In 2017, Andrew Leary stepped onto the Shark Tank Australia stage with a bold vision: a Bluetooth-enabled seatbelt safety device designed to alert drivers if a passenger unbuckled mid-ride. The product, called Buckle Me Up, aimed to enhance vehicle safety, especially for families and commercial transport operators.
Leary’s pitch was compelling enough to earn a jaw-dropping $1.5 million offer from tech investor Steve Baxter—for 100% ownership. But in a move that left viewers stunned, Leary declined. Fast forward to 2025, and the story of Buckle Me Up serves as a fascinating case study in startup ambition, investor dynamics, and the unpredictable journey of innovation.
What Happened on Shark Tank?
Andrew Leary entered the tank seeking $390,000 for a 10% stake in Buckle Me Up, valuing the company at $3.9 million. The device, a retrofit seatbelt alert system, connected to smartphones via Bluetooth, aiming to improve safety in vehicles. While the Sharks were intrigued, it was Steve Baxter who made a bold move, offering $1.5 million for full ownership of the company.
“My spider senses are telling me you’re not the man for the job.”
Steve Baxter
Leary countered with a $2 million ask for 100% equity, but Baxter declined, and no deal was made. The episode aired on September 12, 2017, and became one of the most talked-about pitches of the season.
RELATED: 9 REJECTED SHARK TANK PITCHES THAT MADE MILLIONS
If you were a Shark, would you have accepted Buckle Me Up’s counteroffer of $2 million for 100% ownership?
Did Shark Tank Launch Buckle Me Up Into the Spotlight?
The exposure from Shark Tank Australia provided Buckle Me Up with significant visibility. Post-show, the company targeted commercial applications, particularly in school buses and fleet vehicles.
The product was marketed as a safety solution for ensuring passengers remained buckled during transit. However, despite the initial buzz, there is limited public information on significant sales spikes or major partnerships following the show’s airing.
“You’ll never look back.”
Andrew Leary during the pitch
While the company maintained an online presence for several years, updates became sparse, and by 2025, the official website and social media channels are inactive.
Buckle Me Up Net Worth 2025
As of 2025, Buckle Me Up is no longer operational. The company’s digital footprint has diminished, with the official website and social media accounts inactive. There have been no recent updates or announcements regarding the product or company activities. Given the lack of ongoing operations and public financial disclosures, the current net worth of Buckle Me Up is not publicly confirmed.
Where Is This Business Heading in the Future?
With Buckle Me Up ceasing operations, the future of the product and its underlying technology remains uncertain. There is no public information about any plans to revive or rebrand the product. The founder, Andrew Leary, has not made any recent public statements regarding the company’s status or potential future endeavors related to Buckle Me Up.
What’s Next for the Founder in the Future?
Andrew Leary’s current professional activities are not publicly documented. There is no available information on whether he has embarked on new ventures or projects following Buckle Me Up. His LinkedIn profile and other professional platforms do not provide updates on his recent endeavors.
🔹 TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
Buckle Me Up turned down a $1.5M Shark Tank offer in 2017. As of 2025, the business has gone silent, with no confirmed activity or updates.
FAQs
Is Buckle Me Up still in business in 2025?
No, Buckle Me Up is no longer operational as of 2025. The company’s website and social media channels are inactive.
Did Buckle Me Up get a deal on Shark Tank?
No, although Steve Baxter offered $1.5 million for 100% equity, the deal was not finalized as Andrew Leary declined the offer.
Who owns Buckle Me Up now?
Andrew Leary retained ownership of Buckle Me Up after declining the offer on Shark Tank. The current ownership status is not publicly confirmed.
Where can I buy Buckle Me Up?
As of 2025, Buckle Me Up is no longer available for purchase, and the company’s website is inactive.
