Which Shark Made the Smartest Bets? Inside the Most Lucrative Shark Tank Investments

“Shark Tank” has become America’s premier platform for spotting winners in the business world. The show’s investors—including Daymond John, Lori Greiner, Barbara Corcoran, and others—have developed an uncanny ability to identify which entrepreneurs will scale to billion-dollar valuations. But among all the deals made, some investors have clearly had a sharper eye for success. Here’s a look at four ventures that generated staggering returns and the sharks who backed them.

The Sock Empire That Hit $1.3 Billion

Bombas revolutionized an everyday item by combining premium comfort with a social mission: donate one pair for every pair sold. When Daymond John invested $200,000 for a 17.5% stake, few could have predicted the company would reach $1.3 billion in revenue. This single investment showcased why Daymond John remains one of the most successful sharks on Shark Tank—his ability to spot scalable business models with strong brand narratives consistently delivers outsized returns.

The Temperature-Changing Sponge That Conquered Retail

Scrub Daddy transformed a simple cleaning tool into a $926 million business through clever product innovation. The smiley-faced sponge features a foam polymer that shifts texture based on water temperature, making it more efficient than traditional sponges. Lori Greiner’s $200,000 investment for 20% proved to be a masterstroke, demonstrating why she’s earned her reputation as one of the most successful sharks on Shark Tank when it comes to consumer products.

The Bathroom Innovation That Went Mainstream

Squatty Potty took a niche ergonomic concept and turned it into a cultural phenomenon through viral marketing and authentic storytelling. By addressing a genuine health issue with humor, the product resonated globally. Greiner’s second major win came with a $350,000 investment for 10% equity, proving her consistent track record of selecting products primed for explosive growth. Her portfolio suggests savvy judgment about which solutions will capture mass-market appeal.

Fresh Seafood Delivered by Food Truck

Cousins Maine Lobster proved that location-based food concepts could scale nationally. By bringing authentic Maine lobster to consumers via mobile food trucks, the company built a $585 million business. Barbara Corcoran’s $55,000 investment for 15% showed that even smaller checks from experienced investors can yield significant returns when backed by solid execution and expansion strategy.

What These Wins Reveal

These four ventures generated a combined $3.4+ billion in revenue, but the real story lies in the investors behind them. The most successful sharks on Shark Tank share common traits: they spot scalable models, understand consumer psychology, and know when to back founders with execution capability. Greiner’s multiple wins in consumer products and John’s ability to identify lifestyle brands with growth potential show that investment success on the show extends far beyond the initial pitch—it’s built on decades of business acumen.