Shark Tank Season 17 Episode 4
Shark Tank Season 17 Episode 4 featured Alexis Ohanian’s debut as guest Shark with pitches including women’s fightwear, sprouts, protein bars, and pet-friendly flights.
Season 17 Episode 4 of Shark Tank aired on October 22, 2025, and marked Alexis Ohanian’s first appearance as a guest investor. The episode featured four innovative pitches aimed at reshaping their industries. Each entrepreneur brought a distinct approach.
Ohanian weighed in on pitches that featured women’s combat gear, sprouting kits packed with nutrients, an air travel system for pets, and a fresh take on protein bars.
Shark Tank Season 17 Episode 4 – The Shark Investors and Entrepreneurs
The episode offered the usual four distinct businesses with bold ideas. Maya Nazareth pitched Alchemize Fightwear, a combat sports brand created for women to fix long-standing issues with fit and comfort. The Sprouting Co., founded by Doug Evans, introduced an easy at-home system that grows fresh sprouts in just a few days.
Orka Bar showcased frozen, high-protein treats made with egg whites for people who want healthy snacks that still taste good. RetrievAir presented a new airline concept that lets pets and their owners fly together in comfort, without cargo holds or carriers.
1. Alchemize Fightwear
During her time training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Maya Nazareth saw how limited the options were for women’s fightwear that truly fit or performed well. Frustrated by gear that restricted movement, she decided to build something better herself.
In January 2021, Maya launched Alchemize Fightwear to create gear made for women from the ground up. The brand later earned a $5,000 grant in August 2023, and Maya was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for her work.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Entrepreneurs | Maya Nazareth |
| Featured Product | Women’s Tactical Sports Clothing |
| Deal Status | Deal Secured |
| Sharks Who Invested | Lori Greiner, Alexis Ohanian, Kendra Scott |
Alchemize Fightwear designs its gear with reinforced stitching, adjustable cuts, and strong yet flexible fabrics built to handle the intensity of combat training.
Each piece focuses on comfort and freedom of movement, featuring high necklines, ergonomic seams, and body-hugging fits that stay in place during action.
Alchemize uses a spandex and polyester blend that’s breathable, lightweight, and quick-drying, helping fighters stay cool while they train.
Every item is machine washable and can be tumble-dried on low. Many designs include squat-proof coverage and built-in sports bras for added confidence and support.
The Shark Tank Pitch
Maya entered the Tank asking for $250,000 in exchange for 5% equity. She shared that Alchemize expected to bring in $875,000 in 2025 with a profit margin between 3% and 5%, a strong jump from the previous year’s $500,000.
Kevin immediately questioned the $5 million valuation, while Alexis saw more potential and pushed back on the criticism.
Lori’s calm offer changed the energy instantly. She quietly ran the numbers and was first to make an offer. She teamed up with Alexis to propose $250,000 for 20% equity.
Maya appreciated the interest but couldn’t agree to give up that much ownership. Then Kendra joined the mix, suggesting all three Sharks come together for $300,000 in total, each taking 5% equity.
Daymond wasn’t impressed with Maya’s negotiation approach when she countered with $300,000 for 12%, calling it a weak move given the Sharks’ combined interest. After some thought, Maya adjusted her stance and accepted the deal from the three Sharks at $300,000 for 15% equity.
With three Sharks backing her, Maya Nazareth walked away with both capital and mentorship to scale Alchemize into a household name in women’s combat sports.
2. The Sprouting Company
Doug Evans started The Sprouting Company to make it easy for anyone to grow fresh sprouts at home. While living near the Mojave Desert, he struggled to find vegan food options and began sprouting his own meals.
Curious about the health effects of eating so many sprouts, Doug sought advice from several doctors. The final verdict was that of no harm done. That reassurance sparked the idea for a business.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Entrepreneur | Doug Evans |
| Featured Product | Homemade Sprouts Harvester |
| Deal Status | No Deal |
Doug officially launched The Sprouting Company in January 2018 and later wrote The Sprout Book: Tap Into the Power of the Planet’s Most Nutritious Food. The book explored research-backed health advantages of sprouting.
His company’s system lets people grow their own sprouts with just seeds and water. It essentially eliminates soil, fertilizers, and artificial light from the process. They also have two patents for the same under their name.
The Shark Tank Pitch
Doug came to the Tank seeking investment worth $500,000 in exchange for 5% equity in his company. The countertop sprout designing system costs $15 to make and sells for $100. The Sharks were awestruck at the exorbitant profit margins.
The company’s total revenue after 18 months from launch was at a staggering $1.5 million. The average order cost lingers around $109. As of May 2025, they made $50,000 in profits.
When revealing a bit about himself, Doug got teary-eyed while sharing that he lost three immediate close family members to diet-related diseases in 1999, and that was his awakening.
Kevin was the first one to throw in an offer, but he wanted 25% equity for the $500,000 ask. Daymond also had respect for the entrepreneurial vision and matched Kevin’s offer. Doug countered, but with a measly 6.5% and that was never going to float with the Sharks.
Daymond took this opportunity to explain to Doug the exact benefits of having a Shark on his side. It came down to Daymond and Kevin putting out a joint offer of $500,000 for 25%. Doug sternly yet respectfully had to decline, and his sprouts didn’t end up blooming in the Shark Tank waters.
Doug stood out as the kind of entrepreneur who doesn’t dwell on rejection. Instead of seeing it as his loss, he believed it was the Sharks who missed a great opportunity.
3. Orka Bar
Finding the right balance between taste and nutrition isn’t easy, but Orka Bar was created to make that possible. The brand is built on the idea that staying healthy shouldn’t mean giving up flavor. Ergo, they offer high-protein bars with a creamy, nostalgic taste.
Each bar is low in sugar, gluten-free, and made to satisfy both cravings and fitness goals.
Stephen Longo spent years searching for a snack that met his standards for both taste and nutrition. He wanted something rich in protein yet quick and convenient for a busy lifestyle. That pursuit eventually led him to create Orka Bar.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Entrepreneur | Stephen Longo |
| Featured Product | Healthy Desserts |
| Deal Status | Deal Secured |
| Sharks Who Invested | Lori Greiner |
Each bar combines the creamy texture of an ice cream bar with the nutrition of a protein shake. They come in several flavors and feature a high-protein core that fuels workouts or curbs late-night cravings. The bars are gluten-free, low in sugar, and made with real egg whites.
They’re also high in fiber, low in lactose, and contain no artificial flavors. Every 90-gram bar includes a small amount of vanilla extract, salt, and guar gum to deliver just the right balance of taste and texture.
Orka Bars are sold in four flavors, i.e, Raspberry, Mint, Vanilla Bean, and Cookies & Cream. A pack of four costs $14.99. With a subscription, it costs $13.49, which includes monthly deliveries and a 10% discount.
Customers can order online through the brand’s website or buy in person at stores like Alpha Fit Club, Jersey Shore Supplements, and Shore Fresh Meal Prep.
The Shark Tank Pitch
At the Tank, he sought $100,000 for a 15% stake in his company. All the Sharks unanimously loved the taste of Orka Bars. The first thorn in the business that the Sharks noticed was how expensive dry ice is, which is an essential for frozen goods transportation. Kevin was the first to bite, but not for long
He wanted to know the numbers, and in 2025, they had done $35,000 to date.
Daymond was the first to tap the table, saying, “It really is the best thing I have tasted in this category, but I am a little concerned about refrigerated shipping and smaller margins.” And for those reasons, he was out.
Kevin acknowledges the hype and appeal of the product, but goes out as well. Alexis cites his lack of expertise in the food market and opts out as well. Kendra follows suit on similar grounds.
It came down to the Queen of QVC and she made a helpful yet Sharkly offer of 33.3% for $100,000. Her demand was followed by the promise of taking the brand to the moon (or retail shelves).
After a back-and-forth, Stephen seals the deal with Lori at 25% for $100,000.
4. RetrievAir
Flying with pets has always been difficult, with most airlines forcing animals into cargo and limiting travel options for owners. Many pet parents no longer want to accept that kind of experience.
RetrievAir was created to change it, offering a charter service that lets dogs and their owners travel together safely and comfortably.
Benton and his wife always wanted to travel with their dogs, but ran into constant hurdles with airline rules, safety worries, and complicated restrictions. Those frustrations pushed him to rethink how pet travel could work. In January 2025, he launched RetrievAir to make flying with pets simple and safe.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Entrepreneur | Mark Williams and Benton Miller |
| Featured Product | Pet Friendly Airlines |
| Deal Status | Deal Secured |
| Sharks Who Invested | Alexis Ohanian |
A few months later, in March 2025, the company raised $650,000 in angel funding. This allowed them to officially roll out their services in May itself.
Booking a flight with RetrievAir is simple and just like any other booking site. Customers visit the website, choose their origin, destination, and departure date, and view available flights. The airline offers two fare options (Basic and Flex).
Basic tickets allow changes for a $50 fee per person, and cancellations receive a travel voucher minus the fee. Flex tickets let passengers change flights for free and are fully refundable. Each booking includes at least one pet or infant, with pets matching the number of adults.
Dogs up to 40 lbs can ride on laps, while pets over 75 lbs require their own seat.
Pets receive complimentary treats, while passengers can enjoy free alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Travelers are asked to arrive 45 minutes before departure at the private terminal. Each person can bring two checked bags up to 50 lbs and one carry-on item for their pet, such as a backpack or blanket.
The airline connects major cities such as Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Dallas, Los Angeles, and New York. RetrievAir has also used social media to expand its reach and received widespread engagement after appearing on CBS Chicago in April.
The Shark Tank Pitch
Founders Mark Williams and Benton Miller sought $500,000 for their pet flying endeavor in the Tank.
Ticket sales have been at $550,000 so far, with an increase rate of 133%. Kevin was the first one to jump in with an offer, with $500,000 in exchange of 20%. Daymond had different ideas, and he offered the same amount as well, but for 25%.
Upon further questioning, the Sharks noticed holes in the business plans, and Daymond retracted his offer.
In an unexpected turn of events, Mr. Reddit offered the originally asked $500,000 for 15%. It came down to Kevin and Alexis, and the founders suggested a joint offer, but Mr. Wonderful wasn’t ready to budge.
In the end, Benton and Mark shook hands with Alexis, who had increased his offer to $776,000 to be on brand.
Lessons in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from Shark Tank
Shark Tank season 17 episode 4 concocted a potion of creativity, determination, and smart business thinking. While Maya showed that passion can carve a niche, Doug proved innovation can sprout anywhere. Stephen brought indulgent yet nutritious snacks to the market, and Benton and Mark transformed pet travel.
The episode was full of negotiations, strategy, and some unexpected turns. But in the end of it all, it showed the energy and determination required to turn ideas into real businesses. It left viewers with a sense of excitement about the possibilities when innovation meets opportunity.
FAQs
1. Who were the Sharks in Shark Tank Season 17 Episode 4?
Alexis Ohanian, Lori Greiner, Kevin O’Leary, Kendra Scott and Daymond John.
2. Which companies got deals in this episode?
Alchemize Fightwear, Orka Bar, and RetrievAir.
