8 Top Products That Found Success on "Shark Tank"
Since its debut in 2009, ABC's "Shark Tank" has offered entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to pitch their innovations to a panel of wealthy investors—known as sharks—in hopes of securing funding and mentorship. On May 10, 2024, ABC officially renewed the series for a sixteenth season, which premiered on October 18, 2024. This season also marks an exciting development: Daniel Lubetzky, founder of Kind Snacks, has joined the show as its first new regular investor in over ten years. Having previously appeared as a guest shark, Lubetzky now joins the regular lineup alongside Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John, and Kevin O’Leary.
"It’s a privilege to be part of a show that continues to educate, entertain, and bring Americans together in the spirit of collaboration," Lubetzky stated.
While not every product pitched on "Shark Tank" secures funding, some ideas go on to achieve remarkable success. Here are eight of the most successful products to come out of the show—counted down from number eight to the most profitable of them all.
8. Tipsy Elves: Festive Fun for Every Occasion
Tipsy Elves began as a quirky Christmas sweater brand but soon expanded into a full-fledged holiday apparel company, offering clothes for a variety of special occasions, including Halloween and the Fourth of July. The company’s fun, bold designs captured the interest of shark Robert Herjavec.
Shark: Robert Herjavec
Investment: $100,000 for 10% equity
Sales: $317 million as of May 2023
Tipsy Elves has thrived by tapping into seasonal markets, making it a go-to brand for those seeking festive and eccentric holiday attire.
7. DUDE Wipes: Revolutionizing Personal Hygiene
The creators of DUDE Wipes—Sean Riley, Jeffrey Klimkowski, and Ryan Meegan—offered a fresh take on personal hygiene with their eco-friendly, flushable wipes. Mark Cuban saw the potential in the brand’s playful approach and invested in the company, helping it grow into a household name with distribution at major retailers.
Shark: Mark Cuban
Investment: $300,000 for 25% equity
Sales: $341 million as of May 2023
DUDE Wipes’ humorous branding helped it stand out in the personal hygiene industry, and the company has since expanded its product line.
6. The Comfy: A Cozy, Wearable Blanket
Inspired by the sight of a child wearing an oversized sweatshirt, brothers Brian and Michael Speciale created The Comfy, a cozy, oversized, wearable blanket. Barbara Corcoran loved the concept and invested in it, helping the product go viral and become a sensation on QVC and social media.
Shark: Barbara Corcoran
Investment: $50,000 for 30% equity
Sales: $550 million as of May 2023
The Comfy’s continued success has made it a staple for anyone looking for comfortable and casual loungewear, with the brand expanding into new designs and partnerships.
5. Cousins Maine Lobster: Bringing Fresh Maine Lobster to the Masses
Cousins Maine Lobster, founded by cousins Jim Tselikis and Sabin Lomac, brought the unique taste of Maine lobster to food lovers across the country. The franchise model expanded from food trucks to brick-and-mortar locations, with Barbara Corcoran recognizing the brand's growth potential.
Shark: Barbara Corcoran
Investment: $55,000 for 15% equity
Sales: $585 million as of May 2023
Cousins Maine Lobster’s focus on quality and sustainability has allowed it to maintain a loyal customer base while expanding across 27 states.
4. The Bouqs Co.: Sustainable Flowers with a Mission
Though The Bouqs Co. didn’t secure a deal during its initial Shark Tank appearance, it found success when Robert Herjavec became a customer. He was so impressed with the company's eco-friendly practices and the quality of their flowers that he invested in a later funding round. The Bouqs works directly with sustainable farms to deliver fresh flowers to consumers.
Shark: Robert Herjavec
Investment: Undisclosed, part of a $24 million funding round
Sales: $640 million as of May 2023
The Bouqs’ commitment to sustainability in the floral industry has made it a popular choice for environmentally conscious consumers.
3. Scrub Daddy: The Smiley Sponge That Cleans It All
Scrub Daddy, the cheerful sponge that changes texture with water temperature, has become one of the most iconic products to come out of Shark Tank. Inventor Aaron Krause’s pitch impressed Lori Greiner, who helped turn Scrub Daddy into a multi-million dollar household cleaning brand.
Shark: Lori Greiner
Investment: $200,000 for 20% equity
Sales: $926 million as of May 2023
Scrub Daddy has since expanded its product line, maintaining its reputation as a cleaning tool that’s as fun as it is functional.
2. Everlywell: At-Home Lab Testing for Modern Healthcare
Julie Cheek’s Everlywell offered a new approach to healthcare with at-home lab testing kits. Her goal was to make lab testing more accessible and user-friendly for patients, and Lori Greiner saw the potential to disrupt the healthcare space. Everlywell has since partnered with major retailers like CVS and Target and expanded into telehealth services.
Shark: Lori Greiner
Investment: $1 million line of credit for 5% equity
Sales: $1.1 billion as of May 2023
Everlywell’s rise to success comes at a time when more consumers are seeking convenient, affordable healthcare options, and the brand has become a leader in at-home health testing.
1. Bombas: Comfort with a Charitable Twist
At the very top of Shark Tank’s most successful products is Bombas, a company that started with a mission to give back. For every pair of socks sold, Bombas donates one pair to a homeless shelter. This simple, powerful idea won over Daymond John, who saw the social impact and business potential of the company. Bombas has since expanded its product line to include t-shirts, underwear, and slippers, all while maintaining its one-for-one donation model.
Shark: Daymond John
Investment: $200,000 for 17.5% equity
Sales: $1.3 billion as of May 2023
Bombas has donated over 140 million items to those in need, proving that a business can be both profitable and purpose-driven. It remains the highest-grossing product ever featured on Shark Tank.
The Bottom Line
Throughout its 16 seasons, "Shark Tank" has launched many products that have grown into household names. From Bombas, a company with a charitable twist, to Scrub Daddy, the smiley sponge, these products have proven that with the right combination of innovation and investment, incredible success is possible. With the addition of Daniel Lubetzky as a full-time shark, the show’s legacy of supporting entrepreneurial dreams continues to grow. Shark Tank premiered on October 18, 2024.
Mark Cuban: How to Make Extra Money
Mark Cuban, the star of Shark Tank, has shared the profitable side hustle he would pursue if he could turn back the clock to his teenage years. In a recent interview with CNBC Make It, the 66-year-old entrepreneur discussed essential skills for success in any job, emphasizing the importance of being 'curious' and 'agile.
When it comes to artificial intelligence, Cuban, who recently responded to Donald Trump, admitted he’s uncertain about the future of AI but intends to stay informed. Reflecting on what he would change about his younger self, the TV personality stated:
"If I were a 16-year-old looking to start a side hustle for some extra cash, there are a few things I would focus on. "First, I would dive deep into large language models like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Meta, learning how to create effective prompts and then teaching my friends how to do the same."
If Mark Cuban was 16 years old again and "needed to make some extra money," he'd start one specific side hustle, he tells CNBC Make It.
For more on how to start this side hustle: https://t.co/QGmPze4vJT pic.twitter.com/OUoL6ty5zx
— CNBC Make It (@CNBCMakeIt) October 23, 2024
Related: Texas Entrepreneur's $150,000 deal with Two Shark Tank investors
