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Shark Tank has witnessed numerous entrepreneurs pitching innovative ideas, ranging from unusual products to cutting-edge technology. However, one pitch stood out as particularly poorly received. A public charging station concept, seemingly straightforward, was dubbed "the worst pitch" in Shark Tank history by one of the investors.
The idea, Amber, was conceived by Bill Shuey and Kyle Byrd in 2013. The duo appeared on the season 6 premiere episode, seeking $250,000 in exchange for a 20% stake in their business. However, the investors were amused to learn that Amber was still "pre-revenue."
Robert Herjavec questioned the reliability of fingerprint scanners, a concern echoed by Mark Cuban. The entrepreneurs' target market, including bars and music festivals, was also met with skepticism. The sharks' criticism intensified upon learning that the Amber device had a hefty manufacturing cost of $1,000.
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Each investor, in turn, expressed their reservations about the product's necessity, profit margins, and competition from free charging stations installed in public areas for advertising purposes. While most investors attempted to be diplomatic, Kevin O'Leary's disdain was palpable. Mark Cuban's visible frustration was also evident as he critiqued the business idea.
"That is such a bad business," expressed Mark Cuban on Shark Tank.
Journey of Amber before Shark Tank and beyond explored
The concept of Amber emerged in late 2013 after Bill Shuey experienced the frustration of his phone dying unexpectedly while dining out. Recognizing the need for secure public charging stations, Shuey, then a political science student at James Madison University, began developing the idea that would eventually become the Amber Charging Station.
Shuey collaborated with Kyle Byrd, a product designer, and business partner, as well as professors from James Madison University, to refine his concept. As the idea gained traction, it caught the attention of the producers of Shark Tank, who invited the duo to audition for the show in spring 2014. Following a successful audition, their Shark Tank pitch episode was filmed in June.
As mentioned earlier, the two entrepreneurs pitched in front of sharks and they explained that the Amber device had the capacity to accommodate up to seven devices simultaneously, and it was slightly larger than a standard household toaster. Each device was safeguarded behind individual glass panels while charging via extended cords.
To utilize the Amber device, users would simply register their thumbprint when storing their phone. The service would be free of charge for patrons, while venue owners were required to pay a monthly fee of $150 or a one-time payment of $2,000.
As the Sharks continued to mock Amber in the co-founders' absence, Kyle Byrd and Bill Shuey exited the room, visibly defeated. During their post-show interview, Shuey acknowledged the Sharks' concerns regarding the device's cost and security. However, he appeared bitter about his experience claiming to be angry at the sharks.
Standing alongside Byrd, who wore a smile, Shuey expressed a strong sentiment, stating he would have liked to physically confront Robert Herjavec. Byrd tried to intervene and with a gentle scoff characterized the comment as "rude." Shuey promptly defended his remark, emphasizing that the producers asked him for an honest response.
On their Instagram account, which was created after filming, they shared regular updates about their company, including collaborations with musician Drake and the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. However, the account abruptly ceased activity after the episode aired, following approximately three months of posts. The final post featured Byrd watching their Shark Tank pitch.
Since appearing on Shark Tank, Bill Shuey has maintained a low public profile. Kyle Byrd on the other hand began a brief stint as an instructor at TechShop before taking on a role as a product designer at Resonate. After a year, he transitioned to senior positions at AgileCraft. In 2022, Byrd co-founded and that same year, he also became head of product at Dotwork.
Shark Tank is currently airing season 16, which would serve as the last season for Mark Cuban.
