LARQ made history on Shark Tank with the highest valuation ever requested, $50 million. The company, founded by Justin Wang, introduced the world’s first self-cleaning water bottle that purifies water with UV-C LED technology. LARQ’s mission is to provide consumers with clean, sustainable hydration while reducing single-use plastic waste. But did the Sharks bite on this record-breaking deal, and where is LARQ today?
Founder Profile: Who’s Behind LARQ?
Justin Wang, the mastermind behind LARQ, has an impressive background in product marketing and management. Before launching LARQ, he was the President of FOREO, a leading beauty-tech company. Wang’s passion for sustainability and innovation led him to create a water bottle that could clean itself and purify water without the need for filters or chemicals.
Larq’s founder Justin Wang has a net worth of 30 million USD as of 2025.
“I wanted to create something that was not only functional but also inspired change in how people consume water,”
Wang
The Shark Tank Pitch: A Record-Breaking Valuation
In Season 12, Wang stepped into the Tank seeking $500,000 for just 1% equity, valuing LARQ at $50 million, the highest valuation ever requested on the show.
His pitch was compelling:
- The LARQ Bottle uses patented UV-C LED technology to eliminate 99.99% of harmful bacteria, viruses, and mold.
- The reusable bottle market is growing within the $300 billion water industry, yet only 7% of that market consists of reusable bottles.
- LARQ generated $5.5 million in revenue in 2019 and increased to $9 million in the following 12 months, with projections to hit $14 million that year.
Sharks were skeptical. Kevin O’Leary asked, “Why is it worth $50 million?” Wang defended the valuation, citing LARQ’s strong sales and recent venture capital investment at a $31.7 million valuation, where they raised $6.7 million.
Despite the initial concerns, Lori Greiner and Kevin O’Leary teamed up to offer a deal. They invested $1 million for 4% equity, bringing in two experienced Sharks to help propel LARQ’s growth.
LARQ Pitch on Shark Tank (Quick Info Card)
| Company name | Larq |
| Product | A self-purifying water bottle that uses UV-C LED technology |
| Episode | Season 12 Episode 21 |
| Founder | Justin Wang |
| Asked for | $500,000 for 1% equity |
| Final deal | $1 million for 4% equity |
| Sharks | Lori Greiner and Kevin O’Leary |
| Location | San Francisco Bay Area, California |
Did the Sharks’ Investment Pay Off? Inside LARQ’s Post-Tank Boom
With Lori and Kevin on board, LARQ continued to thrive. The company expanded its product line, introducing the LARQ Pitcher, a high-tech filtration system for home use.
- Revenue Growth: In 2022, LARQ’s revenue surged to $30 million.
- Retail Expansion: The brand secured partnerships with major retailers like Amazon, Nordstrom, and Best Buy.
- Sustainability Initiatives: LARQ continues to promote its mission to reduce plastic waste, further strengthening its brand loyalty.
“Shark Tank gave us incredible exposure,” Wang said. “The partnership with Lori and Kevin helped accelerate our growth and reach.”
Was This the Sharks’ Best Deal Yet? Breaking Down the Profits
Was this one of the best investments made on Shark Tank? Let’s break it down:
- A $1 million investment for 4% equity means each Shark holds a 2% stake.
- If LARQ is valued at $100 million today, their combined stake would now be worth $4 million, quadrupling their investment.
- Compared to other Shark Tank successes like Scrub Daddy ($250M revenue) and Bombas ($300M revenue), LARQ is on a similar trajectory.
Business Challenges & Strategy
Despite its success, LARQ has faced competition from copycats attempting to replicate its technology. Wang has tackled this through patent protection and legal action. Additionally, LARQ continues to innovate with new product features and marketing strategies.
“Innovation is key, We’re not just selling water bottles; we’re changing how people think about hydration.”
Wang
Conclusion
LARQ’s journey proves that with the right idea, execution, and business model, success is inevitable. With strong revenue growth, market expansion, and a commitment to sustainability, LARQ is on track to becoming one of the most successful brands to ever appear on the show.
Lori and Kevin saw the potential was this one of their smartest deals yet? Only time will tell.
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