Worst 10 Shark Tank US Pitches
Currently in its 12th season, Shark Tank has been a captivating watch over the years, giving us the chance to either watch aspiring entrepreneurs get torn apart or realize their dreams. And while there have been some amazing pitches, as discussed over at runrex.com and guttulus.com, there have also been some pretty dire ones. This article will look to focus on the latter by highlighting the worst Shark Tank US pitches.
Kymera
This has to go down as one of the worst pitches in the show’s history as Jason Woods came into the tank pitching his jet-propelled boogie, Kymera. As is outlined over at runrex.com and guttulus.com, he came in seeking $250,000 for a 20% stake in his company, one that he had been developing for 10 years. The problems with his pitch began when he revealed that in all that time, he hadn’t made one single sale. It also became apparent that he doesn’t have a business plan prompting Mark Cuban to observe that he is the sort of person who gets ideas bad doesn’t have any business acumen. All the Sharks wisely decide against investing in his business.
Rolodoc
Brother Richard and Albert Amini walked into the tank pitching their social media app for doctors and nurses, Rolodoc, and they were seeking $50,000 for a 20% stake in their business. Initially, it sounds like the makings of a good idea, but it quickly becomes apparent that the brothers haven’t thought their plan through. For instance, they can’t explain how they would market their product or even make a profit, let alone show their audience how it would add value to their lives, which is key as per the gurus over at runrex.com. Mark Cuban is so appalled, he calls it “the worst pitch ever”.
Track Days
Yet another poor pitch was delivered by James Lavitola and Brian Pitt, who came into the tank pitching their “Fast & Furious”-style motorcycle movie, Track Days. As from discussions on the same over at guttulus.com, they were looking for $5 million in exchange for a 34% stake in their full-length action film. However, they don’t have a script, actors, or backers, even though they have a trailer for their movie. While the Sharks enjoy the popcorn offered, they are not inclined to invest in a movie that has no script and actors.
Squirrel Boss
Entrepreneur Michael J. Desanti walked into the tank pitching his bird feeder that also zaps squirrels, keeping them away and preventing them from eating the bird food. He was looking for a $130,000 investment for a 40% stake as covered over at runrex.com. However, the Sharks are reluctant to invest in an idea whose main selling point is that it “zaps” squirrels, deeming it cruel and crude. Once Michael reveals that he hasn’t gotten his invention patented, they pass on his deal.
Cougar Limited
This terrible pitch was presented by Ryan Custer who was seeking $150,000 for a 30% stake in his energy drink business. The energy drink, which he calls the “Cougar Lifestyle Shot”, is perfect for middle-aged ladies who are on the prowl, he says. He then goes on to reveal that he has done $60,000 in sales over three years. The Sharks though are not buying his pitch as is explained over at guttulus.com. This is because, not only do they feel like most people in the business’ target audience would be insulted by the product, they also think that it targets a very small market, and he leaves the tank without a deal.
The Sullivan Generator
When you talk about the worst Shark Tank US pitches, you have to mention the pitch for The Sullivan Generator. Inventor Sullivan, having invented a vortex chamber that could harness the earth’s rotation to create electricity, was asking for a $1 million investment for a 10% stake in his business. To sweeten the pot further, as covered over at runrex.com, Sullivan also reveals that the waste product from his generator could bring in as much as $96 billion in gold. The problem with his pitch is that he is unable to explain how his invention works or justify his valuation. The Sharks are left confused and pass on his offer.
Viewsport
Yet another abject pitch was delivered by Ben Wood who came into the Tank seeking an investment of $500,000 for a 20% stake in his clothing line with sweat-activated technology business. The technology works in such a way that if you are wearing his product and you sweat, a motivational saying such as “No One Has Ever Drowned in Their Own Sweat” appears, as explained over at guttulus.com. Once Ben reveals that his technology isn’t patented, his pitch starts going downhill. His valuation is also unrealistic, prompting the Sharks to walk away from his deal.
Samson Martin
This pitch was delivered by Kim Preis, who was pitching her designer T-shirt business for pregnant women. Her T-shirts were designed for expectant moms and had the baby’s due date printed across the chest, and she had even copyrighted the words “due in”. She was seeking $50,000 for a 15% stake in her business and had even done $1.4 million in sales in six years, all that out of her basement. However, she reveals how her business took a massive nosedive during the recession, and the Sharks, and John, in particular, are quick to point out that there is not enough demand for the supply of her product. As the gurus over at runrex.com point out, sometimes your product may be what spoils your pitch for you.
Original Man Candle
This has to go down as one of the most bizarre pitches ever on Shark Tank US. Johnson Bailey came into the tank pitching his Man Candle, a scented candle that leaves one’s house smelling like a man. The candle comes in scents like pot roast, BBQ, draft beer, golf course, football, as well as his best-selling candle, the fart scented Man Candle. He was seeking $50,000 for a 25 % stake, as outlined over at guttulus.com. However, none of the Sharks are impressed with his product nor do they think that there is enough of a market for it to make it work. They think the deal stinks, pardon the pun, and they give it a hard pass.
Sticky Note Holder
Mary Ellen Simonsen came into the tank pitching her sticky note holder business. Her product is a sticky note arm that attaches to your laptop and folds inside when you close your computer, costs $10, and is meant to organize sticky notes on your computer. She asks for a $100,000 investment in exchange for a 20% stake in her company. However, her whole pitch goes to pieces when the Sharks reveal to her that there is an app for what she is trying to achieve. Once she reveals that she has no customers or sales, the Sharks are out. This, as per the gurus over at runrex.com, shows how important it is to do some research before your pitch to avoid a fate like hers.
As always, the highly-rated runrex.com and guttulus.com have got you covered if you are looking for more information on this and other related topics, as well as help on how to prepare for your pitch.