Since its inception in 2009, “Shark Tank” has become a launchpad for countless entrepreneurial dreams. While many have tried and tested their luck in front of the discerning panel of sharks, only a select few pitches have transcended the realm of television to achieve phenomenal success. In this article, we take a closer look at four of the most groundbreaking pitches that captivated the sharks and, more importantly, captured the imagination of the viewers around the world.
These stories not only highlight pioneering ideas but showcase how creativity backed by tenacity and strategic investments can lead to remarkable triumphs. Details of these extraordinary pitches will help you understand how they became the top 4 pitches on the show.
1. Scrub Daddy: A Pitch That Felt Like a Live Infomercial
The story of Scrub Daddy is not just about a sponge; it’s about innovation in the world of everyday cleaning.
When Aaron Krause stepped onto the Shark Tank stage in Season 4, he didn’t just present a product—he delivered a masterclass in pitching. His demonstration of Scrub Daddy, a smiley-faced sponge that changes texture based on water temperature, was reminiscent of a QVC-style live infomercial.
Rather than just talking about the product, Krause showed its effectiveness by scrubbing away tough stains and highlighting its durability. The engaging demo instantly captured the Sharks’ attention, setting it apart from a typical pitch.
The Sharks’ Reactions and Intense Bidding War
Initially, some Sharks were skeptical. Robert Herjavec doubted whether it could break into retail, and Mark Cuban was concerned about its reliance on QVC. However, the moment they saw the sponge in action, the energy in the room changed.
RELATED: DOES SCRUB DADDY ACTUALLY WORK?
A fierce bidding war erupted between Kevin O’Leary, Daymond John, and Lori Greiner. Kevin pushed for an equity-heavy deal, while Daymond bid just to drive up the price for Lori. But Lori, known as the “Queen of QVC,” was determined. She made a bold promise to Krause: “I’ll make you a millionaire within a year.” That confidence sealed the deal.
In the end, Krause struck a deal with Lori Greiner for $200,000 in exchange for 20% equity.
Post-Show Success: A Household Name
Lori kept her promise. Scrub Daddy went from a niche cleaning tool to one of the most successful products in Shark Tank history, grossing over $220 million. It became a pop culture icon, expanding into multiple cleaning products and selling in major retailers like Walmart and Target. Today, Scrub Daddy stands as the highest-earning product in Shark Tank history, proving that a great pitch, paired with the right investor, can lead to extraordinary success.
RELATED: WHY ARE THEY SELLING SCRUB DADDY EVEN AFTER $220M IN REVENUE?
2. Bombas: A Pitch That Combined Profit and Purpose
Bombas isn’t just any sock company; it’s a brand with a heart.
In Season 6, David Heath and Randy Goldberg introduced Bombas, a high-performance sock brand with a social mission. For every pair sold, Bombas donates a pair to a homeless shelter—a model that resonated deeply with both the Sharks and the audience.
Unlike most pitches focused solely on numbers, Bombas highlighted the impact of their business on social good, making their presentation stand out.
The Sharks’ Reactions and a Brutal Nickname
The pitch wasn’t without challenges. The founders asked for $200,000 for just 5% equity, valuing Bombas at $4 million. This didn’t sit well with Kevin O’Leary, who sarcastically called them “sock cockroaches” for their persistence in justifying the high valuation.
Mark Cuban was also concerned about margins, and both Robert Herjavec and Lori Greiner declined, citing customer acquisition costs. But Daymond John, with his background in apparel, saw potential.
After tough negotiations, they struck a deal with Daymond for $200,000 in exchange for 17.5% equity—a far cry from the initial 5%, but a crucial partnership that would fuel Bombas’ growth.
Post-Show Success: The First Shark Tank Billion-Dollar Brand
Daymond’s belief in Bombas paid off. The company surpassed $10 million in sales within a year and later became Shark Tank’s highest-earning brand, crossing $1 billion in lifetime revenue. Beyond socks, Bombas expanded into underwear and T-shirts, all while keeping its one-for-one donation model. To date, they have donated over 100 million items to people in need, proving that a business with a mission can be both profitable and impactful.
3. Squatty Potty: A Pitch That Turned Bathroom Talk into a Business
What started as an amusing pitch became a cultural sensation.
When Bobby Edwards and his mother Judy pitched Squatty Potty in Season 6, they knew discussing toilet posture could be awkward. To tackle this, they delivered a mix of humor, education, and science.
They presented a video demonstration explaining the health benefits of proper posture while using the toilet, backed by medical research. This infotainment approach was rare on Shark Tank, making it one of the most unexpected yet educational pitches in the show’s history.
The Sharks’ Reactions and a Memorable Deal
Initially, some Sharks hesitated. Robert Herjavec doubted whether people would change lifelong bathroom habits, and Barbara Corcoran had concerns about Bobby’s trustworthiness.
However, the company had already made over $2 million in sales, and the high-profit margins (costing ~$4.50 to make and selling for $25) won over the remaining Sharks.
Lori Greiner and Kevin O’Leary both offered $350,000 for 10%, but the Edwards family chose Lori, believing her QVC expertise would take Squatty Potty mainstream.
Post-Show Success: The Viral Unicorn Pooping Ice Cream
After the show, Squatty Potty sold over $1 million in just 24 hours. But what truly catapulted them to fame was their 2015 viral ad campaign, “This Unicorn Changed the Way I Poop.”
The video, featuring a unicorn pooping rainbow-colored ice cream, became an internet sensation with over 100 million views. This viral marketing campaign tripled their sales and turned Squatty Potty into a household name.
In 2021, the company was acquired for $31 million, proving that a great pitch and a bold marketing strategy can turn even a niche product into a multimillion-dollar success.
RELATED: SQUATTY POTTY BUSINESS CURRENT WORTH
4. The Ice Cream Canteen: A Pitch That Used Fire to Prove Its Worth
The Ice Cream Canteen is perfect for ice cream enthusiasts dreaming of unmelting treats.
When Jordan Stern entered Shark Tank in Season 14, he didn’t just describe his product—he put on a jaw-dropping live demonstration.
The Ice Cream Canteen, a vacuum-insulated container that keeps ice cream frozen for hours, was tested against a blowtorch in front of the Sharks. The canteen’s surface hit over 400°F, but when Stern opened it, the ice cream inside remained frozen. This dramatic reveal left the Sharks stunned, making it one of the most visually impressive moments in Shark Tank history.
The Sharks’ Reactions and a Negotiation Misstep
The product excited multiple Sharks, but Stern’s 5% equity offer for $100,000 was a sticking point. Kevin O’Leary demanded 30% equity, while Daymond John criticized Stern for undervaluing the Sharks’ help.
Lori Greiner and Mark Cuban saw potential and offered $100,000 plus a $100,000 credit line for 25% equity. Stern, eager to secure a deal, repeatedly interrupted guest Shark Daniel Lubetzky, which many viewers saw as a misstep.
Eventually, Stern accepted Mark and Lori’s final offer of $100,000 plus a $200,000 credit line for 20% equity.
Post-Show Success: A Rapidly Growing Brand
Following the show, demand skyrocketed, and The Ice Cream Canteen quickly sold out. It has since grown to $1.8 million in annual sales and partnered with Salt & Straw for co-branded products.
The pitch remains a lesson in product demonstration and negotiation etiquette, proving that a great product, when presented correctly, can create an unforgettable impact.
CASE STUDY: HOW THEY TURNED A SIMPLE ICE CREAM CANTEEN IDEA INTO $M WORTH BUSINESS
Final Thoughts
These four Shark Tank pitches show that beyond just a great product, presentation, strategy, and marketing play a huge role in success. Whether it’s Lori’s million-dollar promise, a viral unicorn, or a blowtorch test, each pitch had something that made it truly unforgettable. What will be the next big pitch to break records?
RELATED: 23 WORST SHAK TANK PITCHES SO FAR AND WHAT MAKES THEM WORST
