Additional Coverage:
- ‘Shark Tank’ contestants brought a ‘bear’ to the set and walked away with a life-changing deal (marketrealist.com)
A “beary” good deal! “Shark Tank” contestants bring a bear (and a bowl) to the set and walk away with a $100,000 investment.
Entrepreneurs Heidi and Cory Santiago brought more than just their cookware to the Shark Tank. Hoping to secure funding for their innovative camping cookware, “Bear Minimum,” they also brought their business partner, Tim Krauss, dressed as a bear!
The couple pitched their flagship product, the Bear Bowl, a collapsible cooking pot designed for easy packing. While the bear costume certainly got some laughs, it was the Santiagos’ story of resilience that truly resonated with the Sharks.
The couple shared their previous experience with a failed business venture where an overseas partner took all their money and inventory. Undeterred, Heidi took on five jobs while Cory worked on Bear Minimum during the day and drove for Lyft at night. This dedication impressed guest Shark, Jamie Siminoff.
While some Sharks, like Kevin O’Leary (who joked about preferring room service to roughing it) and Mark Cuban, weren’t sold on the product, Siminoff saw potential in the market and the couple’s grit. He offered $100,000 for 25% equity. Daymond John also made an offer, but the Santiagos ultimately accepted Siminoff’s deal.
According to reports, Bear Minimum is still thriving and has even expanded its product line. It seems this “bear” market is anything but grizzly.