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Over 16 seasons, Shark Tank has acted as a platform to showcase different types of creative ideas. Some solved day-to-day problems while others revolutionized their respective field.
Aside from all those appearances, there were only a few pitches that managed to offer a creative solution while also freaking out the Sharks in the process.
These products range from surgically implanted Bluetooth earpieces to designed structures that inhabit bats to solve mosquito problems.
3 memorable Shark Tank deals: From Little Elf to Locker Board
1) Ionic Ear (season 1, episode 1)
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Founder Darrin Johnson appeared on Shark Tank season 1 episode 1, which aired on August 9, 2009, to seek $1,000,000 for 15% equity. Ionic Ear offered a surgical Bluetooth earpiece.
This pitch was made in 2009 when Bluetooth earpieces were in trend. Darrin explained how the usual Bluetooth earpieces were convenient as they would often fall if someone tried to pick up a call in a hurry.
To address this issue, the Shark Tank contestant developed the Ionic Ear, a Bluetooth device designed to be surgically implanted beneath a person’s ear. He explained that to charge the device, he had created a specialized Q-tip-like needle that would need to be carefully inserted into the ear.
If someone wished to upgrade their device then they would need to through an additional surgery.
The Sharks were both skeptical and visibly disturbed by the pitch. Every panel member was unsettled by the concept, as well as its accessories and maintenance requirements. Ultimately, all the Sharks decided to bow out, clearly stating that they had no interest in being involved with the product.
2) BatBnB (season 10, episode 23)
BatBnB arrived on Shark Tank in season 10 episode 23, which aired on May 12, 2019. Entrepreneurs Chris Rannefors and Harrison Broadhurst sought $100,000 for 16% equity.
They vowed to tackle a common problem of insects and mosquitos with an uncommon solution; bats.
BatBnB designed bat houses that people can set up in their backyard pest population. Since a common bat could eat up to a thousand mosquito-size insects an hour, they were the perfect animal for the job.
A single bat house could Inhabitat up to 80 bats and was designed with their unique lifestyle in mind. The featured interior Groove Chambers and landing pads allowed the bats to easily grip, climb, and hang on to it.
If explaining the idea wasn't enough, the Shark Tank contestants even brought a six-year-old bat into their pitch to showcase their trust in the animal.
All the sharks called it a hobby business and felt that it required too much effort for the profit they would get. Robert Herjavec even added that it would be held for them to convince people to welcome bats into their lives.
Kevin O'Leary on the other hand knew a lot about bats, their history, and their nature. Recognizing its potential, he offered a deal of $100,000 in exchange for 33.3% equity, which the founders eagerly accepted.
3) Slick Barrier (season 14, episode 13)
On January 27, 2023, Slick Barrier founders Tony Gonzales and Aaron Gonzales appeared on Shark Tank season 14 episode 13 to pitch their pesticide-free physical barrier paint.
When applied to the base of a home Slick Barrier acts as a physical barrier system that stops crawling pests from climbing up and entering the house. They wanted help to improve their profit margin and sought $500,000 for 10% equity.
The shares were freaked by their pitch as they used real rats, scorpions, and cockroaches to showcase their product. However, it was the company's valuation that stunned the sharks the most.
The Sharks doubted Slick Barrier's $5 million valuation given their relatively modest sales history. Robert believed that the crawling pests would regardless find a way to enter the house. He took his exit followed by Mark Cuban, Daymond John, and Kevin O'Leary who had similar reasons.
Lori Greiner decided to take the risk and closed the deal offering $500,000 for 15% equity, with $100,000 upfront and the rest as a loan.
Shark Tank season 16 episodes air every Friday on ABC.
