Appearing on "Shark Tank" – and, even better, winning an investment – is a mark of success for entrepreneurs trying to get a new business off the ground.
More than 1,000 companies have pitched their products on the business reality show since its debut in 2009, including several from Florida.
Many of the businesses that appear ultimately do not receive an offer from the show's panel of judges, or "Sharks." But these days, just appearing on the show has the potential to boost sales for young companies.
Here's a look at five South Florida startups that appeared on "Shark Tank" – and what's happened to them since.
The Transformation Factory
Alexiou Gibson, CEO of Wellington-based The Transformation Factory, struck a deal with judges Mark Cuban and Kevin Hart in an episode that aired in May. The company sells edible sea moss gel, a substance that Gibson said helped him lose 300 pounds. On the show, he said the health supplement brand had $3.5 million in sales after less than a year in business. The Transformation Factory ultimately received a $600,000 investment in exchange for a 20% stake of the company and is still in business.
NightCap
In 2021 NightCap, the maker of a hair scrunchie that can be turned into a drink cover to protect beverages from being spiked, received a $60,000 investment from "Shark Tank" judge Lori Greiner in exchange for 25% of the company. Greiner, an entrepreneur and television personality, is known as the "Queen of QVC." The startup was founded by brother-sister team Shirah and Michael Bernarde, who are from West Palm Beach. In 2022, the pair appeared in an update segment where they said NightCap had done $2.1 million in sales since appearing on the show.
Sealed by Santa
Sealed By Santa owner Sarah Blain also made a deal with Greiner when she appeared on the show in 2016. The company, which creates customized letters "signed" by Santa Claus, struck a deal to receive a $75,000 loan and $75,000 investment from Greiner in exchange for 22.5% ownership. Sealed by Santa is still in business and now offers a variety of products, including cookie baking and decorating sets and video calls with Santa Claus.
Gladiator LaCrosse
Teenage CEO Rachel Zietz sought a $100,000 investment for a 15% stake of Gladiator LaCrosse, when she appeared on "Shark Tank" in 2016. Zietz, who started her line of lacrosse practice equipment when she was 13, ultimately did not receive an investment from the Sharks – but the company has still had plenty of success since. Dick Sporting Goods began carrying Gladiator Lacrosse's products online and at select stores soon after Zietz's television appearance. In 2019, the business acquired All Ball Pro, a sports ball manufacturer that supplies equipment to collegiate and professional lacrosse programs across the U.S.
AquaVault
Aventura startup Aquavault won an investment from Fubu CEO Daymond John when founders Jonathan Kinas, Rob Peck and Avin Samtani appeared on "Shark Tank" in 2015. The company sells an array of portable, waterproof safes and lockable devices that can be used to store personal items at the beach or pool. During the episode, John agreed to invest $75,000 in return for a 25% stake in the venture. In 2019, AquaVault went on to raise $1.7 million through an equity crowdfunding campaign on StartEngine to fund its growth. Now, the company's portable safes can be rented at more than 200 hotels and amusement parks, including Marriott, Hilton, Disney and Universal Orlando.
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