Shark Tank has been inspiring our inner entrepreneur for more than a decade by blending elements of reality TV, business masterclasses, and a dash of “Wow, why didn’t I think of that?” Whether it’s a game-changing gadget, groundbreaking technology, an innovative food product, or an eyebrow-raising oddity, the pitches that succeed (and even those that don’t) can change lives instantly.
But what happens when the cameras stop rolling? Do these products continue to thrive in the big leagues or silently fade away? Here’s a look at nine memorable Shark Tank products and the significant impact they’ve made on the market.
Scrub Daddy: Continuing to Scrub Its Way Up
When Aaron Krause pitched Scrub Daddy in 2012, he had a smile on his face, literally. The sponge’s happy face wasn’t just pretty; it was handy, designed to clean utensils while smiling at you. Lori Greiner seized the opportunity, investing $200K for 20%.
The day after the show aired, 42,000 units were sold from the QVC shelves. Today, Scrub Daddy isn’t just a sponge; it’s a kingdom. With more than $926 million in retail sales, a product range of over 160 items, and distribution in more than 250,000 stores globally, it’s perhaps Shark Tank’s most remarkable success story. And yes, that smile is still as bright as ever.
Squatty Potty: The Bathroom Solution
When Squatty Potty appeared in 2014, it was hard not to laugh. A footstool designed to help you, well, “go” more efficiently? Sounds ridiculous, right? But Lori Greiner saw the vision and took a chance on the business, and good thing she did, because the company has gone on to sell over 8 million units!
The hilarious unicorn-poop advertisement campaign became a viral sensation, and Squatty Potty is now a standard fixture in houses worldwide. They’ve even branched into eco-friendly materials and digestive-health advocacy. This shows that even the least attractive products can be pure gold.
Bala Bangles: The Workout Booster
Wearable wrist and ankle weights that resembled stylish accessories rather than gym equipment were brought to Shark Tank by Natalie Holloway and Max Kislevitz in 2020. Maria Sharapova, a tennis player and guest shark, teamed up with Mark Cuban for a $900K contract.
With an expanded range that includes exercise bands, pilates balls, and even clothing, Bala is now available in more than 1,300 Target locations. The success of the brand depicts that fitness can be both practical and fashionable!
Bombas: Socks with a Cause
In 2014, founders David Heath and Randy Goldberg transformed the ordinary sock into something meaningful. For every pair sold, Bombas donates one to somebody in need. Daymond John invested $200K for 17.5%, and the rest is history.
Along with socks, Bombas also sells T-shirts, underwear, and more, becoming Shark Tank’s highest-grossing product ever with more than $1 billion in lifetime sales. The secret? Comfort meets social responsibility. You’re not just buying socks; you’re supporting a cause.
Stasher: Durable Reusable Bags
In 2018, Kat Nouri’s silicone storage bags struck a deal with Mark Cuban; however, it fell through after the show. Nevertheless, by 2019, Stasher had become one of the Bay Area’s fastest-growing firms and had won multiple design awards.
Later that year, Stasher was taken over by the household giant S. C. Johnson & Son, enabling the brand to expand worldwide. If you’re someone who’s packing lunch or freezing leftovers, Stasher is probably in your kitchen drawer.
Larq: The Self-Cleaning Bottle
In 2021, Larq’s presentation sounded like science fiction: a water bottle with built-in UV-C light to kill germs. Kevin O’Leary and Lori Greiner saw the potential and invested $1 million for 4%.
Larq is now a go-to product for tourists, hikers, and germaphobes alike. It’s sleek, sustainable, and stylish, a trifecta that keeps it at the top of the reusable bottle market. Plus, it makes you feel like you’re sipping from the future!
Rebel Cheese: Vegan Cheese
When Kirsten Maitland and Fred Zaragoza presented Rebel Cheese in 2023, they weren’t just offering vegan cheese; they were offering a revelation for plant-based food enthusiasts. Cuban and Greiner divided a $750K investment for 10%.
Their creamy, flavorful cheeses have since been gaining popularity among vegans and dairy lovers alike, with plans to expand countrywide.
Rumpl: The Blanket Designed for Adventure
In Season 12, the creators of Rumpl presented their blanket, designed after a sleeping bag, but the sharks rejected it. However, that didn’t stop them. Rumpl built a cult following among outdoor enthusiasts thanks to its eye-catching designs and durable, weather-resistant materials.
Currently, they are collaborating with artists, introducing eco-friendly products, and proving that sometimes the best deals can be found off-camera!
Sand Cloud: Towels with a Mission
Sand Cloud’s 2017 proposal offered more than just beach vibes; it carried a purpose. Their Turkish cotton towels are sand-resistant and eco-friendly, with 10% of sales supporting marine conservation. Robert Herjavec took 15% for $200K.
Currently, they’ve expanded into blankets, robes, and accessories. Every purchase continues to help safeguard the oceans, proving that sustainability and style can go hand in hand on the same towel rack.
How These Products Made a Difference
What ties these different pitches together? A few main elements are as follows:
- A clear, relatable issue: Whether it’s about disorganized kitchens (Stasher) or sandy towels (Sand Cloud), a handy solution is the key.
- Powerful branding: brand identity is crucial.
- Grit beyond the Tank: Rumpl and Stasher depict that a “no” from the sharks isn’t the end; it can be the beginning of a bigger expedition.
- A little bit of presentation: E.g., A smiling sponge, a unicorn promoting toilet stools, and a water bottle that glows up like a device from Star Trek.
The Lesson from Shark Tank
Shark Tank isn’t a golden ticket; it is a launchpad. TV exposure can give a product widespread recognition, but sustained success comes from consistent quality, clever marketing, and flexibility.
Some of these businesses have scaled into universal powerhouses (Scrub Daddy, Bombas). Others are flourishing in niche markets (Rebel Cheese). And a few have become cultural icons; for instance, it’s impossible to discuss bathroom humor without mentioning the Squatty Potty.
So, the next time you see a strange product gaining popularity online or at your nearby store, remember: it might have begun under those bright Shark Tank lights, with an optimistic entrepreneur anxiously standing in front of five sharks, dreaming of the very moment you’re holding it in your hands.
From cleaning dishes to squatting in elegance, these Shark Tank products prove that with the correct blend of innovation, perseverance, and just a little showmanship, you really can make a big difference!
