Each year, people throughout the world come up with innovative invention ideas and many of these inventions, some of which seem downright impossible, find their way onto the Emmy-winning show Shark Tank, where hopeful entrepreneurs test the limits of their vision in front of a panel of shrewd investors and successful business owners.
It’s no secret that Shark Tank has produced some of the most successful inventions in history. Though the show first debuted in 2009, the inventions that have earned the most exposure, with many of them even transforming into household names, are relatively recent. In this paper, we will explore the most successful inventions from the show, from their invention ideas to their considerable success.
Scrub Daddy
If you’ve ever seen Shark Tank, then you’ve likely already heard about the incredible invention that is the Scrub Daddy. Developed in 2012, the product relies on a unique surface that hardens when exposed to cold water but softens with warmth.
As it turns out, founder Aaron Krause found the perfect product: a “smile sponge,” as it later became known, with a unique texture that can tackle a range of cleaning tasks while delicately protecting surfaces.
Krause’s invention ideas and solution to an everyday problem caught the attention of the Sharks and he eventually received a deal of $200,000 in exchange for a 20% stake in the company.
Since then, ScrubDaddy has been a disruptive force in the home cleaning industry, with sales of the product having skyrocketed in the past two years. What started as a modest idea has grown to be a multi-million dollar venture, with a sales presence in over 18,000 stores across the United States and Canada.
Squatty Potty
The Squatty Potty has become a well-known invention for the show and for good reason. The Squatty Potty was designed by Bobby Edwards, who initially conceived of the idea when trying to find a way to a place to improve his wife’s digestive health.
His invention uses a simple step-stool design to bring the body into a more ergonomic squatting position, allowing users to properly align their body and reduce the strain of elimination. The product received immense praise when it debuted in Shark Tank and Edwards was eventually able to negotiate a deal of $350,000 in exchange for a 10% stake in the company.
Since then, the product has seen tremendous success, with many people finding Squatty Potty to be not just a useful bathroom accessory but also an integral part of their health routine.
Tipsy Elves
Tipsy Elves was founded by Evan Mendelsohn and Nick Morton, who first began making apparel for holiday parties. The company eventually got its start on Shark Tank, utilizing the exposure from the show to make a name for itself as a successful fashion line.
The product was an immediate hit and Mendelsohn and Morton were able to negotiate a deal of $100,000 in exchange for a 20% stake in the company. Since the series of Tipsy Elves clothing pieces first debuted on the show, the brand has served as a leader in the apparel industry.
Their signature “ugly Christmas sweaters” have become a signature signature of the company, while their ever-expanding apparel range has been recognized as a fashion staple.
ReadeREST
ReadeREST is a unique invention that has made its way onto Shark Tank numerous times. Founded by retired Marine Corps officer Homer Leonard, ReadeREST is a sunglasses and eyeglass holder that attaches to clothing and can securely hold glasses to make sure they don’t easily fall off.
The product has seen tremendous success since it first debuted on Shark Tank. Leonard managed to secure a $150,000 investment from investor Robert Herjavec in exchange for a 10% stake in the company.
Since that initial investment, ReadeREST has experienced overwhelming success, experiencing over 100% year-over-year growth for the past 5 years. The product is now available in over 20,000 retail stores through the United States and is becoming a go-to for eyeglass wearers everywhere.
ChordBuddy
ChordBuddy is an invention that has found success on Shark Tank and beyond. Founder Travis Perry developed the product in an effort to make learning the guitar easier, particularly for those who are anxious about learning the instrument during the early stages.
Perry’s invention is a unique device that attaches to a guitar and provides direction and assistance by providing a common set of chords without the need to learn all of the various complexities of the instrument.
Perry earned a deal of $150,000 from Shark Tank in exchange for a 10% stake in the company. The product has since been used by more than 500,000 people worldwide. The company even recently added a violin and ukulele to its lineup in order to broaden its reach.
Wine & Design
Wine & Design is a unique service that provides classes to teach individuals how to properly drink and appreciate wine. Founded by husband and wife team, Troy and Danyelle Jones, the service focuses not only on the appreciation but also the education of wine, utilizing a full staff of certified sommeliers to offer a comprehensive “wine experience.”
The company first got its start on Shark Tank in 2012, when they secured a $500,000 investment in exchange for a 20% stake in the company. Since then, the company has seen massive success, with in excess of 350 cities and towns across the United States now offering their service. The company has also found success outside of the United States, with several cities throughout Canada now offering their classes to locals.
Final Thought
From smile sponges to squatty potties, Shark Tank has seen some of the most successful invention ideas of all time. Each of the inventions listed here have experienced tremendous success due to their innovative approaches to everyday problems and the attention they received from Shark Tank. As the show continues to gain exposure, more and more people are becoming inspired to pursue their own invention ideas and possibly even give them the same level of success as those listed above. Furthermore, the show serves as a successful platform for aspiring inventors to show their inventions, build name recognition and ultimately, find success in the business world.
