Fanion Shark Tank | Season 16
No more onion tears with Fanion. The company Fanion’s pitch for a tear-free kitchen on Shark Tank.
There is a universal kitchen problem that troubles everyone! It’s when you cut onions and your eyes water. People have tried so many things to safeguard their eyes from this torture, but nothing seems to work. Luckily, Fanion offers a practical solution to it.
Entrepreneur Glenn Smith founded the company with his family. His wife and two daughters make up the core team and hold leadership roles across operations, marketing, and finance.
The company, Fanion, wants the Sharks to help it grow. Would the Sharks invest and mentor?
About Fanion
| Category | Details |
| Founder | Glenn Smith |
| Product Type | Cordless countertop kitchen fan |
| Funding (Pre-Shark Tank) | Self-funded |
| Investment Asked | $90,000 |
| Equity Offered | 15% |
What Happened on the Shark Tank Episode?
Founder Glenn Smith came with his daughter Madison to pitch their family business, Fanion. The father-daughter duo presented a powerful, entertainment-filled pitch. They demonstrated how much people struggle while cutting onions or other similar vegetables. The demonstration kept the Sharks entertained.
The entrepreneur duo explained how it works and highlighted its features. Then, they provided the Sharks with some sample Fanion and vegetables to chop. Robert revealed that he can cut onions, and it doesn’t affect him. The reason is that he wears lenses, and they are known to block the fumes.
Glenn Smith is a Vice President of a large U.S. poultry company. Madison graduated from Georgia Tech, where she studied industrial engineering. She then worked in technology and supply chain management for four years.
Kevin inquired about the cost of the fans. The product is sold for $19.99 on the website, and the cost to make one is $8.09. The company launched the brand in 2023. For marketing and promotion, they rely on social media platforms.
They have spent $17,000 to $18,000 on advertising and invested a total of $468,000, primarily on inventory. Shark Daniel pointed out that they’re not making money; they’re actually losing it.
View this post on Instagram
What Makes Fanion Unique?
Fanion is a cordless, compact countertop fan designed for kitchen use. Its portability and sleek design make it easy to position next to a cutting board. You place the fan next to your cutting board, and it simply blows away the fumes and vapors of eye-irritating vegetables such as onions, shallots, peppers, garlic, and more. It is available in four different colors.
Did Fanion Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
The entrepreneurs explained their business model to the Sharks. After that, the Sharks shared their opinions:
- Mark Cuban expressed skepticism about consumer willingness to purchase the product solely for onion-related issues at the given price point, leading him to opt-out.
- Lori Greiner noted the significant financial investment made without sufficient sales, deeming the venture risky.
- Kevin O’Leary was unimpressed with the business model, while Robert Herjavec suggested liquidating inventory.
- Daniel Lubetzky, though not offering a deal, commended the father-daughter partnership.
Ultimately, the entrepreneurs left the Shark Tank without securing a deal.
View this post on Instagram
What Happened to Fanion After Shark Tank?
As of now, there is no public information indicating a significant sales surge for Fanion after their Shark Tank appearance. However, the exposure may lead to increased brand awareness and potential growth in sales channels.
Where Can You Buy It?
Fanion is available on its official website in four colors. You can also get the product from Amazon. Follow their Instagram accounts to get new information on the product and the company.
Quick Summary
- A father-daughter team, Glenn Smith and Madison, came to Shark Tank Season 16, Episode 18, to pitch their business.
- Their company, Fanion, makes cordless kitchen fans that protect your eyes from the irritating fumes of onions and other vegetables.
- The entrepreneurs could not secure any deal with the Sharks.
