the “sharks”—the wealthy investors known for their shrewd business acumen.
Over the years, many products that gained attention on the show have gone on to become household names. Some of these businesses have transformed their industries, and their success stories continue to inspire entrepreneurs around the world. In this article, we will highlight 8 of the most successful products from Shark Tank, exploring how they got their start and the factors that contributed to their triumph.
1. Scrub Daddy – The Smiling Sponge That Took Over Kitchens
Founder: Aaron Krause
Investment: $200,000 for a 20% stake
Shark: Lori Greiner
Scrub Daddy, the smiling sponge that can change texture based on water temperature, became one of the biggest success stories in Shark Tank history. Created by Aaron Krause, this simple yet revolutionary product has completely redefined the way people think about household sponges.
The sponge is made of a unique material that softens in warm water and becomes tough in cold water. This adaptability allows it to clean surfaces more effectively than traditional sponges, particularly on tough grime, without scratching delicate surfaces. Lori Greiner, the “Queen of QVC,” saw its potential and invested $200,000 for a 20% equity stake. Since then, Scrub Daddy has sold millions of units, raking in over $200 million in revenue.
The key to Scrub Daddy’s success was its combination of a novel concept, effective marketing, and Greiner’s expertise in retail and media. The product’s visibility on QVC and the backing of a strong brand turned it into a must-have kitchen item.
2. Ring – The Smart Doorbell That Changed Home Security
Founder: Jamie Siminoff
Investment: None (Jamie was not able to secure a deal)
Shark: N/A
One of the most remarkable success stories from Shark Tank came from Jamie Siminoff, who pitched his company, originally called “DoorBot,” in 2013. The concept was simple but game-changing—a smart doorbell with a built-in camera and two-way audio, allowing homeowners to see and speak to visitors through their smartphones. Despite the innovative nature of the product, the sharks were skeptical, and Siminoff left the show without an investment.
However, Siminoff did not give up. He rebranded the company as Ring, made strategic partnerships, and continued to improve the product. In 2018, Amazon acquired Ring for over $1 billion, making it one of the most successful businesses to emerge from Shark Tank—even without an initial deal.
Ring’s growth was driven by the growing demand for smart home technology and its integration with Amazon’s Echo devices. The ability to monitor front doors remotely, combined with Ring’s advanced security features, quickly turned it into a household name.
3. Bombas – The Sock Company with a Mission
Founders: David Heath and Randy Goldberg
Investment: $200,000 for a 17.5% stake
Shark: Daymond John
Bombas, a company that sells high-performance socks, stands out not only because of its product but also because of its mission. The founders, David Heath and Randy Goldberg, sought to solve two problems: creating a sock that was more comfortable and durable than any other on the market and giving back to communities in need.
For every pair of socks sold, Bombas donates a pair to someone in need. This philanthropic model resonated with both consumers and investors, especially Daymond John, who saw the potential for growth. After securing an investment, Bombas went on to generate over $100 million in revenue, becoming one of the top sock brands in the U.S.
The company’s success is a testament to the power of combining purpose with business. Bombas’ commitment to social responsibility has helped it stand out in a crowded market, while its innovative design and high-quality materials have earned it a loyal customer base.
4. The Original Comfy – A Wearable Blanket for All Ages
Founders: Brian and Shannon Duffy
Investment: $50,000 for a 30% stake
Shark: Barbara Corcoran
The Comfy is essentially a giant, cozy hoodie that functions as a wearable blanket. When Brian and Shannon Duffy pitched this simple but appealing product in 2017, Barbara Corcoran saw its potential and jumped at the chance to invest. The Duffy family had already made and sold the product online, but Corcoran helped them scale it to national retailers.
Since the investment, The Comfy has exploded in popularity. It became a viral sensation, especially around the holiday season, with sales reaching tens of millions of dollars. The brand capitalized on the cozy, at-home lifestyle trend and was embraced by people of all ages looking for comfort during downtime.
What makes The Comfy so successful is its simplicity, ease of use, and the universal appeal of comfort. Barbara Corcoran’s sharp business instincts, combined with the viral nature of the product, turned it into a multi-million-dollar business.
5. Squatty Potty – The Toilet Stool That Improved Bathroom Posture
Founders: Bobby and Judy Edwards
Investment: $350,000 for a 10% stake
Shark: Lori Greiner
The Squatty Potty is a toilet stool designed to improve bowel movements by helping users assume a more natural squatting posture while using the restroom. Bobby and Judy Edwards’ idea was inspired by their personal struggles with digestion and bowel health. They believed that squatting was a more natural position for the human body, and they created a product to encourage that posture.
Lori Greiner, ever the champion of inventive solutions, saw the potential of the Squatty Potty and invested $350,000 for a 10% equity stake. Since then, the product has been a runaway success, generating millions in sales. The unique product combined with a memorable, humorous marketing campaign—featuring a “unicorn poop” ad—helped it go viral.
Squatty Potty’s success has made it a staple in many homes, with the company expanding its product line to include related health and wellness products.
6. Beardbrand – The Grooming Brand for Men
Founder: Eric Bandholz
Investment: None (No deal was made)
Shark: N/A
Although Eric Bandholz did not secure a deal when he appeared on Shark Tank in 2013, his company, Beardbrand, went on to become one of the most successful grooming brands for men. Beardbrand offers a variety of beard care products, including oils, balms, and grooming tools, catering to a niche but growing market.
The company’s success is attributed to Bandholz’s dedication to building a brand that speaks to the modern man, focusing on self-care and promoting confidence. By leveraging social media and influencer marketing, Beardbrand grew quickly and now generates millions of dollars in revenue.
The Beardbrand story shows that even without the backing of the sharks, a strong brand and marketing strategy can lead to monumental success.
7. Drop Stop – The Car Seat Gap Filler
Founders: Marc Newburger and Jeffrey Simon
Investment: $300,000 for a 20% stake
Shark: Lori Greiner
Drop Stop is a simple yet ingenious product designed to prevent items from falling between the seats of a car. Marc Newburger and Jeffrey Simon pitched the product on Shark Tank in 2013, and Lori Greiner saw its potential. She invested $300,000 for a 20% stake, and the product has since become a must-have for car owners.
The product’s success can be attributed to its practicality and universal appeal. Drop Stop is easy to install and works on virtually all vehicles, providing a solution to a common problem many drivers face. The partnership with Greiner gave Drop Stop the credibility and marketing muscle it needed to succeed, and the product has sold millions of units since its launch.
8. Chef Big Shake – The Premium Shrimp Burger
Founder: Shawn Davis
Investment: $150,000 for a 25% stake
Shark: Mark Cuban
Chef Big Shake, created by Shawn Davis, offers a unique shrimp burger patty that combines fresh shrimp with gourmet seasoning. In 2011, Davis appeared on Shark Tank, pitching the product as a healthy alternative to traditional beef or chicken burgers. Mark Cuban recognized the potential in the unique offering and invested $150,000 for a 25% stake.
The partnership with Cuban allowed Chef Big Shake to expand its product line and distribution. The brand has grown substantially, landing deals with major grocery stores and making the shrimp burger a popular choice for those seeking an alternative to traditional burgers.
Conclusion
The success stories of these eight products demonstrate the diverse range of innovative ideas that have found success after appearing on Shark Tank. From smart home technology to household essentials and health-focused brands, the common thread among these businesses is the combination of a unique product, effective marketing, and the right investment. These entrepreneurs’ journeys show that with the right combination of creativity, persistence, and business acumen, success is within reach.