Kisstixx - Shark Tank Update

Dallas Robinson and Mike Buonomo were college students at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah when they developed what became one of Shark Tank Season 3's most talked-about pitches: lip balm sold in complementary flavored pairs specifically formulated to create a new blended flavor when two people kissed. The concept combined real chemistry with irresistible marketing – the two flavors in each Kisstixx set were selected to combine pleasantly, giving the product a genuine sensory payoff that rewarded exactly the behavior the branding encouraged.

Robinson and Buonomo arrived in Season 3 Episode 7 seeking $200,000 for 20% equity with the energy of two founders who had fully internalized the fun of what they were selling. The pitch climaxed with one of Season 3's most memorable moments: convincing Kevin O'Leary and Barbara Corcoran to test the product in a brief on-camera kiss that generated immediate laughter and established the demonstration as marketing gold.

Their numbers presented a mixed picture: $80,000 in sales over a year was modest, but they revealed a $540,000 purchase order from Walgreens that briefly electrified Mark Cuban. Post-pitch review revealed the document was routine vendor registration paperwork rather than a confirmed purchase commitment – an honest misunderstanding but a significant credibility moment in the Tank.

Robert Herjavec, Lori Greiner, Barbara Corcoran, and Kevin O'Leary each declined. Cuban alone saw enough in the creative concept and the founders' evident salesmanship to invest: $200,000 for 40% equity, twice the stake the founders had offered, but with full capital and genuine enthusiasm for the product's potential in multiple markets.

Mark Cuban was impressed by the product's uniqueness and the founders' plans to expand into breath spray and gum, offering $200,000 for 40% equity after other sharks declined. Cuban later called Kisstixx one of his best Shark Tank investments as the company supercharged sales after the show, selling over 5,000 units and expanding distribution to seven countries.

The business received an update segment in episode 517, announcing their new website with help from country music star Danielle Peck.

However, co-founder Mike Buonomo exited in January 2016 to start E Simplified, a content provider for entrepreneurs, and Robinson ultimately shut down the business in 2018. Robinson now serves as Executive Vice President at The Kokua Project, a charitable organization focused on supporting causes that provide for and protect children.