Banana Phone Update | Shark Tank Season 14

Max and Brian realized that modern work life lacked fun and human interaction, leading them to create the Banana Phone, a Bluetooth-enabled device shaped like a banana. Inspired by a common social joke and backed by significant social media engagement, they saw an opportunity to turn humor into a business. Now, they need a shark’s investment to scale production to meet growing demand. Let’s take a look at which shark showed interest in making a deal in our Banana Phone update and pitch recap.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick overview of what happened to Banana Phone after Shark Tank.

Max and Brian entered Shark Tank Season 14, seeking $250,000 for 10% equity in Banana Phone. Despite being impressed with the sales figures, the sharks declined to invest primarily due to concerns about the product’s scalability and the founders’ part-time commitment to the business.

In terms of a Banana Phone update, the company gained traction shortly after it appeared on Shark Tank but was sold in 2023.

Shark	Result
Mark Cuban	No offer
Robert Herjavec	No offer
Kevin O’Leary	No offer
Lori Greiner	No offer
Barbara Corcoran	No offer

Shark Tank Banana Phone Pitch

• Entrepreneurs: Brian Brunsing, Max Brown, and Charlie Katrycz
• Business: Bluetooth phone shaped like a banana
• Ask: $250,000 for 10% equity
• Result: No deal
• Sharks: None

Max and Brian opened their pitch by highlighting three key issues with the traditional 9-to-5 workday: it’s boring, it lacks human interaction, and it needs more fun.

To address these challenges, they introduced the Banana Phone, a playful yet practical device that allows users to make and receive calls when paired with a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth.

They sought an investment to take their product into retail stores like Bed Bath & Beyond and scale production to meet growing demand.

Banana Phone is a Bluetooth-enabled device that functions as a handset and connects to smartphones or tablets.

It is designed to resemble a banana and is marketed as a novelty gift.

Furthermore, the company donates 1% of its yearly sales to Gearing Up 4 Gorillas, a non-profit dedicated to conserving mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park, Congo.

Over the past six years, the Banana Phone has been a side project for Max and Brian. However, they have made lifetime sales of $1.6 million since then.

In 2021, the company reported $540,000 in sales, earning $123,000 in net income.

The device retails for $39.99 and costs $6 to produce. The majority of sales come from Amazon and social media advertising.

Max and Brian expressed interest in expanding into retail, but the sharks doubted the product’s scalability and long-term profitability.

They also noted the lack of a patent, though the brand itself is trademarked.

Mark Cuban and Kevin O’Leary felt that the $250,000 for 10% equity ask was too steep, considering the business’s risks and uncertainties.

Lori Greiner saw its appeal as a novelty gift and worried about its long-term potential. She is out

Mark Cuban liked the product but didn’t see it fitting his portfolio. He’s out.

Robert Herjavec enjoyed the pitch but felt it wasn’t for him. He’s out as well.

Barbara Corcoran and Kevin O’Leary also decided not to invest. In contrast, they praised the creativity but had concerns about scaling the business.

Keep reading our Banana Phone update to find out what happened after Shark Tank.

Shark Tank Banana Phone Update

Our Banana Phone update found that the company’s annual revenue reached $1 million by the end of 2022.

According to Brian’s LinkedIn profile, Banana Phone was sold for more than twice its net income, though the new owner has not been disclosed.

After selling, Brian officially stepped away from the business in August 2023

Meanwhile, Max is still with Banana Phone as its CEO and co-founder.

However, the business remains a side hustle for him as he still has his position at Garrett Leather.

It looks like things turned out good for Brian and Max, and we are glad to report a positive Banana Phone update!

For updates from Shark Tank Season 14 Episode 2, be sure to check out the links below:

• The Woobles Update
• Turbo Trusser Update
• Stealth Bros and Co. Update

Be sure to check out our Season 14 products page too!