The Lapel Project, founded by Sebastian Garcia and Raul Bernal, appeared on Shark Tank in 2016, securing a $150,000 investment from Mark Cuban for 30% equity. Since then, the company has experienced significant growth.

By 2024, their net worth reached $2 million, with annual sales of $5 million. Cuban’s backing helped the business expand its online presence and diversify its product line.

Currently the company manufactures custom lapels as well as other men’s accessories. The company continues to thrive, particularly during formal event seasons like weddings and proms.

The Lapel Project Net Worth

Estimated Net worth$2 million (2024)
Annual Sales Revenue$5 million (2024)
Lifetime salesNot available
InvestorMark Cuban
FoundersSebastian Garcia and Raul Bernal
Employees25 employees

The Lapel Project Pitch on Shark Tank

Company nameThe Lapel Project
ProductStick on lapels
EpisodeSeason 8 Episode 2
Founders Sebastian Garcia and Raul Bernal
Asked for$150,000 for 20% equity
Final deal$150,000 for 30% equity
Shark Mark Cuban 
LocationMiami, FL

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The Lapel Project Founders

The Lapel Project was founded by Sebastian Garcia and Raul Bernal in 2014. Sebastian Garcia is the CEO and founder of The Lapel Project. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California and has a degree in business administration. Raul Bernal is the CTO and co-founder of The Lapel Project. He is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and has a degree in mechanical engineering. Sebastian Garcia and Raul Bernal’s founders, Sebastian Garcia and Raul Bernal, have an approximate net worth of $2 million as of 2024.

Key accomplishments

YearAccomplishment
2016 Appeared on Shark Tank season 8 and Mark Cuban invested $150,000 for 30% equity.
2017The Lapel Project was named one of the “Best New Products of the Year” by GQ magazine.
2021Expanded its operations to Europe and Asia.

Conclusion

From their beginnings on Shark Tank to their current status as a thriving business, they have proven that with the right idea and execution, anything is possible. We can’t wait to see the future for The Lapel Project and its continued success.

ABOUT KESARA BANDARAGODA
Kesara Bandaragoda is a Sri Lankan-born media entrepreneur currently based in Dubai, with a lifelong passion for storytelling, innovation, and all things screen-worthy. Whether it's a mind-bending sci-fi epic or the latest startup pitch on Shark Tank, Kesara is all in. In fact, he was one of the earliest content creators to cover Shark Tank Australia online and has been tracking its businesses, products, and founders since 2019 — long before it was cool.

Kesara is the visionary CEO behind BrandFactory, a digital media company powering multiple content platforms that reach millions. When he’s not leading a team of creatives, he’s often geeking out over Marvel and DC universes, decoding Spielberg's directorial magic, or revisiting classics like The Shawshank Redemption, Interstellar, and Pirates of the Caribbean (yes, he's a Johnny Depp loyalist).

INDUSTRY FOCUS
Kesara’s writing and content leadership often focus on the intersection of entrepreneurship, entertainment, and emerging digital cultures. He’s particularly passionate about telling stories that celebrate founders, dissect business blueprints from media narratives, and spark curiosity in audiences across the globe.

FAVORITE MEDIA
A sci-fi enthusiast with a taste for high-stakes storytelling, Kesara’s favorite titles range from cerebral time-space odysseys to charismatic pirate adventures. He thrives in content that mixes real-world business insight with the spectacle of entertainment — think Shark Tank meets Black Mirror, with a touch of Marvel heroics.

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