“Really touched me”: When Shark Tank’s Lori Greiner got emotional over EyeWris’s pitch

Season 14, Episode 22 of Shark Tank, which aired on May 19, 2023, featured the wearable reading glasses company, EyeWris.

The product, designed by Kenzo Singer and his father Mark Singer, introduced an innovative solution to the challenges faced by traditional reading glasses. EyeWris, with its sleek design and convenience, doubles as a wearable wristband, eliminating the need to carry or misplace glasses.

During the episode, Lori Greiner became emotional over the father-son duo’s pitch. Reflecting on the story and the unique invention, she stated:

“It just really touched me. We all have limited time here. It just really impacted me the way you were saying that you've done your thing. And that you just want to make sure that your family's okay. It just got me.”

The passion and bond that Kenzo Singer and his father Mark Singer shared while solving a practical problem resonated deeply with her and the other Sharks, leading to a rare multi-shark deal .

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What happened on Shark Tank?

Kenzo and Mark Singer started their Shark Tank pitch by introducing EyeWris and demonstrating how the glasses can be worn around the wrist when not in use. They highlighted how their invention solves a common inconvenience for people who frequently need reading glasses but find them cumbersome to carry.

Their pitch focused on the innovative design and their journey as a father-son team working together to bring this product to life. Mark stated:

"Yeah. For me, it was a need-based product. As I got older, I needed reading glasses more and more, and they were never with me when I needed them."

As they explained the functionality and versatility of EyeWris, the Sharks were impressed. Mark Cuban, Kevin O’Leary, Lori Greiner, Barbara Corcoran, and Daymond John all saw the potential for EyeWris to disrupt the traditional reading glasses market.

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Negotiation and deal-making

The initial offer from the Sharks focused on combining their expertise to maximize the potential of EyeWris. Lori Greiner and Daymond John were among the first to express interest, with Daymond emphasizing its potential in sports applications and Lori praising its licensing opportunities.

Kevin O’Leary suggested a broader collaboration, asking if all five Sharks could work together. Mark Cuban noted the challenges of splitting equity among multiple investors but emphasized the benefits of leveraging their collective expertise. He explained:

“The way multi-shark deals typically work, someone does the due diligence, and then we all figure out what our skill sets are."

The father-son duo, however, were cautious about giving away too much equity. While the Sharks initially proposed a 25% equity deal for $125,000, Kenzo and Mark negotiated down to 20%. Barbara Corcoran ultimately sealed the deal, enthusiastically agreeing to the terms.

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Highlights of the EyeWris pitch

Product practicality:

Kenzo and Mark demonstrated how EyeWris works, emphasizing its practicality. The foldable glasses transform into a wristband, making them easy to carry and reducing the risk of misplacement. Kenzo explained the wearability of the product by stating:

"We're starting out with a universal one-size-fits-all. So it should fit most everyone. About 95% of the population is what we're going for.”

Multi-shark collaboration:

For one of the rare times in Shark Tank history, all five Sharks expressed interest in the product. Kevin O’Leary proposed that they collectively offer funding and expertise, a strategy that impressed the Singers. Kevin stated:

"What's happening here is almost unprecedented in Shark Tank history. You know that. Every single shark wants to back you guys.”

Final deal:

The Sharks agreed to invest $125,000 for a combined 20% stake in EyeWris. The partnership brought together the strengths of all five investors, offering the Singers access to expertise in marketing, licensing, and retail.

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Shark Tank airs every Friday on ABC at 8/7c.