Guest Shark, Rohan Oza, joined long-time sharks Barbara Corcoran, Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner and Kevin O’Leary in the Shark Tank to hear pitches from four companies who are looking for serious investors that can help them grow their small businesses. Knife Aid, The Bug Bite Thing, Plop Star, and Snacklins all joined the Sharks in the Tank.

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The Sharks Compete For a Deal With Knife Aid

Marc Lickfett and Mikael Soderlindh were seeking a business partner willing to invest $400,000 for 15% equity in their company, Knife Aid. Both natives of Sweden, Marc and Mikael came to the US to expand a successful overseas business. Knife Aid is a mail-back service where consumers and businesses can send their dull knives and scissors to be sharpened and mailed back. Within a week the blades of the knives are recreated and are sent back to the owner.

The Sharks all loved their business idea and felt that it would fit well with their portfolios. They felt that they could help them attack and expand the American market, although they differed on the approach for expansion. Barbara Corcoran and Kevin O’Leary paired up and made a compelling offer, however Knife Aid decided to partner with Rohan Oza and Lori Greiner who offered them $500,000 in exchange for 20% equity.

The Bug Bite Thing Strikes a Deal With Lori Greiner

Florida residents and mosquito magnets Kelley Higney and Ellen McAlister came to the Shark Tank to find a Shark willing to invest $150,000 for 10% equity in their product, The Bug Bite Thing. This small and compact device can be used to draw out insect saliva after a bite, stopping the skin itch and irritation that is caused by the body’s reaction to the saliva in the bite.

The product, which is manufactured in Denmark and private labeled for sale in the US, can be purchased in many big box stores and is on track to surpass $2 million in sales this year. The Sharks went crazy for The Bug Bite Thing and all made Kelley and Ellen an offer. Although they were flattered by all of the offers, the mother-daughter duo decides to strategically partner with Lori Greiner. Lori agrees to invest $150,000 in The Bug Bite Thing in exchange for 10% equity in the company.

Plop Star Sinks in the Shark Tank

Tyler Jay rode into the Shark Tank on a motorized toilet in hopes of piquing the interest of the Sharks for his product, Plop Star. This product, a dissolvable tablet, would be added to a toilet bowl before going to the bathroom. It would then release essential oils that would create an odor barrier along the surface of the water. To properly rival other competitors, such as the market leader Poo Pourri, Plop Star would like to secure $150,000 for 10% of their company.

Although the Sharks are impressed with his presentation, they are concerned that there is too much competition in this market and that Jay lacks a strategic game plan for growing his business. They felt that the amount of work that they would have to put in to make this a profitable company would exceed the monetary value they would get back out of the company when they would go to sell it. The Sharks decline to make an offer with Plop Star.

Mark Cuban Partners With Snacklins

Samy Kobrosly pitched his vegan pork-rind, Snacklins, in the Shark Tank in hopes of finding an investor that would be able to grow and expand his business. He would like to acquire an investment of $250,000 for 2.5% equity in Snacklins. This snack treat made of mushrooms, onions and yuca was a pleasant surprise for the Sharks and they all enjoyed the taste and low calorie content of the snacks.

Although the valuation scared most of the Sharks, Mark Cuban was willing to entertain investing in Snacklins. Mark asked Samy to make him an offer, but it needed to be a compelling offer for him to want to proceed with such a low stake in the company. Samy proposed an investment of $250,000 for 5% equity and 5% advisory shares. Mark agrees and partners with Snacklins.

What do you think of the businesses featured on this episode of Shark Tank? Would you invest in any of these companies? Start the dialog in the comments below!