Over 16 seasons and 15 years, Shark Tank has been a platform for numerous innovative ideas. Some left the show empty-handed with no deal, while others took home the investment that they were looking for.
Aside from all those appearances, there were only a few pitches that impressed the sharks so much that they were ready to fight to make an offer and close a deal with the founders. These Shark Tank products range from practical everyday solutions like Little Elf, The Ice Cream Canteen, and Scrub Daddy to innovative concepts like Lavabox and Locker Board.
5 memorable Shark Tank deals: From Little Elf to Locker Board
1) Little Elf (season 11, episode 9)
In December 2019, founder Bryan introduced his firm called Little Elf on the show, offering a tool that simplified cutting wrapping paper with precision and speed. He sought $150,000 for 15% equity. He shared that his venture had an exclusivity agreement with the world’s largest gift-wrap company and he had the rights to sell online and on shopping networks.
The sharks were impressed by Bryan's passion and the remarkable growth of his company, all achieved despite his challenges with dyslexia.
Lori Greiner initially offered $150,000 for 30% equity. Kevin O'Leary chimed in and countered Lori's offer with a royalty-based deal of $150,000 for 10% equity of his company and $1 per unit until earning $450,000.
The two sharks entered into a bidding war and started to drop their royalty percentage until Bryan said that he wanted an equity-only deal. In the end, Lori made a deal that the Shark Tank contestant couldn't resist and closed a deal for $150,000 for 20% equity.
2) The Ice Cream Canteen (season 14, episode 18)
In March 2023, The Ice Cream Canteen founder Jordan appeared on Shark Tank season 14 episode 18 to pitch his unique storage container that could keep ice cream frozen for up to four hours. He needed help with retail and sought $100,000 for 5% equity.
Kevin liked the product and offered $100,000 for 30% equity of his company. Lori Greiner and Mark Cuban teamed up to offer $100,000 for 25% equity. They later mentioned an additional $100,000 as a line of credit.
The founder countered them for 15% equity as he thought his company was worth more. However, the two sharks believed that they were worth 20% equity for what they were bringing to the table. With the clock ticking on the offer, Jordan closed the deal with Mark and Lori.
3) Scrub Daddy (season 4, episode 7)
In October 2012, Scrub Daddy presented a versatile sponge capable of cleaning any kitchen-based surface, product, and utensils. Founder Aaron sought $100,000 for 10% equity and wanted the investor to help him with marketing and increasing their production.
Kevin, Daymond, and Lori saw the potential and jumped in to make an offer. Daymond John offered $150,000 for 25% equity, which he later increased to $175,000. Lori countered with $200,000 for 20% equity and Kevin came up with a royalty-based deal.
After a lot of offers and countering, the Shark Tank contestant closed a deal with Lori for $200,000 for 20% equity of his company.
4) Lavabox (season 14, episode 18)
Lavabox arrived on Shark Tank in season 14 episode 18, which aired on March 31, 2023. The company offered portable campfire boxes that were safe, clean, and easy alternatives to the traditional campfire. Founder Josh sought $200,000 for 10% equity, hoping to get valuable inputs for the shark that closed a deal with him
Impressed by the product Kevin offered $200,000 for 10% equity. Daymond jumped in with 20% equity, however, he wanted to license the product.
Lori put forward a royalty deal in which she offered $200,000 for 12.5% equity, with $0.75 per unit sold until she got her investment amount back. Ultimately, Josh decided to go with Lori.
5) Locker board (season 9, episode 1)
Locker board produced compact skateboards that were made from recycled Vans materials. Founder Carson, who was 11 years old then in October 2017, appeared on Shark Tank to seek $60,000 for 15% equity and wanted the investor to help him expand the reach of the product.
Mark Cuban offered $60,000 for 20% equity which guest Shark Richard Branson countered with $65,000 for the 20% equity. Robert Herjavec believed that Carson shouldn't give out any percentage of his company this early on, so he offered a $60,000 loan at an 8% interest rate.
Richard promised to help expand his business internationally and bring in additional global opportunities. Ultimately, the Carson contestant accepted Richard's offer.
Shark Tank season 16 episodes air every Friday on ABC.