Moonies Shark Tank Update – Shark Tank Season 16
McKay and Karisa Winkel turned Shark Tank Season 16 into a comedy show with their cheeky men’s swimwear collection, Moonies.
The husband-wife duo of McKay and Karisa Winkel appeared in Shark Tank Season 16 Episode 4 with ‘Moonies.’ The company offered a line of swimwear for men. The duo started the Moonies Shark Tank pitch by stressing that for years, only girls had gotten to have fun in different types of swimwear.
According to the entrepreneurs, there were many styles and cuts available for girls, like one-piece, tankini, and bikini, to show off their curves and be as playful as they wanted. But men’s swimwear had been stuck with the same basic designs for decades.
Calling baggy board shorts boring and unflattering, the entrepreneurs introduced ‘Moonie,’ which was worn by two models who appeared mid-pitch. The company offered comfortable men’s swim briefs that brought something brand new and unique to the men’s swimwear range.
Would the Sharks like the idea and challenge the norms?
About Moonies
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Name | Moonies |
| Founder | McKay Winkel and Karisa Winkel |
| Industry | Garment |
| Product | Men’s swimwear featuring a patented rear cutout design |
| Funding (Pre-Shark Tank) | Self-funded |
| Investment Asked | $150,000 for 35% equity |
| Deal Status | No deal |
| Valuation | Approximately $428,000 |
The idea for Moonies came from a Speedo competition many years earlier. McKay modified a pair of swim briefs with a cutout in the back as a joke. The reaction was so positive that he and Karisa realized they might have stumbled upon a unique business opportunity.
The couple spent time protecting their concept and waited until they received a design patent before publicly marketing the product.
Moonies Shark Tank Pitch
The Winkels appeared on Shark Tank seeking $150K for 35% equity in their company.
The models turned their backs to the Sharks to show Moonies’ “cleavage for guys.” All the Shark investors burst into laughter after seeing the hilarious view of their butts.
The entrepreneurs claimed that Moonies were the funniest swimsuits anyone would ever wear. Moonies offered cutouts in the back to allow men’s “beautiful cheeks” to make their “long-awaited public debut.” Customers could play volleyball, do yoga, or operate the grill at barbeques while wearing the product.
Using a pointer, McKay explained other features, including a soft waistband, a supportive pouch in the front, and their patented cutout in the back.
Kevin O’Leary wanted to know if the hole in their swimwear was patented. The founders said they had received a design patent about a month before their Shark Tank appearance.
Robert Herjavec was blown away by this weird yet unique product. Daniel Lubetzky wanted to know how the idea had come to them. McKay said it had happened during a Speedo competition many years earlier.
Lori Greiner wanted to know about the sales. Karisa said that this was their “big launch.” McKay replied that they had sold about $1,000.
Mark Cuban wanted to know about its costs. They sold it for $40 on the Moonies website, and it was priced at $12.50 each. With a bulk order, they could approach $9.
Kevin inquired about their social media reach. The duo had tried to keep it quiet until their patent had been granted.
What Makes Moonies Unique?
Moonies stood out from traditional men’s swimwear through a combination of novelty and comfort:
- Patented rear cutout design described as “cleavage for guys.”
- Soft waistband and supportive front pouch.
- Designed to bring more variety and fun to men’s swimwear.
- Created as a conversation-starting product for beaches, pool parties, and vacations.
- Made using recycled materials and environmentally conscious packaging.
Did Moonies Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
Mark Cuban felt the ask was reasonable, and the valuation was justified, but he exited the deal, saying it was not a good fit for him.
Lori Greiner wanted to know whether they had conducted any research on user preferences. The entrepreneurs had followed a real-life approach. Lori was not convinced by the answers.
Daniel Lubetzky was the second Shark to opt out of the Moonies Shark Tank deal as he was not convinced of their “grit.”
Robert Herjavec, too, did not make an offer, saying that “Nothing sells itself” and that he “couldn’t get behind it.”
Kevin O’Leary felt it was a great product and similar to Rounderbum, which had become successful by using social media for distribution. He wanted the founders to sell their 100% patent for $150K. They disagreed and felt that Moonies’ worth was more than the proposed amount.
He said no one else thought so, which was why they did not have any other offers. Karisa felt Lori was with them and wanted her to discuss the licensing.
Lori, on the other hand, said that men would like the product, but her friend Kevin should offer more money to the couple. Both Sharks argued over this statement.
After this, Lori, too, declined to make an offer. Kevin then stated that he was not open to negotiations. But the couple was not ready to give away that much ownership. McKay asked if he was open to offering them a $5 royalty for 100% patent ownership at $150K. Kevin replied with a “no.”
Lori again told Kevin to give them the royalty. Robert responded, “It’s his money.”
The entrepreneurs made a counteroffer of 100% patent ownership for $500K. They were also open to a royalty deal. Kevin rejected both offers, and the couple walked out without a deal.
Moonies Shark Tank Update
Although Moonies did not secure an investment, the episode received online attention. They launched promotional campaigns, including special discounts and free-shipping offers for viewers.
Karisa shared that immediately after filming, the couple used their Shark Tank per diem to hire the models for an additional beach photoshoot, created marketing content for social media, and continued promoting the brand even without an investment.
Moonies expanded its product lineup with new colors, patterns, and design variations.
The company offered both clear-window and fully open-window versions of its signature swimwear. They remained committed to sustainability. Moonies products were made with approximately 86% recycled polyester and were shipped using recycled packaging materials.
They also donated 5% of sales to nonprofit organizations supporting environmental initiatives and the LGBTQ+ community. The estimated net worth of Moonies in 2025 was approximately $522,000.
Where Can You Buy Moonies?
Moonies swimwear was available directly through the company’s official website.
The brand offered several styles, colors, and patterns featuring its signature patented rear cutout design. Individual swim briefs retailed for approximately $45. Customers could follow their Instagram and Facebook for updates.
Quick Summary
- McKay and Karisa Winkel pitched Moonies, a men’s swimwear brand featuring a patented rear cutout design, and asked for $150,000 in exchange for 35% equity.
- Kevin O’Leary offered $150,000 for 100% ownership of the patent, but the founders rejected the offer and left without a deal.
- The estimated net worth of Moonies in 2025 was approximately $522,000.
Readers could check out other Shark Tank Season 16 Episodes.
More products from this episode were available to explore. Readers could also check out other businesses that participated alongside Moonies.
