REALITY BITES THE SHARK TANK EFFECT APPEARING ON Shark Tank is one of the best things that ing from a pre-Shark Tank $900,000 to a projected can happen to a company, as the data below demon- $17 million for 2015. But not all contenders excel strates. We’ve analyzed the show’s impact on the 10 (ToyGaroo, not listed, got $200,000 and then went companies that got the biggest investments from the bankrupt), because some get big investments before Sharks as of March 30. Just making an appearance, they get their bearings. The lesson? Build a healthy whether or not the Sharks invest or the promised invest- company before asking for cash. As Daymond John ment happens, can give companies a boost. Tom+Chee told Inc. recently, “I want my money to be used to fuel got just $20,000 after the show, but its revenue is soar- the car, not make it.” —JOHN BRANDON COMPANIES RANKED BY CHANGE IN CHANGE IN CHANGE IN AMOUNT INVESTED REVENUE VALUATION SOCIAL MEDIA BY THE SHARKS FOLLOWERS $40M TEN THIRTY ONE +12,500% — “Growth can be like ZIPZ crack for highly driven people,” says CEO $3.5 MILLION Melissa Carbone. “It’s Single-serving wine $35M easy to get caught up in trying to take advantage of every TEN THIRTY ONE opportunity, but $2 MILLION that’s a great way to sink yourself.” Live horror HY-CONN production — +10,000% RUGGED MANIAC This company’s $30M massive deal fell $1.8 MILLION apart after the Mud runs and show taped. obstacle courses Founder Jeff Stroope has said publicly that HY-CONN investor Mark $1.25 MILLION Cuban backed out. $25M Fire hydrant connector TOM+CHEE + — 7,500% BEATBOX The tomato soup– $1 MILLION and–grilled cheese Novelty boxed wine sandwich franchise has grown from three locations before Shark $20M Tank to 19 (opened or under contract) since BREATHOMETER its episode aired. $1 MILLION Breath tester for smartphones $15M +5,000% TOM+CHEE $600,000 GAMEFACE Soup-and-sandwich — shops “Don't give up royalties [to investors] when negotiating. Small RED DRESS $10M businesses are cash poor $600,000 and need as much margin Online as possible,” says owner clothing site Doug Marshall. VILLY $500,000 +2,500% Beach cruiser bike–maker $5M GAMEFACE $450,000 Temporary face tattoos $0 BEFORE AFTER BEFORE AFTER SHARK TANK SHARK TANK SHARK TANK SHARK TANK +0% HY-CONN AND TEN THIRTY ONE DECLINED TO PROVIDE DATA HY-CONN AND GAMEFACE DECLINED TO PROVIDE DATA INC. - MAY 2015.