Key Takeaways: Amber on Shark Tank

  • Amber stations provide secure charging for mobile devices in public places like airports, bars, and parks.
  • The system uses fingerprint access to ensure security and charges users a fee for using the service.
  • Pre-revenue at the time of their Shark Tank pitch, Amber stations failed to secure a deal due to concerns over scalability and competition.
  • The product’s high cost ($1,000 per station) and emerging alternatives made the Sharks wary of investment.
  • Amber’s inventors believed the product would fill a gap in public charging needs, but the Sharks felt that free alternatives would surpass it.

What is the Story Behind Amber?

Amber is the brainchild of inventor Bill Shuey & Kyle Byrd.

The device is only 24-inches wide and 12-inches tall and attaches to wall outlets for use in public areas. The company hopes to have its product installed in airports, bars, and even parks. Business owners can offer customers a charging option with a fee attached.

Each Amber station holds up to four phones or one tablet at a time.

Amber’s inventors have also created a location-based app that allows smartphone and tablet users to find the nearest Amber station. Running out of battery power and need to charge your device quickly? The Amber station is the perfect solution for people on the go or anyone hanging out at a bar for the night.

The station’s cost $1,000 each, and that high cost helps make them very secure. To retrieve a phone or tablet users must access the Amber station via fingerprint scanner.

The guys admit that they are “pre-revenue” but made a bold $200,000 request for 20% equity in the company.

The Sharks all agreed that better solutions will likely surface and will be offered for free to consumers.

Kyle Byrd and Bill Shuey failed to make a deal.

Twitter users pretty much agreed with the Sharks and called on people to carry a phone case with a built in additional battery.

There was some support from viewers who apparently are in constant need of battery charging on their smartphones and tablets.

Latest Update: Amber did not secure a deal on Shark Tank, and the company has struggled to find a foothold in a highly competitive market. While the concept has appeal, especially for venues like airports, it faces significant competition from free charging stations and portable power banks, leading to a slower than expected rollout.