Here are All of Kevin O’Leary’s Shark Tank Investments

With a networth of over $400 million, Kevin O’Leary is one of the most successful and accomplished investors on ABC’s television show Shark Tank. Sometimes known as “Mr. Wonderful”, Kevin O’Leary is a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and politician. He has been able to make his money over the years by selling his first company and investing private companies with unique and profitable ideas.

Shark Tank is a show that features entrepreneurs making a pitch to a panel of five investors or “sharks,” who decide whether to invest in their company. O’Leary is one of the most recognizable investors on the panel.

O’Leary is often direct and abrasive with entrepreneurs who enter the shark tank looking for investment. Over the years, O’Leary has invested in a variety of companies and individuals who have entered the shark tank. Here is a list of the investments that Kevin O’Leary made on Shark Tank. This list all of his current investments and does not include those deals that did not close after the show.

 

Kevin O’Leary Shark Tank Investments

Basepaws

 

Deal: $250,000 for 10% equity (Initial deal with Kevin O’Leary and Robert Herjavec)

Basepaws is an at-home genetic testing company that allows pet owners to better understand the health of their cats. In 2017, Anna Skaya came up with the idea for an at-home human genetic testing product that focused on cats. There were other at-home tests available for dogs but, at the time, none of them focused on feline science.

Before appearing on the show, Skaya was able to raise $300,000 in funding from outside investors. She told Forbes that she had difficulty raising the money because the product was for cats and not dogs. Some investors said that they didn’t want to invest because they were dog people. However, after appearing on Shark Tank, she walked away with $250,000 for 10% from both Kevin O’Leary and Robert Herjavec.

 

Illumibowl

Deal: $100,000 for 25% stake

Illumibowl provides a soft glow any time you walk into your bathroom in the dark. The product aims to eliminate the risk of bumping into something while using the bathroom and the discomfort of turning on a bright light at night. After successfully crowdfunding the product in 2014, founder Matt Alexander and his brother-in-law Michael Kannely landed a deal with O’Leary in 2016.

PRx

Deal: $80,000 for 20% ownership + 20% of profit

With a dream of giving everyone access to top-notch gym equipment that can fit in any space the PRx brand has been a very successful investment. All of their products go from design to finished product at their facilities in Fargo, North Dakota.

Founders Erik Hopperstad and Briah Brasch used their knowledge in engineering and fitness to create a solid product line that continues to expand. With products that can work for single-family households to commercial and school customizable options, this is a brand that has unlimited ability to continue to expand. 

Bottle Breacher

Deal: $150,000 For 20% equity (Mark Cuban And Kevin O’Leary)

The Bottle Breacher is a customizable bottle opener made from .50 caliber dummy ammunition bullet shells sourced from retired military veterans. Each Bottle Breacher is professionally powder coated and inspected to the highest quality. 

The cool thing is that each shell is made by Active Duty service members and Veterans. The company was able to land investments from both Mark Cuban and O’Leary.

 

Surprise Ride

Deal: No Shark (Deal later made outside of the shark tank)

Geared for kids from 6-11 Surprise Ride offers a craft-kit subscription box that is delivered to the mailbox and comes packed with a variety of craft projects to enjoy. Founded by sisters Donna and Rosy Khalife, they sold the idea that kids’ curiosity is best fulfilled by putting their hands to work and learning something new. In a world full of technology and screens, Surprise Ride not only offers hands-on projects for kids but also the old-fashioned surprise of receiving a package in the mail with your name on it. 

The sisters were not able to land a deal while on the show. However, about 3 years later, Kevin O’Leary approached the entrepreneurs and offered them an investment offer. The offer was $50,000 2.5% equity as well as 6% royalty until the royalty amount reached $150,000.  As of 2022, O’Leary still a part of the company and has stated that he see the business surpassing $10 million in annual sales in the future.

Waivecar

Deal: $500,000 as a 36-month loan at 12% interest for 2% equity in the company, plus an 80% discount on unsold ad space

Waivecar founders Isaac Deutsch and Zoli Honig partnered with Hyundai to get their business off the ground by offering the first 2 hours of drive time for free and a low rate of $5.99 an hour after that. Instead of creating profits from the actual rental they attach digital billboards to the tops of the cars and sell advertisements that continually run across them.

By using electric cars they also save on fuel costs and the renter can return the car to allocated charging stations across the city. Waivecar at one time had partnered with a university, but at this time it doesn’t look like they are still in business. It seems that the founders are working on new projects and going in different directions.

Certifikid

Deal: $600,000 for 19% equity 

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 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.

 

DrainWig

Deal: $300,000 for 15% equity

 

DrainWig is a product that catches hair and prevents clogs. All in a simple to use, stainless steel chain and rubber whiskers you insert into your drain. Gifford and Jennifer Briggs invented the product out of necessity. The couple has 5 daughters, each with long hair that contributed to clogged drains.

The couple was able to land a $300,000 deal with O’Leary for 15% equity. 

 

Wicked Good Cupcakes

Deal: $75,000 For A $1 Royalty Up To $75,000 Revenue; $0.45 in perpetuity

Founded in 2011 by mother and daughter pair Tracey Noonan and Danielle Desroches just outside of Boston, Massachusetts Wicked Good Cupcakes creates a specialty line of cupcakes-in-a-jar that can be shipped all over the world.

Whether you’re looking for a single cupcake for your best friend to brighten up her day or enough cupcakes to host a party this brand provides a unique twist to the basic options at the chain-store bakery. Since appearing on the show the brand has been acquired by Hickory Farms but continues to expand its product line. 

 

Honeyfund

Deal: 33% Transaction revenue for $400,000 until the investment returns 

The 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.

 

Le-Glue

Deal: $80,000 for 25% equity

Le-Glue is a genius invention invented by 13-year-old Todd Phillips. Phillips created a glue that can be used to bond Legos and other blocks together. This allows anyone who has built a block masterpiece the option of sticking those blocks together using Le-Glue. The product promises to hold blocks together 12 times stronger than other glues.

But the genius part of all of that is that Le-Glue is semi-permanent. The bond can be undone by immersing the blocks in warm water for 30 seconds. Philips was granted a patent for his invention making him the youngest person ever to be granted a U.S. patent.

 

Boost Oxygen

Deal: $1 million loan at 7.5% interest for 6.25% equity

A brand that really serves in space of its own here in the United States Boost Oxygen is headquartered in Milford, Connecticut, and was founded in 2007 by Rob Neunder. This canned oxygen provides the same benefits as the average energy drink without the added chemicals and additives.

The main goal of Boost is for recreational athletes and they consistently remind people it is not made to replace medical oxygen needs. It can however give the average athlete a great boost to their recovery and overall athletic performance by simply using the natural benefits of oxygen. 

 

 

Pop It Pal

Deal: $250,000 for 5% share + $1.50 per unit until $750,000 is repaid

Pop It Pal offers 3 different toys with refillable solutions for all people who find popping pimples insanely satisfying. Founded by Billy & Summer Pierce along with Collin and Kayla Roof this South Carolina business has found a niche that many might stray away from. Featured on Season 10 of Shark Tank it has been one of the more interesting investment deals for Kevin O’Leary and seems to continue to reach its desired customer. 

 

Rareform

Deal: $300,000 loan at 8% for 10% equity

Brothers Alec and Aric Avedissian created this brand to use old billboards and create a line of products ranging from small totes to coolers. Their brand alone repurposes 80% of the billboards used in the United States. They have facilities in both Los Angeles and Nashville where the billboards are collected, sorted, and begin the journey to their new lives.

Vinyl billboards are a great product to repurpose as they are durable and water-resistant. Each piece is put together by designers in their factories which gives them an upper hand over many of their competitors. 

 

Rounderbum

Deal: $150,000 for 5% equity + $2 royalty until $300,000 is repaid

Featured on Season 9 of Shark Tank Rounderbum is another very unique investment by Kevin O’Leary. Founded by Jonathan Diersing this line of products has been designed for men to feel more confident in their clothes. What started with underwear that was padded (no more flat bottoms here) the line has now expanded to include muscle shirts and other undergarments.

Another creative feature is that they don’t have any seams that show through the outside of your clothing so nobody can tell if your undergarments are enhanced. They are headquartered in Los Angeles and are still working on creating a patent for their designs. 

 

LovePop

Deal: $300,000 for 15% equity

Lovepop designs unique 3D paper pop-up greeting cards for all occasions. Friends Wombi Rose And John Wise began the company after discovering the incredible paper art form of kirigami. With their engineering background and their newfound love for kirigami, the duo created a company that designs incredibly artistic and creative greeting cards.

After making the deal with O’Leary, the company has seen its revenue top $40 million. 

 

SnarkyTea

Deal: $150,000 for 50% stake

There are situations where you are looking through a shelf looking for something that will just hit you right in the feels. Founder Jenni-Lyn Williams has designed a tea for just about any situation you can dream up, and the line continues to expand.

They create teas with a snarky saying (don’t be surprised to see an F-bomb dropped) for the woman who just needs something to hit the spot. They separate themselves from many tea brands by using whole leaves that have been blended specifically for the name that fits them. All teas are 100% biodegradable and can be ready in 1-6 minutes depending on which one you buy. 

 

 

Wine and Design

Deal: $350,000 line of credit at 12% interest + $150,000 for 10% equity

Wine and Design faced a few uphill battles with some of the investors on the show as there are a lot of ways to duplicate the set-up of the brand, and some early lawsuits almost showed why they were leery, but it has been able to find success.

Founded by Patrick and Harriet Mills with a headquarter base in Raleigh, North Carolina the brand offers a wide variety of party options from virtual, private, team building, DIY, On Wheels, Paint it Forward, and has even thrown in an option for kids (obviously no wine involved in that one). If you are not in the Raleigh area they also offer an option to buy in and start your own franchise wherever you are so that you can bring the business to you. 

 

BenjiLock

Deal: $200,000 for 15% equity

BenjiLock is the world’s first traditional rechargeable padlock with fingerprint technology. The product adds additional security to padlocks by using a person’s fingerprint as the key.

Robbie Cabral pitched the idea to the sharks and was able to gain the interest of Kevin O’Leary, Barbara Corcoran, Lori Grenier, and guest shark, Alex Rodriguez. Cabral eventually landed the deal with O’Leary.

Benjilock has gone on to be a great deal for O’Leary as the company has expanded its line of locks to also include locks for bikes, motorcycles, and home and garage doors. The company has an estimated value of $4 million.  

Deskview

Deal: $150,000 for 20% equity

Starting out their business with a fairly successful Kickstarter fundraising campaign Deskview offers space-saving solutions for small office spaces. With shelves that can be suction-cupped to your window, you are able to clear up space on your desk. This offers a less-expensive option than typical standing desk additions.

The products are currently available in over 75 countries and they are working on expanding their options and have recently released a two-tier option for those that might need it. Founded by Jason Grohoski and Michael Bolos the brand has become even more popular with more people working from home. 

 

Monti Kids

Deal: $200,000 for 2.5% of the business + $10 royalty until $200,000 is repaid

Founder Zahra Kassam knew that there were other parents out there looking for toys that would be good investments rather than just something you buy and throw away in a couple of months. She had already been using the Montessori curriculum with her own kids and began a journey to bring sustainably sourced, high-quality toys directed at certain levels so that kids and parents could reap the most benefits. With 12 levels of toy programs to choose from that have been designed by individuals that are not only well-versed in the Montessori curriculum but also hold Master’s degrees in Education. 

Potato Parcel

Deal: $50,000 For 10% equity 

The Potato Parcel is one of those ideas that you really have to take a leap of faith that there are enough people out there that will go with it. Founded by Alex Craig and then later sold to Riad Bekhit the brand offers a very unique way to let others know that you’re thinking about them.

Instead of the traditional paper card or note, you can send a potato with your message on it anywhere in the world. By 2021 the brand had sent over 70,000 potato parcels. Headquartered in Northern California they now offer bundles and other gift ideas to add to their line of products. 

Photo: Credit Walt Disney Television

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