13 Memorable “Shark Tank” Products — From Bombas To Bala Bangles
Source: Nice News, Marika Price Spitulski
Photo: Disney/Christopher Willard
Over 15 seasons and 300-plus episodes, Shark Tank has featured more than a thousand pitches from entrepreneurs looking to make a deal with the Emmy-winning series’ panel of potential investors. Some products inspired frenzied bidding wars (like Scrub Daddy), while others were rejected on the show yet still went on to become household staples (like the Ring Video Doorbell) — embodying the sentiment that setbacks can be opportunities.
While we admire all the individuals who were brave enough to put their ideas (and themselves) out there, some businesses are especially memorable for not only what they sell, but also the missions behind them. From socks that give back to self-cleaning water bottles, below are 13 Shark Tank products that have made a lasting impression.
Bombas
Bombas has come a long way since appearing on Shark Tank in 2014. Considered the show’s “most successful brand of all time,” the apparel company known for its long-lasting socks, underwear, T-shirts, and slippers had brought in $1 billion in lifetime revenue as of 2023, per Entrepreneur.
Beyond impressive sales, Bombas also stands out for its one-for-one model, donating an item with every purchase. To date, the brand has donated more than 100 million essential apparel items to people experiencing homelessness, teaming up with over 3,500 giving partners in all 50 states. “These are more than pieces of clothing,” Bombas wrote in an Impact Report. “To some, they represent a helping hand, a sign of support, or the chance to start meaningful conversation.”
Larq
There are lots of reusable water bottles on the market, but Larq stands out for its self-cleaning, water purifying technology, which works by neutralizing bacteria with UV-C light. Co-founder Justin Wang presented this pitch on Shark Tank’s 12th season in 2021, and it was enough for the sleek smart bottle to receive $1 million for a 4% stake in the company from Sharks Lori Greiner and Kevin O’Leary.
Fast forward to February of this year, and Larq was acquired by filtration giant Brita. “I could not be more excited about the partnership; it’s a leap into the future for our mission of providing sustainable hydration solutions to the world.” Wang wrote on LinkedIn, adding: “When it comes to the future of healthy and sustainable hydration, we’re just getting started.”
Scrub Daddy
The happiest sponge out there, Scrub Daddy is a go-to for removing stubborn debris with a smile (literally). Since founder Aaron Krause appeared on Shark Tank in 2012 and secured a $200,000 deal with Lori Greiner for 20% equity, Scrub Daddy has evolved into a cleaning empire, making $220 million in sales in 2023 alone, per Fortune.
Other notable products include the Scrub Mommy and Sponge Daddy. The brand has also launched a Recycling Rewards program to help minimize waste.
Sand Cloud
Sand Cloud’s sand-resistant towels, handcrafted from organic Turkish cotton, were featured on Shark Tank in 2017. The season eight episode was a special dedicated to millennial entrepreneurs and their ideas. Sand Cloud walked away with a $200,000 offer from Robert Herjavec for 15% equity and has expanded its product line with blankets, accessories, robes, and more.
On a mission to help conserve marine life (or “#SaveTheFishies”), the company donates 10% of sales to organizations like the Surfrider Foundation, Global Penguin Society, and Coral Restoration Foundation.
Squatty Potty
In 2014, Squatty Potty signed a deal with Lori Greiner on Shark Tank and has gone on to sell over 8 million toilet stools. The sturdy and subtle product is designed to put your body in the most comfortable and efficient position to use the bathroom.
Squatty Potty manufactures its stools with recyclable or renewable materials, and donates a percentage of annual revenue to organizations that “spread awareness around digestive health,” per the website.
Stasher
An alternative to single-use plastic Ziplocs, reusable (and aesthetically pleasing) silicone Stasher bags are designed for stashing everything from snacks to school supplies. Founder Kat Nouri pitched the brand on Shark Tank in 2018 and made a deal with investor Mark Cuban, but it didn’t end up coming to fruition, according to Looper.
Regardless, the company has gone on to expand its collection with bowls and beauty bags, and the website reports it’s “saved 5.5 billion single-use plastic bags from entering our waterways and ocean.”
Bala Bangles
Weights meet bracelets, Bala Bangles add oomph to your workout while also making fitness products more inclusive. The co-founders of the chic gym accessories were featured on Shark Tank in 2020, agreeing to a deal with tennis star Maria Sharapova and Mark Cuban, who gave them $900,000 for a 30% stake.
Since the show, Bala Bangles have added new colors and products — including home gym kits, apparel, and pilates balls — and the brand is sold in over 1,300 Target locations.
Rumpl
Wylie Robinson founded Rumpl to make a blanket that mimicked the same lightweight, cocoon-like feeling of your favorite sleeping bag — and stood up to the elements in the same way. Although Robinson wasn’t satisfied with investors’ offers on season 12 of Shark Tank and left the show without a deal, the company continues expanding its line with new patterns, products, and collaborations.
Beautiful designs aside, each blanket is machine washable and made with post-consumer recycled materials. Rumpl is a Certified B Corp and 1% for the Planet member, and for every blanket, 60 bottles are removed from landfills.
Rebel Cheese
“Cheeses for people who love cheese but not dairy” is the motto behind Rebel Cheese. In 2023, the Austin-based vegan cheese company went on Shark Tank and scored a deal with Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner for $750,000 in exchange for 10% of the company.
Rebel Cheese offers a variety of artisan cheeses, including Black Garlic Brie and Truffle Chevre, and even boasts a Shark Tank box. The brand is sold online and in over a hundred restaurants and stores across the country. Find it near you.
Love Is Project
Inspired by artisan-made beaded items she saw on a visit to Kenya, Chrissie Lam started the Love Is Project: a jewelry brand committed to empowering women with economic opportunities.
Although Lam left her 2021 Shark Tank appearance without a deal, the Love Is Project has expanded from working with four artisans at its inception to 2,000 in 10 countries today. Additionally, the brand collaborates with a variety of nonprofits, such as the It Gets Better Project and the National Breast Cancer Foundation, and has funded numerous community food gardens and programs in Kenya, Bali, and Bhutan.
Mush
In Shark Tank’s ninth season, Mush — a ready-to-eat overnight oats brand that started selling at farmers markets in San Diego — made a deal with Mark Cuban for $300,000 with 10% equity. Since then, the company on a mission to make wholesome food more accessible has expanded from selling in 150 retail stores into over 3,500 locations nationwide, including Whole Foods and Costco.
“Shark Tank set us on an incredible trajectory, and we wouldn’t trade the journey for anything,” co-founder Ashley Thompson told VegNews. “The show and Cuban certainly helped us get to where we are today! We are so grateful for the experience.”
Blueland
With a vision to reduce plastic waste, Blueland specializes in tablets that turn into cleaning spray with the addition of water. In 2019, the subscription-based business scored $270,000 from Kevin O’Leary (a.k.a “Mr. Wonderful”) for 3% of the company as well as royalties until he made his money back.
Blueland started out selling four products direct-to-consumer online, but the Certified B Corp now offers a wide range of other items and has expanded into big-box national retailers like Target, Costco, and The Container Store.
Wild Earth
On season 10 of Shark Tank, the plant-based dog food brand Wild Earth scored $550,000 from Mark Cuban for 10% of the company. At the time, the nascent company had only prototypes to show the Sharks. Today, it offers multiple food formulas, superfood treats, and supplements, all made with high-quality, cruelty-free ingredients.