While playing sports like basketball, golf, or working out, people often face a common problem: a slippery grip. The main reason is the natural oils our hands produce to moisturize the skin, which traditional products can’t fully address.
To solve this problem, chemical and coatings experts David (Greg) Pope and James Pidhurney developed Chalkless, a grip enhancer. After several years of testing, they invented it using “oleophilic” (oil-absorbing) and “hydrophobic” (water-repellent) materials.
So, let’s find out what the Sharks think about this patented grip-enhancing product business and what happened to the business after Shark Tank.
| Company Name | Chalkless | |
| Founder/Co-Founder | David (Greg) Pope and James Pidhurney | |
| Founded | 2020 | |
| Product | grip enhancer | |
| Asked For | $400K for 4% equity | |
| Final Deal | $400K for 4% equity + $2.50 royalty per unit until $4M, then 25 cents per unit indefinitely. | |
| Shark | Rashaun Williams & Kevin O’Leary | |
| Episode | S16 E5 | |
| Air Date | Nov 15th, 2024 | |
| Business Status | In Business | |
| Website | Visit Website | |
| Headquarters | Wilmington, Massachusetts, United States | |
| Annual (Revenue) | $1 Million *estimated | |
| Worth / Valuation | $10 Million | |
| Buy and Watch | Buy Now | Amazon Prime |
What Is the Background of The Founder?
Chalkless company owners David and James enjoy tennis, paddleball, pickleball, golf, and weightlifting. Professionally, they are both chemical and coatings experts and have even worked on coating fighter jets.
For more information about the company’s product, watch this video.
Business Pitch Episode Recap
James Pidhurney and David (Greg) Pope asked the Sharks for a strategic partner, seeking $400,000 in exchange for 4% equity in their company.
During the pitch, David demonstrated their grip enhancer product by throwing a baseball bat and accidentally breaking a mirror, though it was clear that this was scripted.
They explained their product, Chalkless, which uses Grip Enhancer Technology to absorb skin oils, eliminate slipperiness, and provide a better grip.
To test the torque performance, they called on guest Shark Rashaun Williams for a demonstration, showing how their grip enhancer technology delivers 60% better grip.
Kevin O’Leary showed more interest in the sales figures, and James revealed that in 2024, they had generated a total of $740,000 in sales, with each bottle retailing at $25.99 for 100 doses.
Kevin asked about the cost of making the jar product, to which David responded that they preferred to discuss it offline.
After receiving some pushback from the Sharks, they explained that their supply chain allows for a 67% margin on the product. Mark Cuban appeared visibly upset and decided to opt-out.
They have two patents for the manufacturing material, with an additional two patents pending. Currently, they are looking for a strategic partner who can help boost sales.
Rashaun Williams said that this business is not the type he is interested in, so he is out. Barbara Corcoran mentioned that she can’t offer help in this business, so she is out.
Lori Greiner expressed that she didn’t find the product interesting enough to excite her, so she is out.
Kevin made a royalty offer of $400,000 for 4% equity, plus a royalty of $2.50 per unit sold until $4 million is paid, after which the royalty would drop to 25 cents in perpetuity. He also offered to help increase sales through a social media campaign.
Rashaun decided to team up with Kevin and mentioned that he could bring in professional athletes for marketing. James and David accepted the offer.
Sharks Offers list!
| Sharks | Offers |
|---|---|
| Rashaun Williams | $200k for 2% equity (royalty condition) (Kevin) |
| Kevin O’Leary | $200k for 2% equity (royalty condition) (Rashaun) |
| Mark Cuban | No Offer |
| Barbara Corcoran | No Offer |
| Lori Greiner | No Offer |
| Founder’s (Countered) | No Counter |
| Final Deals | $400k for 4% equity (royalty condition) (Rashaun & Kevin) |
Chalkless Grip Enhancer Shark Tank Update
After the episode aired, there was a mixed reaction to the product, both positive and negative. However, when we did further research, we found that the product is listed on Amazon, and most of the reviews are positive.
We’ll continue to track the progress of this business and its sales growth moving forward.
You can check out Season 16 for more business progress reports.
