Phonesoap - Shark Tank Update

Entrepreneurs Dan Barnes and Wesley LaPorte appeared on Shark Tank Season 6 seeking $300,000 for 7.5% equity in PhoneSOAP, valuing their technology/software company at $4 million. The inspiration for PhoneSOAP came from the cousins' realization that cell phones harbor significantly more bacteria than public restroom surfaces, with research showing that phones can contain 18 times more harmful bacteria, leading them to develop a solution that would sanitize phones while charging them.

PhoneSOAP's innovative device used UV-C light technology to eliminate 99.9% of bacteria on cell phones and other small objects while simultaneously charging them through dual USB and USB-C ports, addressing both hygiene and convenience needs in a single product. The product gained particular relevance among health-conscious consumers who were becoming increasingly aware of the role that frequently-touched devices played in spreading germs and bacteria, positioning PhoneSOAP as an essential tool for maintaining personal hygiene in the digital age.

At the time of their Shark Tank appearance, Dan and Wesley had achieved impressive sales of $537,000 in just five months, with strong profit margins of manufacturing costs of $20 per unit while retailing for $59.99, demonstrating clear market demand for their sanitizing solution. The company had established distribution through both direct online sales and major retailers like Staples, proving their ability to scale operations and reach consumers through multiple channels in the competitive electronics accessories market.

During their Shark Tank presentation, Dan and Wesley effectively demonstrated the shocking reality of phone contamination by explaining that one in six cell phones contains fecal matter, creating visible disgust among the sharks while showcasing their UV-C sanitizing technology that could eliminate 99.9% of bacteria in minutes. The presentation sparked competitive bidding among the sharks, with Kevin O'Leary offering a complex royalty deal, Mark Cuban proposing $300,000 for 20% equity with product improvement requirements, and Lori Greiner offering $300,000 for 15% equity before negotiating down to 10% equity in the final accepted deal.

Lori's investment proved to be exceptional, as her retail expertise and QVC connections helped PhoneSOAP achieve remarkable growth, with the company becoming one of the most successful Shark Tank investments in the show's history. Following the successful Shark Tank deal, PhoneSOAP experienced explosive growth and became a major player in the phone accessories and sanitization market, developing multiple product versions including PhoneSOAP 2 and PhoneSOAP 3 that commanded higher price points while maintaining strong consumer demand.

The company's success was further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which dramatically increased consumer awareness of sanitization and hygiene, leading to massive sales growth as PhoneSOAP became an essential product for health-conscious consumers and businesses. As of 2025, PhoneSOAP continues to thrive as a major sanitization technology company with estimated annual revenues exceeding $100 million, maintaining its position as a leader in UV-C sanitization products while expanding its product line to include larger sanitizers for various objects, proving that the investment in phone hygiene addressed a fundamental and lasting consumer need.