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The Shark Tank welcomed guest shark, Maria Sharapova, to seek investment opportunities alongside tenured sharks Mark Cuban, Daymond John, Lori Greiner, and Kevin O’Leary. These successful business people listened to the product pitches of four companies who were seeking partnership opportunities to grow and leverage their small businesses and brands. Bala Bangles, Shake it Pup! Dog Food Seasoning, Pips and Bounce, and Fur all came well prepared with exciting opportunities for the Sharks to consider, however, only three of the businesses left with partnership deals with the Sharks.

Bala Bangles Interested All 5 Sharks

Husband and wife Natalie Holloway and Max Kislevitz have invented a fashionable way to ramp up their exercises. Their wearable wrist and ankle weights help to boost workouts by increasing heart rates, burning fat and building muscle. Impressed by their sleek design and obvious functionality, the products have already caught the eyes of consumers as well as many large retailers such as Bloomingdales and Nordstrom, however, viscous inventory cycles have plagued the company and caused increased complexities to their business.

The Sharks are impressed with how they have taken the market by storm and although 2019 was their first full year of operation, they were predicted to close the year at $2.2 million in sales. With the interest of so many large retailers, an obvious need for this product in the market, great margins, and the initial business success, the Sharks were very interested in partnering with Bala Bangles. Although all of the Sharks extend Natalie and Max offers, they ultimately decided to partner with Mark Cuban and Maria Sharapova. Mark and Maria will invest $900,000 into Bala Bangles in exchange for 30% equity in the company. They are very excited to have not only their business expertise but also their exposure as influencers into the sports market.

Shake it Pup! Dog Food Seasoning Lands a Deal With Mark Cuban

Childhood friends, AJ Crook and Brett Maiolfi, have created specialty seasonings that are designed to add flavor, vitamins, and nutrients to dog food. These handcrafted, all-natural organic recipes are simply sprinkled on regular dog food to make it taste better. Because demand for their product is high, AJ and Brett are looking for a strategic partner that can help them to find a copacker for their products to reduce the costs and increase the efficiency of their manufacturing efforts. Shake it Pup! is hoping to find a partner that will invest $100,000 in exchange for 20% equity of their company.

With just over a year of sales under their belt, Shake it Pup! has generated $105,000 in sales. The Sharks like the margins of the product and the market. Because many of the Sharks play in the pet space, they are aware that consumers are willing to pay premium prices for a higher quality of life for their pets. Kevin O’Leary, Mark Cuban, and Lori Greiner all were interested in Shake it Pup! and extended offers to AJ and Brett. Ultimately, they decided to partner with Mark Cuban because he would like to combine efforts with another pet brand he has ownership in, Wild Earth. They agree to accept $100,000 from Mark in exchange for 25% equity in Shake it Pup!

Pips and Bounce Strike Out in The Shark Tank

Brothers, Eugene and Michael Jung, loved to play ping pong when they were younger. As adults, they have created their business, Pips and Bounce, to celebrate the nostalgia of their favorite childhood game. Their facility is specially designed to allow friends to gather and play ping pong together. The 4,500 square foot storefront also sells food and beverages for groups to enjoy while they are playing. They are hoping to adopt a franchise model for their business and are coming to the Shark Tank in hopes of partnering with a Shark that can help get their business expansion off the ground.

After reviewing the financial data, the Sharks learn that the profit margins of Pips and Bounce are only 7% which does not meet the minimum requirements for an investor to get their money back out of the investment. Eugene and Michael are looking for a $500,000 investment in exchange for 10% equity. In order for an investor to get a return on their investment, their profit margins would need to be at least 14%. The Sharks feel that Eugene and Michael came to the Shark Tank too soon and that their business is not developed enough to show proof of concept. The Sharks decline to invest in Pips and Bounce.

Fur Turns The Heads of Multiple Sharks

Business partners, Laura Schubert and Lillian Tung, have developed an all-natural line of skin and hair care that can be used on all body parts. For up top, down below and everywhere in between, Fur helps consumers to embrace their own bodies and whatever hairstyle they choose or grooming regiment they practice. This upscale product has attractive packaging and is the first product of its kind that can be used on all body hair.

After having a celebrity organically promote their product, Fur has had great success. With incredible margins, they will close the year at $5 million in sales. This piques the interest of several of the Sharks who like both the concept of the product and the sales. Kevin O’Leary, Lori Greiner and Daymond John all extended offers to Fur, however, one of the offers stood out from the rest. Lori Greiner would like to incorporate a non-profit that will help people feel better about their body no matter what their body shape and size is. Lori Offered Fur $500,000 for 8% equity. She will also give $50,000 to start the charity for this cause. They agree to this offer and Fur partnered with Lori Greiner.

Which of the businesses featured on this episode of Shark Tank is your favorite? Would you invest in any of these businesses if you were a Shark? Start the conversation in the comments below!