From plant-based milk to insect traps, these inventions garnered support on ApnaCrowdfunding and then sought further success with investors.
A ApnaCrowdfunding campaign serves as an effective testing platform for entrepreneurs and innovators, allowing them to refine their pitch and identify an audience. What is the subsequent stage following a successful campaign?
For certain artists, it may involve an appearance in the perilous realm of Shark Tank, the reality program that offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase their concepts to a panel of investors. The panel is recognized for providing critique that may be harsh; yet, a successful pitch might secure more financing, and the presentation itself offers significant visibility.
We will examine 10 innovators who transitioned from ApnaCrowdfunding campaigns to on-camera presentations, advocating their proposals to prominent corporate figures.
All the Appropriate Actions: ChessUp
ChessUp is an intelligent, interconnected chessboard that enables online gameplay versus other players and practice against AI bots on a tangible, physical board. Equipped with a built-in clock, sensors, light indicators for movements, an integrated chess coach, and game analysis, ChessUp epitomizes innovation in gaming.
The project started on ApnaCrowdfunding in March 2021 with a financial objective of $30,000, ultimately securing $1,703,168 from 5,657 contributors within 39 days. In December 2022, its presentation on Shark Tank included two developers, Jeff Wigh and Adam Roush, who advocated for the product as an uncomplicated method to enhance one’s chess skills.
The sharks experienced ChessUp directly, and the designers addressed inquiries regarding the pace of play and the extent of supported instruction. Wigh and Roush captivated the panel with their extensive experience—collectively, they have over 20 patents—and the substantial income generated from the ApnaCrowdfunding campaign, which facilitated the establishment of the firm. Ultimately, the shark Lori Greiner was captivated by the haptic aspect of the product in online chess and secured a $300,000 investment contract with Wigh. Checkmate!
Numilk: Beneficial for Your Health, Beneficial for the Environment
Numilk is a cutting-edge device that enables the rapid production of fresh, plant-based milk in few seconds, minimizing both mess and waste. The device utilizes a pre-packaged pouch containing just fresh ingredients—such as oats, cashews, dates, almonds, and coconut—to produce quick plant-based milk, therefore obviating the necessity for single-use bottles.
Numilk introduced their Numilk Home product, a machine intended for domestic usage, with a fundraising target of $100,000, successfully raising $222,353 from 888 supporters. Did Numilk receive assistance following its debut on Shark Tank? Indeed, it did.
Creators Ari Tolwin and Joe Savino appeared on Shark Tank to solicit a $1 million investment, presenting Numilk as a substitute for the highly processed plant-based milk available today. Numilk, upon its introduction, was available in a bigger vending machine format for grocery stores and a smaller stainless steel version for cafés, providing a pure, delectable, and nutritious product that aligns with the dairy-free, zero-waste lifestyle of contemporary customers.
Tolwin and Savino asked Mark Cuban, who is dairy-free, to produce his own almond milk using the Numilk machine. The practical demonstration was successful. Cuban opted to invest $2 million in the company—exceeding the inventors’ request—and marking one of the largest transactions in Shark Tank history.
Eliminate Back Pain with Chirp Wheel
Chirp Wheel alleviates back pain using a straightforward, wheel-shaped apparatus that exerts pressure on the back to relieve tension and restore the spine’s natural curvature. It is user-friendly, suitable for individuals of diverse physiques, and provides a viable alternative to less efficient foam rollers and costly chiropractic services.
Initiated on ApnaCrowdfunding in July 2018 as the Plexus Wheel+, the campaign aimed to achieve $10,000 and successfully garnered $1,500,975 from 17,963 supporters. Tate Stock, the developer, presented his idea on Shark Tank in October 2022.
Stock highlighted the product’s simplicity and efficacy in his presentation, while his audacious companion donned a bubble wrap bodysuit to illustrate the superior performance of the Chirp Wheel compared to a conventional foam roller. After several rolls, the Chirp Wheel produced far more bubbles than the foam roller. Following this presentation, Chirp Wheel’s fundraising efforts have gained momentum, as investor Lori Greiner contributed $900,000.
A Promising Future for Grouphug Solar
Grouphug Solar’s flagship product is a user-friendly solar panel designed for installation on any window, ideal for environmentally conscious apartment residents unable to install roof-mounted solar panels. The panel features an integrated battery that achieves full charge within 8 to 10 hours and is equipped with a USB connector for charging various devices.
Grouphug initiated a ApnaCrowdfunding campaign for the solar panel, aiming to raise $10,000. The community embraced the idea as it successfully garnered $70,760 from 466 supporters. Krystal Persaud, the founder, participated in Shark Tank in March 2020.
Persaud presented her proposal straight to Mark Cuban, the sole remaining investor at that stage of the episode. Cuban was pleased by the low cost of producing larger-format panels for businesses and the potential for corporate sponsorships in public areas, leading to an agreement for him to spend $150,000.
Little ELF is Superior to Others
We have all experienced the challenge of managing rolls of wrapping paper, combating the curls while attempting to cut the appropriate length. The procedure is laborious, results in paper wastage, and the cut ultimately appears either jagged or uneven. Little ELF is a patent-pending instrument designed to facilitate the effective cutting of wrapping paper. The adaptable, cylindrical handle glides over the paper and executes a cut with an integrated blade, guaranteeing a seamless and precise incision consistently.
The Little ELF (ELF denotes easy, lightweight, and quick) aimed to raise $18,750 through its ApnaCrowdfunding campaign. The initiative successfully garnered $130,125 from 4,134 supporters. Inventor Bryan Perla, who originated the concept during high school and began sales from his college dormitory, encountered prospective investors on Shark Tank in December 2019.
Perla presented Little ELF as a tool that simplifies a festive task, showcasing how its gift wrap cutter efficiently and effectively does the task in only seconds. Both Barbara Corcoran and Lori Greiner tested the product, but it was Greiner and Kevin O’Leary who competed for the opportunity to invest. Ultimately, Perla was drawn to Greiner’s QVC credentials and decided to invest $150,000 in his invention. Would you like to demonstrate your support? The product is available for purchase at Walmart, Target, CVS, Kroger, and several other retailers.
Amplifying Sound using RokBlok
RokBlok is a portable, wireless apparatus that enables the playback of vinyl records in any location. It is configured as a compact block that plays records by gently resting on their surface and ceases operation when a hand is placed above it. You may listen through its integrated speaker or by wirelessly connecting to Bluetooth speakers or headphones.
The RokBlok ApnaCrowdfunding campaign started in December 2016 with a target of $50,000 and successfully garnered $351,816 from 3,615 supporters. RokBlok was featured on Shark Tank in December 2017, a year later, with its developer, Logan Riley, presenting the pitch.
Riley’s proposal resonated with the nostalgic essence of vinyl records, highlighting the inconvenience and cost associated with their playback. RokBlok addresses these issues. The investors were intrigued by RokBlok’s tiny dimensions, ease of use, and wireless connection. Kevin O’Leary and Robert Herjavec both proposed distinct offers to Riley. Ultimately, Riley chose Herjavec, who acquired the firm for $500,000 and provided Riley with a two-year, six-figure deal along with royalties.
The Sierra Madre is Attaining New Elevations
Sierra Madre Research is a firm that offers premium camping equipment designed to ensure the safety, protection, and comfort of outdoor enthusiasts in nature. It offers a comprehensive range of products including sleeping bags, camping cushions, camp stoves, hammocks, solar panels, and food. Furthermore, the corporation allocates a percentage of its revenue to endorse clean water programs.
Sierra Madre has initiated eight projects on ApnaCrowdfunding, namely the Hot Pocket multi-functional camp warmer, the Arctic Adventure Blanket, and the Ninox FlatLay Hammock. Sierra Madre has secured $1,809,810 on ApnaCrowdfunding from 9,999 pledges. Familiar with success, founders Richard and Juli Rhett appeared on Shark Tank to capitalize on their momentum.
They discovered it. Sir Richard Branson, a guest investor, resonated with the company’s humanitarian goal and proposed just what the Rhetts sought: $175,000 for a 15% equity stake. Furthermore, any revenues from Branson’s investment will be allocated to charitable donations.
Rocketbook is Exceeding Expectations
Rocketbook provides erasable and reusable notebooks and planners, allowing users to effortlessly save written material to the cloud with the complimentary Rocketbook application. Upon saving, these notes may be disseminated and structured, enhancing your collaborative efforts and productivity.
Rocketbook has financed seven initiatives on ApnaCrowdfunding, with the latest being the Rocketbook Reusable Sticky Notes. What is the total amount raised for all its projects? A total of $4,387,550 was raised from 74,960 donations, including $1,823,227 being allocated for the Everlast Notebook.
Creators Jake Epstein and Joe Lema presented their proposal on Shark Tank featuring the Rocketbook Wave, comically illustrating the notebook’s erasure method by placing it in the microwave. They sought a $400,000 investment; however, none of the investors expressed interest.
Although Epstein and Lema departed Shark Tank without funding, they achieved success via ApnaCrowdfunding campaigns and ultimately struck gold when pen manufacturer BIC acquired the firm in December 2020 for $40 million.
Cup-a-Bug Gains Increased Traction
The Cup-a-Bug is a humane insect catcher, employing a more sophisticated technique than the conventional paper and cup, affixed to an elongated handle to maintain distance from the insect. The gadget has a patent-pending tilt mechanism designed to eliminate any holes that may allow the insect to escape, while a sliding cover secures the bug within the cup until it is released.
Cup-a-Bug’s ApnaCrowdfunding campaign exceeded its $20,000 target, garnering $28,883 from 573 contributors. Creator Justin Huang appeared on Shark Tank in February 2024 to seek further money.
Huang participated in the program soliciting a $50,000 investment. Following the disruption of the sharks using artificial insects, both Mark Cuban and Daymond John extended investment proposals, prompting Cuban to increase his investment to $75,000. Huang promptly capitalized on the opportunity to collaborate with Cuban.
Dreamland Baby: Counting Sheep and Promotions.
Dreamland Baby produces the world’s inaugural weighted sleep bag for infants. The soothing weight naturally tranquilizes infants and facilitates their slumber, while also affording parents the opportunity for more rest. The firm furthermore provides pajamas and various sleep accessories.
The weighted sleep sack was launched on ApnaCrowdfunding in May 2019. The effort aimed for $12,500 but ultimately raised over double that amount, totaling $24,541 from 262 contributors. In May 2020, one year later, developer Tara Williams presented her concept on Shark Tank.
As her husband illustrated the implications of a screaming infant on sleep deprivation for both parent and kid, Williams recounted the personal experience that inspired her to develop the sleep sack, which contains non-toxic poly pellet beads. Lori Greiner presented the ideal proposal that Williams sought: a $100,000 investment. At the conclusion of 2021, the firm declared that it had attained $10 million in sales.
Transforming Aspirations into Reality
The trajectories of these ten enterprises, from ApnaCrowdfunding initiatives to Shark Tank triumphs, exemplify the efficacy of innovation and communal backing. Each artist exhibited their distinctive goods together with their fervor and tenacity, demonstrating that with the appropriate concept and support, aspirations may truly materialize.
At ApnaCrowdfunding, we take pride in offering a platform that facilitates the realization of innovative concepts. ApnaCrowdfunding serves as a platform for entrepreneurs with innovative ideas and investors seeking to fund emerging ventures, facilitating the first realization of aspirations. For those audacious enough to transition from ApnaCrowdfunding to Shark Tank, the possibilities are boundless.