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$19.99 (as of September 15, 2024 12:30 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Night Cap: Here’s What Happened After Shark Tank” is an inspiring tale of how two siblings, Shirah and Michael Benarde, turned a dream into a reality, creating a product that addresses a critical safety concern. The article chronicles their journey from the inception of Night Cap—a reusable, portable drink cover designed to prevent drink spiking—to their successful pitch on “Shark Tank,” and the tremendous growth that followed. With support from Lori Greiner, the siblings expanded their product line, increased sales exponentially, and garnered extensive media attention. Today, Night Cap not only thrives in the market but also plays a vital role in public safety, continually evolving to protect and educate individuals about drink safety. Have you ever wondered what happens to the innovative products after they appear on “Shark Tank”? Many of us are fascinated by the journey that these products embark upon, especially when they address real-world problems. Night Cap is a shining example of a product that not only made a splash on the show but continued to flourish afterward.
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Night Cap: An Innovative Solution Born from a Dream
Good ideas can come from the most unexpected places—conversations, casual interactions, or even dreams. That’s exactly how Night Cap was born. The inspiration for this innovative product came to teenager Shirah Benarde from West Palm Beach, Florida after she had a vivid dream.
Shirah dreamed of creating a reusable, portable drink cover out of a real-life necessity—her college-aged friend had her drink spiked in a bar. Upon waking, Shirah didn’t waste any time. She fashioned a prototype using pantyhose and a hair scrunchie. Her brother, Michael, recognized the potential and urgency of such a product immediately. Understanding the prevalence of drink-spiking incidents, they both dove into action to develop Night Cap further.
The Birth of Night Cap
Over the next six months, Shirah and Michael focused on raising funds and refining their product. By 2019, they officially launched Night Cap. Their invention quickly caught attention for its simplicity and effectiveness.
The Turning Point: Shark Tank
In 2019, just 11 months into business, Shirah and Michael appeared on “Shark Tank” to present their innovative solution to the Sharks. Their aim was to secure a deal that would help expand and elevate their business.
What Happened on Shark Tank?
Appearing on “Shark Tank” is no small feat, and the Benarde siblings made quite the impression. They asked for $60,000 in exchange for a 20% equity stake in their business. The young entrepreneurs handed each Shark a red Solo cup and a Night Cap, encouraging them to test the product themselves.
Demonstrating the Product
The Night Cap resides within an attached scrunchie, which can be worn on the wrist. To use it, you simply stretch out the nylon cover over the top of a cup or glass. It even has a small cut-out for straws. The ease of use won over the Sharks quickly. Lori Greiner even remarked on how fast and simple it was, while Mark Cuban humorously tested the scrunchie on his own hair.
The Deal
What really sealed the deal was the impressive sales figures the siblings presented—$68,000 in a short span of the business. Lori Greiner, moved by the product’s potential and its necessity, offered $60,000 for 25% of the business almost immediately. Her passion for helping the Benardes was evident, and no other offers came in, not because the other Sharks weren’t interested, but rather because they saw Greiner’s strong commitment. Daymond John even acknowledged her passion.
Shirah and Michael happily accepted the deal, setting the stage for explosive growth.
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After the Show
The moment the episode aired, Night Cap’s trajectory changed. Within a year, sales for Night Cap skyrocketed to $2.1 million. Michael Benarde shared with the Tallahassee Democrat how valuable Lori Greiner’s mentorship and investment were.
Key Milestones
Several milestones post-“Shark Tank” contributed to Night Cap’s ongoing success:
- Sales Surge: Post-show exposure pushed Night Cap into public consciousness, significantly boosting sales.
- Enhanced Packaging and Website: With Lori Greiner’s guidance, the product’s packaging and website saw significant improvements.
- Media Exposure: Night Cap received national attention on media outlets such as Fox Business Network and USA Today.
- Social Media Impact: Night Cap’s innovative functionality resonated with the college-age demographic, leading to massive viral successes on social media. TikTok, particularly, drove 175 million views as of March 2022.
Is Night Cap Still in Business?
Yes, as long as people are attending parties, bars, and clubs, Night Cap remains essential. The product’s mission to safeguard against drink spiking has kept it relevant and in demand.
Product Line Expansion
While the original scrunchie design remains popular, Night Cap has expanded its product line to cater to different needs and preferences:
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| Scrunchie Drink Cover | The original design that fits over cups and glasses with an attached scrunchie. |
| Keychain Design | A foldable cover that fits into a small pouch attached to a keychain. |
| Reusable Bottle Caps | Designed for bottles, keeping drinks secure. |
| Beer Can Covers | Insulates cans and features a zippered top for extra security. |
| Stainless-Steel Straws | Eco-friendly straws that come with cleaning brushes. |
Party Gift Boxes
Night Cap also sells gift boxes that include drink covers, bottle caps, and other accessories, making them perfect for parties and events.
Partnership with StopTopps
In a significant move, Night Cap partnered with StopTopps, a UK-based company that creates disposable, adhesive drink stickers to prevent spiking. Night Cap now distributes StopTopps in the U.S., expanding their product range.
Next Steps for the Company
Shirah and Michael Benarde are not resting on their laurels. They are actively working to expand their business further, ensuring that their life-saving product reaches as many people as possible.
Global Reach
Night Cap has gone global, with distribution channels now extending to Canada, Europe, and Australia.
Community Partnerships
The company has also focused on establishing relationships with organizations that have strong community involvement. Bars, universities, police departments, and nonprofits are all part of Night Cap’s outreach strategy. The goal is simple: make Night Cap accessible to those who need it most.
Educational Initiatives
The Night Cap website doesn’t just sell products; it also provides valuable information on drink spiking:
- What it is: Detailed explanations to educate the public.
- Prevention Tips: Practical advice on how to avoid being a victim.
- Victim Support: Guidance on what to do if you believe your drink has been spiked.
Wholesale Options
Night Cap offers wholesale options and collaborates with large institutions like sororities, universities, and major liquor companies (such as Bacardi and Grey Goose) to provide products at discounted rates.
Social Media Presence
Maintaining an active presence on social media, Night Cap keeps fans and followers updated on new products, educational content, and promotions.
Conclusion
Night Cap’s journey from a dream to a successful business, amplified by its appearance on “Shark Tank,” offers a blueprint for turning innovative ideas into impactful solutions. Shirah and Michael Benarde’s commitment, combined with Lori Greiner’s mentorship, has propelled Night Cap to remarkable heights. As a product that aims to protect people from the risks of drink spiking, Night Cap has not just become a commercial success but a societal necessity.
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