UV Camera
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Shark Tank Spotlight
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Sunscreenr is an innovative handheld UV camera designed to help users visually confirm proper sunscreen application. By revealing areas of skin covered by sunscreen as dark and unprotected areas as light, it ensures complete coverage and minimizes the risk of sunburn. Featured on Shark Tank Season 8, Episode 6, the product aimed to revolutionize sun safety. Inventor Dave Cohen, a physicist, presented Sunscreenr to the Sharks, seeking $800,000 for 10% equity, but faced questions about its niche market and scalability.
For more information on the product, check out: Sunscreenr Shark Tank
Dave Cohen entered the tank seeking $800,000 for 10% equity, valuing the company at $8 million. Sunscreenr had generated $45,000 in pre-orders through Kickstarter and IndieGoGo campaigns, highlighting initial customer interest. Despite its innovative concept, the Sharks declined to invest due to concerns about:
With no deal secured, Cohen left the tank with heightened exposure but the challenge of scaling Sunscreenr independently.
Entrepreneurs |
Dave Cohen |
Product |
A handheld UV camera that allows users to see where sunscreen has been applied and where it is missing. The device uses UV imaging technology to show protected areas as dark and uncovered areas as light. |
Investment Sought |
$800,000 |
Equity Offered |
10% |
Valuation |
$8 million |
Initial Sales |
$45,000 in pre-orders through Kickstarter and IndieGoGo campaigns. |
Retail Plans |
Cohen planned to price Sunscreenr at $109 per unit, aiming to scale manufacturing and distribution. He hoped the Shark Tank investment would help bring the product to a wider audience. |
Mark Cuban |
No offer made. |
Kevin O’Leary |
$800,000 for 33.3% equity |
Lori Greiner |
No offer made. |
Daymond John |
No offer made. |
Robert Herjavec |
No offer made. |
Kevin O’Leary offered $800,000 for 33.3% equity which was accepted, but the deal full through in due diligence.
Although Cohen did not receive funding from the Sharks, Sunscreenr saw a spike in interest following its appearance on the show. The product benefited from the so-called “Shark Tank effect,” where businesses often experience a temporary surge in traffic and sales.
While Sunscreenr generated buzz, the company faced several challenges that hindered its growth:
1. Production Costs: The advanced UV camera technology made Sunscreenr expensive to manufacture. With a retail price of $109, many consumers found it costly compared to traditional sun protection tools.
2. Limited Market: The product primarily appealed to parents, outdoor enthusiasts, and individuals concerned about sun safety, making it a niche product.
3. Distribution: Without a major retail partnership or investment, scaling production and reaching a wider audience proved difficult.
Sunscreenr received mixed reviews from early adopters:
Despite its challenges, Sunscreenr left a lasting impression as a product that combined health awareness with cutting-edge technology. It brought attention to the importance of proper sunscreen application and the risks of UV exposure. While the company has since faded from the spotlight, Sunscreenr serves as a reminder of the hurdles faced by niche tech products in achieving mass-market success.
Sunscreenr’s journey after Shark Tank highlights the complexities of turning an innovative idea into a scalable business. Although the product did not achieve widespread commercial success, it fulfilled an important purpose in raising awareness about sun safety. For entrepreneurs, Sunscreenr’s story offers valuable lessons on market demand, production scalability, and pricing strategies.
