Throughout its 12 seasons, the show "Shark Tank" has averaged millions of viewers. It's the biggest public platform that an entrepreneur could hope for, and a 10-minute pitch on the show can translate to huge sales.
Household names like the Scrub Daddy and Tipsy Elves all got their start after successfully striking deals on the show, but even companies that walked away without securing an investment have done as well as — if not better than — companies that did. These companies are now some of the most popular brands in the flower delivery, home security systems, quick and healthy breakfast options, and more.
The founders of these companies took their "Shark Tank" rejections in stride, using them as learning opportunities to generate millions in sales. Money from the judges would've been nice, but it turns out the national exposure can be just as valuable.
Here are 7 companies you'll be surprised didn't get deals on "Shark Tank":
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The Bouqs Co. left the Tank in 2014 without an investment, but Robert Herjavec eventually ended up investing after getting a firsthand glimpse into the process behind creating beautiful arrangements.
When Ring founder Jamie Siminoff appeared on the show, he valued his company, then called DoorBot, at $7 million. Amazon bought Ring in a deal worth over $1 billion, a testament to its versatile capabilities beyond home security.
The co-founder and COO went on the show seeking a $500,000 investment for 10% of the business. None of the Sharks agreed with the valuation. Now, it boasts $160 million in annual sales and has a whole lineup of products.
Before appearing on the show, the founders say their sales were $136,000, but glasses-wearers across the country who watched the show loved the concept and helped bring sales to $1 million.
Founder Melissa Butler said she saw the harsh "Shark Tank" rejection more like a "spring forward" because it made her focus more on an audience that understood the problem she was solving. The products are now available in Target stores nationwide.
Steven Sashen and his wife Lena Phoenix ultimately turned down the $400,000 for a 50% equity offer from Kevin O'Leary for Xero Shoes. In July 2020, USA Artistic Swimming announced Xero Shoes as its official footwear partner.
James Martin walked away from Sharks' offers not just once, but twice, and he's now notoriously known as one of the most disliked entrepreneurs on the show. The appearances on the show led sales to skyrocket from $500,000 to more than $14 million.
Connie Chen
Connie Chen is a former senior reporter on the Insider Reviews team, where she led coverage of home textiles, home entertaining, and food and drink. While at Insider, she specialized in all the things that enhance life at home, from the most comfortable bed sheets and fluffy pillows to cool online wine clubs and bartender-approved cocktail shakers. She combined rigorous testing methods, conversations with professionals, and active knowledge of the home and kitchen space to help readers get the most out of their money. When she's not changing duvet covers or washing towels twice a day for articles, she loves talking about and trying the newest snacks, drinks, and food gifts. You can see more of her testing process and other behind-the-scenes of being a product journalist on her Instagram @connayreviews. Connie joined Insider Reviews as an early member in 2017 and has also reported on products and services in the style, tech, fitness, travel, and e-learning spaces, with a particular interest and expertise in emerging startups. She has represented the team at CES and moderated panels on media business and the future of retail. Connie graduated from UC Berkeley with degrees in media studies and business administration, which help inform her perspective on and coverage of industry trends, as well as the competitive e-commerce landscape at large. Read some of her work: The 4 best cocktail shakers in 2021 The 7 best women's bathrobes in 2021 The 5 best wine openers and corkscrews we tested in 2021 The 5 best bed sheets we tested in 2021 The 5 best cordless vacuums we tested in 2021 12 direct-to-consumer kitchen startups that are changing the way we shop for cookware and knives 8 tableware startups changing the way we shop for dishes Even chefs experience cooking burnout — here's how they get re-inspired in the kitchen How businesses create successful virtual experiences 50 cookbooks from famous restaurants across the US that will help you recreate their best dishes at home Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Learn more about how we test kitchen products. Read more Read lessncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o8HSoqWeq6Oeu7S1w56pZ5ufonyowcidnKxnmKS6pnvBnqqtZaOdrrO3jK2Yp6Ndpb%2BwsNScq6xllqe8rnnRnqGem6SasW6vzqanmqaZmsA%3D