Tonight, “Shark Tank” celebrates America’s heroes in a special episode that features veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs. First into the tank is Melissa Gersin of Tranquilo, seeking $100,000 for 10 percent equity.

Key Takeaways: Tranquilo Shark Tank Update

  • Product: Soothing vibrating mat for babies.
  • Investment Ask: $100,000 for 10% equity.
  • Shark Response: Secured a deal with Robert Herjavec for $200,000 and 15% equity.
  • Latest Update: Tranquilo Mat is expanding its product line and distribution channels to offer more soothing solutions for babies.

What Is Tranquilo? A Quick Overview

Tranquilo is a vibrating mat that soothes crying babies by mimicking the sounds and motions of a mother’s womb.

According to their website, “No longer snug inside the womb with its soothing constant motion and sound, babies miss the strong ‘whoosh’ of mom’s heartbeat and the gentle jostle of every move she makes.” The mat helps a baby’s transition to the world by mimicking the sound of a heartbeat and mimicking motion through vibrations and soft sounds. It is portable, washable and water resistant.

The small mat currently costs $80 on their website, while the large mat costs $90.

What Did the Sharks Think About the Company’s Pitch?

Daymond John wonders if it would create a bad habit for the babies, but Gersin assures him it is simply meant to be soothing. They have done $65,000 in sales and have a patent on the mat. She spent her inheritance and sold her home to keep her business going.

Daymond John offers $100,000 for 20 percent, contingent on licensing the mat. Kevin O’Leary, despite having concerns over her nursing job, then jumps in, offering $250,000 for 25 percent, contingent on Gersin quitting her job. She counters $200,000 for 15 percent, a higher valuation than her original ask. O’Leary then offers to do it for 20 percent. Before accepting anything, Mark Cuban goes out, followed by John.

O’Leary makes a final offer of $200,000 for 20 percent, still contingent on quitting her job. Robert Herjavec then swoops in, offering exactly what she asked for in her updated offer of $200,000 for 15 percent. Gersin accepts.

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

Closing Thoughts

Each week on “Shark Tank,” budding entrepreneurs have the opportunity to pitch their emerging business to six 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;
  • Robert Herjavec, technology guru and founder/CEO of the Herjavec Group.
  • Venture capitalist Chris Sacca is also slated to appear as a guest shark 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 $87 million in various companies after engaging in numerous bidding wars and shark fights. A new episode airs each Friday at 9 p.m. on ABC.

Would you try the Tranquilo mat? Sound off in the comments section below!

Read more: