The 20 Best Shark Tank Episodes Ever

 

ABC’s entrepreneur-focused TV show “Shark Tank” has had some truly incredible moments over the years, and in this article, you’ll get to see those moments in action. If you’ve never seen the show before, it’s a great opportunity for a business owner to learn more about how to pitch your business idea to investors and potentially make it big.

The Benefits of Being on Shark Tank

Shark Tank can be a great opportunity for business owners and inventors alike, providing a unique chance to meet with a team of experienced investors and maybe even make it big. Many of the entrepreneurs who have made it onto the show have later seen huge success, even those who didn’t end up making deals. 

The publicity of being on the show alone is often enough to give these business owners a boost. Watching this show as a business owner can be truly eye-opening, and you’ll likely learn new things about business valuation and pitching.

1. Season 5, Episode 9

In this episode, four businesses were pitched to the ruthless sharks, but none actually landed a deal. The first entrepreneur to take the stage was Jamie Siminoff, creator of DoorBot. DoorBot is a security app that connects with your home’s front door, using facial recognition to keep intruders out. 

Because of a recent spike in sales, Jamie asked the sharks for a $700,000 loan with 10% and 3% equity. The sharks tried to undercut the pitch, but neither party managed to compromise, and the result was a no-deal for DoorBot.

This was one of the biggest missed opportunities ever in the Shark Tank as DoorBot became Ring. Ring was acquired in 2018 by Amazon for an estimated value of between $1.2 billion and $1.8 billion.

Episode Pitches

Slawsa – Slaw Meets Salsa

No Deal

Ring Video Doorbell (Formerly Doorbot)

No Deal

Magic Moments

No Deal

Surprise Ride

No Deal

 

 

2. Season 10, Episode 18

 

This episode included a fun and impressive pitch for a product called Kanga. This was a genius invention that applied the technology for insulating beverage koozies to entire coolers. This would prevent beer and other beverages from getting cold during outdoor events such as tailgating. Mark Cuban was so excited about this that he closed the deal with the entrepreneurs even before the other sharks had a chance.

Unfortunately, it looks as though the deal did not go through after the show. But that didn’t stop the Kanga from growing their business. The entrepreneurs are still running Kanga and it is reported that the company generates more than $3 million in annual sales.

The second deal made did eventually close after the deal. Widely recognized as one of the best deal websites for parents, CertifiKID helps parents provide incredible experiences for their kids on a budget.

Jamie and Brian Ratner walked into the shark tank seeking $600,000 for 8% of their company. They eventually agreed to give up 19% equity for a deal with Kevin O’Leary. The company saw its growth stalled by the recent pandemic. However, it seems like things are back to normal as the world continues to open.

Episode Pitches

Haven 

No Deal

Kanga

Deal – Mark Cuban $100,000 for 20 %

CertifiKid 

Kevin O’Leary – $600,000 for 19%

Nuchas 

No Deal

 

3. Season 5, Episode 7 

This episode saw 3 separate deals made in the shark tank. Including one guest shark, John Pau Dejoria. 

This episode is particularly interesting because of the one pitch that did NOT get investment. The pitch was for Kymera jet-propelled bodyboards. 

Jason Woods pitched his product looking for an investment of $200,000 for 20% of his prototype product that he has been developing for 10 years. The pitch does not go well as all the sharks go out insisting that Woods should’ve sold some of his boards by now. Daymond John even labeled the pitch the worst he’s ever seen.

The story has a happy ending, however. Woods returned to the tank in Season 10 episode 20. At this point, Woods informed the sharks that he took their advice and went all-in on his business. He quit his job, invested $600,000, and now has a working model of his bodyboard with sales to show that the product is no longer just an idea.

This time, the sharks bite. Woods eventually landed a deal with Robert Herjavec of $500,000 for 10% equity. Although it seems as though the deal did not go through after the show ended, Kymera is still in business selling its product directly to customers and through domestic and international retailers. 

Episode Pitches

Tree T-pee Water Conservation for Farmers

John Paul Dejoria – $150,000 for 20%

180 Cup – 2-in-1 plastic cup and shot glass

Daymond John – $300,000 for 25%

Kymera – Electric Jet Propelled Bodyboard

No Deal

Better Life Cleaning Products

Lori Greiner – $400,000 for 17%

4. Season 5, Episode 6 

This episode starts off with the introduction of entrepreneurs Spencer Quinn and Eric Child, who are pitching their business Fiber Fix. Fiber Fix is an industrial-strength repair wrap that is described as being 100 times stronger than duct tape. 

Quinn and Child had already partnered with Home Depot, which piqued the sharks’ interest. They end up making a deal for a $250,000 investment with 18% equity, and the sharks agree to help market the product using their own outlets.

The next company to see the spotlight is Shell Bobber, pitched by Jeff Stafford and Dusty Holloway. Shell Bobber is a company that produces fishing bobbers made from recycled shotgun shells – a creative and innovative idea.

Mark Cuban, one of the show’s sharks, jumps in on the opportunity and they make a deal for an $80,000 investment with 33% equity – a little steep, but nevertheless a great opportunity. For a brief time, Shell Bobber saw vast success online and in stores nationwide such as Wal-Mart and 7-11, but since then they have gone out of business.

Episode Pitches

Elephant Chatt – Relationship Communication Tool

No Deal

FiberFix – Industrial Strength Repair Wrap

Lori Greiner – $120,000 for 12%

Ten Thirty One Productions – Haunted Hayride

Mark Cuban – $2,000,000 for 20%

Total Merchant Resources 

Kevin O’Leary – $200,000 for 50%

 

5. Season 4, Episode 6

 

This episode is best known as the “Cousins Maine Lobster episode”. Cousins Sabin Lomac and Jim Tselikis started the food truck company in 2012 after realizing that the Maine lobster experience was something that was missing in California. 

Kevin O’Leary and Daymond John were especially skeptical of the business. They grilled the 2 entrepreneurs before declaring themselves out. After losing the interest of four of the Sharks during their time in the tank, the duo was able to land a deal with Corcoran by offering 15% of the company for $55,000.

The other sharks missed out on a huge opportunity. Corcoran was able to help the business immediately. Today, Cousins Maine Lobster is an international food franchise company that grosses nearly $30 million in annual sales.

When watching this episode, it seems odd that there wasn’t more interest in their business idea. The cousins were able to generate $150,000 in sales within 2 months of being in business. This goes to show that even skilled investors can miss a great opportunity.

Episode Pitches

Cousins Maine Lobster

Deal- Barbara Corcoran $55,000 for 15%

PRO NRG

Deal-Daymond John $250,000 for 30%

Freaker USA

No Deal

Eco Nuts

No Deal

 

6. Season 3, Episode 2 

This episode was a tough one to make a deal with as only one made it through, and it is definitely not the one you would have thought! 

The Shark Tank Deal-Maker ended up being Steve Gadlin and his business plan of I Want to Draw a Cat For You. Mark Cuban found his sales pitch to be persuasive and interesting enough to jump on the opportunity. It is definitely a unique venture as you submit information about your cat and a scene and then he creates a custom portrait for you to keep. The brand has since grown into t-shirts and novelty items but stays true to its core with portraits being the main product.

Episode Pitches

Invis-A-Rack

No Deal

I Want to Draw a Cat for You

Mark Cuban – $25,000 for 33%

Rick Smith Jr. Magic

No Deal

Salespreneur

No Deal

 

7. Season 2 Episode 3

Stacy Erwin is next in line to meet the sharks. Erwin’s business, Fitness Stride centers around his original invention, athletic bands which turn even everyday activities into a simple workout. The sharks try out the Fitness Stride for themselves and are quickly impressed. Erwin starts off confident, asking for a $140,000 loan in exchange for a 15% stake in his company. 

The sharks are taken aback by the bold offer, and as they learn more about the business, they discover that Erwin’s marketing was less than sufficient. Between that and limited feedback from actual users, the sharks had no choice but to bow out. Erwin didn’t make a deal, and the lack of funding seems to have kept his unique product off the shelves.

James Mitchell invented Pure Ayre, an all-natural, non-toxic deodorizer. To prove how safe it is to use, he even used some on the show to freshen up his breath. The sharks were intrigued at first, but Mitchell quickly dropped the ball when he revealed that he didn’t patent his product. He claimed that a patent could leave his product susceptible to copycats, but the sharks weren’t exactly eager to make a deal for an unpatented creation. 

Mitchell also explains that he was selling Pure Ayre at Walgreens, but they decided to terminate the agreement. This was a red flag for the sharks, and one by one, they declined his offer. However, he remained persistent and worked hard, and today Pure Ayre generates about $5 million annually.

Episode Pitches

Flipoutz – Customizable and Trackable Bracelets

Daymond John, Kevin O’Leary, and Robert Herjavec – $100,000 for 33%

Pure Ayre

No Deal

Mod Mom – Furniture and Toy Boxes

Robert Herjavec – $90,000 for 33% + royalty after $500,000 in sales

Fitness Stride

No Deal

 

8. Season 1, Episode 1

This episode featured a pitch by co-founders Omar Soliman and Nick Friedman. The two are founders of the successful moving company College Hunks Hauling Junk. They pitched a new business named College Foxes Packing Boxes. The sharks were not at all interested in the new business and the entrepreneurs left without a deal 

The second pitch was made by Tiffany Krumins. The mother and entrepreneur needed a way to administer medicine to her child without triggering a tantrum in the process. As a result, she invented Ava the Elephant, which does exactly that. At the time of the episode’s airing, the product was called Emma the Elephant, but Krumins made the name change later.

The sharks were put off by the fact that at the time, Ava the Elephant was just an idea and hadn’t yet become an actual business or generated any revenue. Even when Krumins showed the sharks her handmade prototypes, most of them remained unimpressed – except Barbara Corcoran, who made an offer for a $50,000 loan with a 50% stake in the company. Krumins accepted, and Ava the Elephant started flying off the shelves.

Episode Pitches

AVA The Elephant

Barbara Corcoran – $50,000 for 55%

College Foxes Packing Boxes

No Deal

Ionic Ear

No Deal

Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory

Daymond John and Barbara Corcoran – $460,000 for 50%

WiSpots

No Deal

 

9. Season 3, Episode 3 

Brilliant entrepreneur Travis Perry developed a unique product called Chord Buddy which can teach anyone to play guitar in just two months. Chord Buddy is compatible with any acoustic or electric guitar and comes with several useful resources for learners. 

The sharks actually participated in a demonstration and ended up learning a little bit themselves. Perry ended up striking a deal for $175,000 with a 20% stake, and Chord Buddy is now widely successful.

Have you ever wanted to smell like a million bucks? Entrepreneur Pat McCarthy created a product that can do just that: Liquid Money. Liquid Money is a fragrance created using the same materials money is made of, and thus it actually smells like money. The sharks were skeptical at first, uncertain of how big the target audience would be, and as discussions continued, they backed away even further, leaving McCarthy without a deal.

Episode Pitches

You Smell Soap

Robert Herjavec – $55,000 for 20% + $50,000 for living expenses

Chord Buddy – Guitar Learning System

Robert Herjavec – $175,000 for 20%

Liquid Money – Money Scented Perfume and Cologne

No Deal

Tail Lightz – Light up Accessories

No Deal

 

10. Season 3, Episode 6 

Raven Thomas and her brand The Painted Pretzel were already fairly successful before coming on the show. She was mainly looking for ways to expand and wanted to be able to stop turning down large orders. Her chocolate-covered pretzels fancied the likes of Mark Cuban and he went in with her to make the deal. The brand now sells its products in Neiman Marcus, SAMs Clubs, and the majority of Cuban Landmark Theaters. 

The other successful entrepreneur for this episode was Rick Hopper with his brand ReadeREST. If you have ever lost a pair of glasses you are probably one of the buyers who hopped on this brand the moment they hit QVC and sold out in the first 5 minutes! 

He uses magnets that can be attached to about any piece of clothing to attach your glasses, which is a great example of creating a product that people can actually use! This continues to show as the brand has an annual revenue of around $5 million. 

Episode Pitches

Readerest Clip for Glasses

Lori Greiner – $150,000 for 65%

Five Minute Furniture

No Deal

The Painted Pretzel

Mark Cuban – $100,000 for 25%

Esso Watches

No Deal

 

11. Season 4, Episode 7

First to enter the shark tank is entrepreneur Aaron Krause with his ingenious creation, Scrub Daddy. Scrub Daddy is a smiley-faced sponge scrubber that changes texture depending on the temperature of water you use it with. 

The sharks immediately began making offers, recognizing the potential of this idea. After intense negotiations, Krause agrees to Lori Greiner’s offer of $200,000 for 20% equity and seals the deal. Today, Scrub Daddy remains Lori’s Griener’s best deals as the company has generated $100 million in sales.

Next up are Daniel Wood and David Martschinske, pitching a self-balancing electric unicycle called the SBU for short. Leaning one way on the SBU causes it to power in the opposite direction, thus preventing crashes and falls for beginners and making the unicycle more accessible.

The sharks express concern about the practicality of it, but Wood and Martschinske make the point that the SBU retails at $1800 a pop, meaning that just selling 1,000 units per year would generate over $1 million in profits, which gets the sharks ready to bite. Eventually, they strike a deal with Robert Herjavec for $300,000 with 33% equity, and even Kevin O’Leary piggybacks on the opportunity.

Episode Pitches

Scrub Daddy Magic Scouring Pads

Lori Greiner – $200,000 for 20%

SBU (Self Balancing Unicycle)

Kevin O’Leary and Robert Herjavec – $300,000 for 30%

Shemie

No Deal

The Bear and The Rat

No Deal

 

12. Season 6, Episode 1

This season 6 episode saw Daymond John land one of the best shark tank deals ever. David Heath and Randy Goldberg pitched their athletic sock company, Bombas to the sharks. The company started as a way to help the homeless as the entrepreneurs learned that socks are oftentimes the most requested clothing item in homeless shelters.

The founders decided to use technology to develop a better brand of socks, sell the product for a premium price, and donate the surplus profits to a non-profit that gives free socks to the homeless.

With his background growing his clothing brand, FUBU, John seemed like the perfect partner. And, apparently, he was as Bombas now sees sales of over $150,000 million annually. The company is on its way to becoming a billion-dollar company. Bombas has also donated more than 40 million pairs of socks to the homeless. 

Episode Pitches

Sleeping Baby – Zipadee-Zip Wearable Blanket 

Daymond John – $200,000 for 20%

Amber – Phone Charging Station

No Deal

Hammer and Nails – Manicure and Pedicure Shop for Men.

No Deal

Bombas – Athletic Socks

Daymond John – $200,000 for 17.5%

 

13. Season 6, Episode 9

 

The sharks were feeling extra generous in this episode as they made deals with 3 of the 4 brands that were presented.

One of the all-time, most successful Shark Tank deals was found on this episode. Bobby & Judy Edwards founded one of the most interesting, simple, and functional products that just about any person could put to use, the Squatty Potty. 

A small plastic footstool that has scientific backing to help correct your posture so that you are able to poop more efficiently relieving issues such as hemorrhoids and other bowel problems. Lori Greiner decided to take a chance, and what a return she would get! You can now find a Squatty Potty in Bed Bath and Beyond stores nationwide and they have sold over $30 million since airing on the show. 

Heidi Lovig and her brand Heidi Ho include a line of vegan cheeses that also appeal to people who have gluten or dairy intolerances. Lori Greiner saw the potential in this brand and struck a deal, which was a great call since they now have annual revenue of around $5 million and are on shelves in over 500 Whole Foods Stores throughout the United States. 

Another deal-maker for this episode included siblings, Jeff and Jennifer Martin. They discovered a kernel of corn that is about half the size of regular popcorn and is also easier to eat without leaving behind the annoying bits in your mouth. Their brand Pipsnacks also doesn’t use butter, instead choosing more natural flavorings. Barbara Corcoran decided to make a deal with the brand and their products can now be found nationwide. 

Episode Pitches

Pipsnacks – Mini Popcorn

Deal: $200,000 for 10% + equal draw

Squatty Potty Toilet Stool

Lori Greiner – $350,000 for 10%

Heide Ho

Lori Greiner – $125,000 for 30%

Storm Stoppers

No Deal

 

14. Season 5, Episode 12

 

In this holiday-themed episode, the investors were presented with several seasonal products. There are 2 deals made with both of them eventually becoming successes.

One of the deals was made by Daymond John. He invested in the Hanukkah Tree Topper for Interfaith Families. The product was pitched by Morri and Marina Chowalki. The product was a tree topper for families that included members of different faiths. Years later, John announced that he and Morri closed a huge licensing deal. Chowalki was later hired by John to be Head of Sales and Retail for John’s business The Shark Group.

The other holiday investment made in this episode was made by Herjavec. Tipsy Elves is a holiday-themed apparel company. It sells holiday sweaters and other holiday-themed items through its website and other online vendors. Tips Elves primarily sold Christmas-themed sweaters but has now expanded its line to include clothing for many different holidays.

Episode Pitches

Tipsey Elves – Ugly Holiday Sweaters

Robert Herjavec – $100,000 for 10%

Hanukkah Tree Topper for Interfaith Families

Daymond John – $50,000 for 35%

Lite-Netics – Magnetic Holiday and Christmas Lights

No Deal

Cashmere Hair – High Quality Hair Extensions

No Deal

 

15. Season 5, Episode 13 

Only 2 products came away from this episode with a deal, but one of the other entrepreneurs was able to gain enough exposure to make a successful business even without the backing of the sharks. Bounce Boot Camp took in some of the feedback, switched up parts of his business strategy, and has been able to find some success.

The most notable deal was made by Kevin O’Leary. Taking in the fact that people take hundreds of thousands of pictures on their phones each year, Julie and Brian Whiteman came to the sharks with their business plan for the Groovebook. With a monthly subscription fee as well as shipping charges, you can have your pictures automatically printed each month into a book that is delivered to your doorstep.

This is an amazing gift to families so that they can actually see the pictures that they take and they are not just out in the cloud! Mark Cuban was the taker on this deal and that proved to be a great investment as in 2014 the company sold to Shutterfly for $14.5 million. 

Episode Pitches

Eyebloc Webcam Blocker

No Deal

Wall Doctor Drywall Repair Kit

Robert Herjavec – $150,000 for 0% + International Rights

Bounce Boot Camp

No Deal

Groovebook

Kevin O’Leary and Mark Cuban – $150,000 for 80%

 

 

16. Season 4, Episode 8

 

This episode saw 2 deals made out of the 3 products that were pitched. Both deals were made by Lori Greiner. However, the most memorable pitch on this episode was made by Bruce Gaither, a self-proclaimed cowboy.

His product, No Fly Cone, was a product that guaranteed to catch flies where they eat and breed—on piles of dog poop. The cone could be placed on top of dog droppings or scooper and, at that point, the flies would enter the trap and get stuck. The product worked, however, Gaither had only sold 3,000 units by the time he entered the tank.

There was a surprise visit to the tank when Seth MacFarlane, creator of Family Guy, walked into the room. Seth was engaging, funny and even spoke in his Stewie voice. None of it, however, helped his pitch and, according to some of the sharks, actually hurt it.

Cuban mentioned that MacFarlane talked badly about Landmark Theaters which is a company Cuban owned until 2018, and Robert Herjavec was visibly unhappy about MacFarlane comparing him to the Grinch. In the end, Gaither walked out with no deal. 

The entire exchange was very awkward and the No Fly Cone pitch is regarded as one of the worst shark tank pitches ever.

Episode Pitches

Cool Wazoo Baby Changing Pad

Lori Greiner – $65,000 for 25%

Plate Topper – Airtight Cover for Leftovers

Lori Greiner – $90,000 for 8%

No Fly Cone

No Deal

 

17. Season 6, Episode 6

 

This episode featured 2 large investments made by 2 separate investors; Kevin O’Learn and Mark Cuban. Both investments have paid off for the sharks.

One of the investments was made with a company called HoneyFund. A free honeymoon registry and cash wedding gift registry. Josh and Sara Margulis came up with the idea after their amazon honeymoon to Fiji. 

The couple initially asked for $400,000 for 10% equity but agreed to a deal that allowed O’Leary to receive 33% of the transactional revenue. After landing a deal with O’Leary, the company has expanded and has also partnered with Target.

This episode also includes a $1,000,000 deal made by Mark Cuban. At the time, the investment became the largest ever made on the show. Cuban invested the million into a company named Beat Box Beverages. The company manufactured and sold mixed drinks in a box that could be consumed at parties, tailgating, and outside festivals.

BeatBox Beverages is now one of the fastest-growing RTD brands of 2022, and is currently available in more than 40,000 retail locations. The brand is the fastest-growing alcohol beverage brand on social media and has reached over 6 million consumers at festivals and events to date in 2022.

Episode Pitches

Beat Box Beverages

Mark Cuban – $1,000,000 for 33%

Emergensee

No Deal

HoneyFund

Kevin O’Leary – $400,000 until $1.2 million is recouped

The Oilerie

No Deal

 

18. Season 5, Episode 23

 

Season 5, episode 23 is another episode that saw some great pitches, deals, and future success stories. Corcoran, Cuban, Greiner, and O’Leary all made deals in this episode. 

One of the deals that were made was with Pat Yates. Yates was seeking $375,000 for 15% equity in his company Happy Feet. The company sells comfy slippers that look like sneakers. Yates has been running the business since 1996. Yates was able to make $2.6 million in sales but was only able to profit $660,000 from it.

After a bidding war, Yates decided to take an offer from Herjavec for 25%. Since appearing on the show, Happy Feet has been able to make $5 million in sales annually.

Another deal was made by Greiner and Corcoran. Jenny Greer and Erin Bickley created Hold Your Haunches after realizing their dissatisfaction with body-shaper clothing. 

The two women were able to land a deal with both Lori and Barbara for 40% equity. Since appearing on the show, Hold Your Haunches has been able to accomplish $1 million in annual sales.

Episode Pitches

Lord Nut Levington Gourmet Peanuts

No Deal

Happy Feet – Earth’s Most Comfortable Slipper

Robert Herjavec – $375,000 for 25%

Hold your Haunches – Shapewear for Women

Lori Greiner and Barbara Corcoran – $75,000 for 40% plus $100,000 credit line for purchase orders

Velocity Signs

Kevin O’Leary, Mark Cuban and Robert Herjavec – $225,000 for 30%

 

19. Season 9, Episode 11

This episode saw 3 different deals made. This episode contained some great stories and presentations. The most notable being a pitch by Joshua Esnard and his product, The Cut Buddy. The product is a men’s shaving and grooming product.

Daymond John landed a deal with Esnard for $300,000. The product has enjoyed massive success and can be found online, in stores like Wal-Mart, and it also enjoys a nearly 5-star rating on Amazon.

Episode Pitches

ProntoBev 30 Second Wine Chiller

Mark Cuban – $100,000 for 25%

Reely Hooked Fish Co.

Mark Cuban – $75,000 for 25%

Slumberkins

No Deal

Cut Buddy Hair Cutting Template

Daymond John – $300,000 for 20%

 

 

20. Season 3, Episode 7 

 

This episode featured a pitch that Cuban recalls as one of the worst shark tank pitches. The pitch started out fine but got ugly. 

Scott Jordan went into the Shark Tank offering 15% equity of his company Technology Enabled Clothing (TEC) for $500,000. Two sharks were interested as Herjavec and O’Leary offered Jordan the $500,000 he asked but they asked for 15% of the retail business.  

Jordan asked to call one of his advisors who happened to be Steve Wozniak who is the co-founder of Apple, Inc. This is where things went wrong. Jordan said Wozniak advised him that the offers were too low. Jordan told the sharks the deal was not worth it and the sharks were essentially lowballing him on the offer.

The pitch ended with Jordan telling the two sharks that he was out and he walked out of the tank. Herjavec, who was visibly upset by Jordan’s behavior, shouted “show a little more respect.” 

The beef between the sharks and Jordan didn’t end after he left the tank. Jordan and Cuban got into a Twitter spat after the show. Soon after, Cuban began promoting a SCOTTeVEST competitor.

Episode Pitches

ScotteVest: Technology Enabled Clothing

No Deal

The Heat Helper – Dryer Attachment that Saves Money

No Deal

The Smart Baker – Innovative Kitchen Tools

Barbara Corcoran – $75,000 for 40% + 5% Royalty

Kisstixx Lip Balm

Mark Cuban – $200,000 for 40%

Business Opportunities · Find Your Way · Grow your business · New Startups · shark tank · Your Mindset Entrepreneurial Lifestyle · Finance · Find Your Way · Grow Your Business · Sales · Your Mindset