First into the tank is Kyle Donovan of iFork, seeking $100,000 for five percent equity.

Key Takeaways: iFork on Shark Tank

  • Founder: Kyle Donovan pitched iFork on Shark Tank.
  • Product: Innovative flatware with a unique design to prevent utensils from touching the table, promoting hygiene.
  • Goal: Seeking investment to improve branding and packaging.
  • Shark Offer: Kyle sought $100,000 for 5% equity.
  • Deal: Barbara Corcoran invested $100,000 for 15% equity, contingent on redesigning plates and packaging.

iFork Shark Tank Update: Presenting the Future of Cutlery

iFork is a line of flatware that literally rises above the rest.

The ball and nesting designs prevent utensils from touching the table, helping to keep food residue off the table. According to their website, their “first mission was to design an innovative line of forks, knives and spoons to rise above the surface.

By doing this we would prevent dirtying our tables and counters from food residue sometimes left on our flatware from cooking and dining.”

They also wanted to prevent the spread of surface germs. Additionally, the iFork, iCup and iPlate utilize an interlocking system that allows for everything to be carried with one hand—perfect for parties.

Robert Herjavec finds their jingle very catchy and the sharks catch onto using the interlocking system quickly. There are several patents on the product and iFork received a 500-store test from WalMart. It sold well but they thought he needed to build up the brand more.

Rohan Oza thinks the problem that is actually being solved is the interlocking system, not just the iFork. Mark Cuban finds it challenging that the product needs to be demonstrated to potential customers.

Barbara Corcoran jumps in with an offer of $100,000 for 20 percent contingent on redesigning the plates and packaging. Cuban agrees that the packaging “sucks” and goes out.

Lori Greiner thinks the product is “clever” but believes it may be a marketing nightmare. She goes out, followed by Oza and Herjavec, despite being very inspired by his story. Ultimately, Donovan counters Corcoran at 15 percent, which she accepts.

Social Media Reacts to iFork’s Appearance on “Shark Tank”

The Shark Tank Recap

Each week on “Shark Tank,” budding entrepreneurs have the opportunity to pitch their emerging businesses to multi-millionaire and billionaire investors, known as sharks: Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks; Daymond John, fashion mogul and founder of FUBU; Kevin O’Leary, self-proclaimed Mr. Wonderful and founder of O’Leary Financial Group; Barbara Corcoran, real estate maven; Lori Greiner, queen of QVC; and Robert Herjavec, technology guru and founder/CEO of the Herjavec Group.

Philanthropist and Virgin Group founder Richard Branson, Spanx founder Sara Blakely, Skinnygirl Cocktails founder and Real Housewife Bethenny Frankel, Vitamin Water founder Rohan Oza and former MLB player Alex “A-Rod” Rodriguez are also slated to appear as guest sharks this season.

“Shark Tank,” which is based on “Dragons’ Den,” is produced by Mark Burnett and first debuted in 2009. To date, the sharks have invested more than $100 million in various companies after engaging in numerous bidding wars and shark fights. A new episode airs each Sunday at 9 p.m. on ABC.

Would you use the iFork? Sound off in the comments section below!