ViewSport, founded by chemist Ben Wood, appeared on Shark Tank Season 3, Episode 11 (episode 308), pitching its innovative sweat-activated workout apparel. The shirts reveal motivational messages as the wearer sweats, aiming to inspire athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Ben sought a $500,000 investment for 20% equity, valuing ViewSport at $2.5 million.
| Company Name | ViewSport | |
| Founder/Co-Founder | Ben Wood | |
| Founded | 2011 | |
| Product | Sweat-activated workout apparel | |
| Asked For | $500,000 for 20% equity | |
| Final Deal | No Deal | |
| Shark | No Shark | |
| Episode | S3 E11 | |
| Air Date | April 13, 2012 | |
| Business Status | In Business | |
| Website | Visit Website | |
| Headquarters | California, United States | |
| Annual (Revenue) | Over $6.9 million (as of 2023) | |
| Worth / Valuation | $2.5 million | |
| Buy and Watch | Buy Now | Amazon Prime |
Business Pitch Episode Recap
Ben Wood entered the Tank seeking $500,000 for 20% equity. He demonstrated ViewSport’s sweat-activated technology, which reveals hidden messages on workout shirts when wet with sweat. At the time of the pitch, ViewSport had $140,000 in sales, with $110,000 of that in the three months prior to filming
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The sharks were intrigued by the technology but skeptical of the high valuation and business model. Barbara Corcoran found the idea unappealing, Daymond John felt Ben was asking for too much involvement, and both Mark Cuban and Kevin O’Leary disliked the $2.5 million valuation. Robert Herjavec thought the product was too gimmicky. None of the sharks made an offer, and Ben left without a deal.
Sharks Offers List
| Sharks | Offers |
|---|---|
| Barbara Corcoran | No Offer |
| Daymond John | No Offer |
| Mark Cuban | No Offer |
| Kevin O’Leary | No Offer |
| Robert Herjavec | No Offer |
| Founder’s Counter | No Counter |
| Final Deals | No Deal |
ViewSport Shark Tank Update
Despite not securing a deal, ViewSport leveraged the national exposure to grow its brand. The company landed a $6.9 million contract with the US Army to supply over 1.4 million T-shirts and became an official supplier partner for Ironman competitions, providing shirts to over a million annual race participants.
ViewSport expanded its product line to include various apparel and now serves high-profile clients such as the US Navy, Aramark, ESPN, and hundreds of schools and sports teams.
As of 2023, ViewSport remains in business, with annual revenues around $6.9 million and a strong presence in the fitness and athletic apparel market.
What is ViewSport’s Net Worth?
At the time of the Shark Tank pitch, ViewSport’s company net worth (valuation) was $2.5 million, based on Ben’s request for $500,000 for 20% equity. While the sharks felt this was too high for the company’s stage, ViewSport’s subsequent contracts and growth have since validated its long-term potential, with revenues now matching the original valuation.
