Did VSEAT get a deal on 'Shark Tank'? Founders risked it all for major investment

Ani Armstrong and Bryan Visintin, the founders of VSEAT, strike an expensive $150K deal with Robert Herjavec and Kevin O'Leary on 'Shark Tank'
UPDATED APR 13, 2024
VSEAT founders Ani Armstrong and Bryan Visintin make expensive 'Shark Tank' deal to make $150K deal with Robert Herjavec and Kevin O'Leary (ABC/ChristopheWillard)
VSEAT founders Ani Armstrong and Bryan Visintin make expensive 'Shark Tank' deal to make $150K deal with Robert Herjavec and Kevin O'Leary (ABC/ChristopheWillard)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In season 15 of ABC's 'Shark Tank,' the owners of VSEAT guided the Sharks through the features and benefits of their product, aiming to get an investment from at least one of the sharks. In the end, they were able to get a 2-Shark agreement, but it meant sacrificing a significant portion of their stock.

After persuading practically all Sharks of the product's comfortability, the VSEAT creators received a $150K offer from Kevin O'Leary for 20% of their initial seek of 5%. On the other hand, Robert Herjavec, the "sporty Shark," was prepared to provide a better deal than Kevin, agreeing to finalize the purchase for 15% because he believed it was a "fair valuation."

'Shark Tank' investors offer $150K for 25% to VSEAT (ABC)

After more back and forth with no others on the table, Robert teases the VSEAT founders about increasing the stake to 20% if they don't close the sale quickly. As they ask Robert to adjust his offer to 12.5%, he quickly declines.

Co-founder Ani Armstrong recommended that the two Sharks work together to create a deal and double the money instead. To keep the stock as stable as possible, Robert and Kevin eventually settled on $150K for 25%.

VSEAT founders gave up 1/4th of the company to seal deal with Kevin O'Leary and Robert Herjavec (ABC)

What is VSEAT from 'Shark Tank'?

The VSEAT is a revolutionary bike saddle that prioritizes comfort and a healthier lifestyle by eliminating the negative features of traditional saddles. Its ergonomic and sleek design provides stability, reduces discomfort, and evenly distributes the rider's weight onto supportive sit bones, preventing strain even on longer rides. The VSEAT features a substantially broader base and a noseless design, which helps riders enjoy a pain-free ride and promotes groin health.

Other health advantages include improved blood circulation and lower joint pressure.

VSEAT works with any conventional bicycle brackets, including e-bikes (Facebook/vseat)

What is the cost of VSEAT in 'Shark Tank'?

The VSEAT full bicycle seat, which has received largely good feedback from consumers, is available in a variety of colors for $119.00 on the company's official website. By purchasing this saddle, you can say goodbye to hours of discomfort and numbness and embrace comfort and ease while riding your bike.

Prepare to enjoy more comfortable, longer rides with 'Shark Tank's VSEAT (ABC/ChristopherWillard)

'Shark Tank' product VSEAT's sales skyrocketed after adopting social media marketing

VSEAT is marketed for $119 on their website, with charges of $24. Their lifetime sales include $300,000 over three years.

Last year, VSEAT sold $26K, and this year they sold little more than $270,000. They started advertising on Facebook and Instagram, and it really took off from there.

The product has six patents for both function and design. The founders had together invested $500K in the startup. Ani is the company's founder and CEO, while Bryan Visintin is the COO.

Ani Armstrong and Bryan Visintin pitched a revolutionary noseless and bumpless bicycle seat company, VSEAT to investors in 'Shark Tank' Season 15 episode 20 (ABC/ChristopherWillard)

'Shark Tank' Season 15 airs on Fridays on ABC at 8 pm ET.

For those who missed the episode, it will be available on demand the following day and on Hulu. Additionally, viewers can explore past seasons and episodes on Amazon Prime Video and iTunes.

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