DNA Simple Update | Shark Tank Season 9

Olivier Noel founded DNA Simple in 2015 to address the growing concern of “bio-rights,” as people demanded control over their DNA data used in research. DNA Simple offers compensation to donors for saliva samples, thereby increasing participation in research crucial for drug development. This solution targets a multi-billion dollar market for DNA data used in medical advancements. Will the sharks find this business worthy of investment? Check out our DNA Simple update and pitch recap to find out.

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

Olivier Noel entered Shark Tank Season 9, seeking $100,000 for a 12.5% equity in his company, DNA Simple. After his pitch, he landed a deal with Mark Cuban for $200,000 in exchange for a 15% equity.

In terms of DNA Simple, since its appearance on Shark Tank, the company has expanded operations into Canada and continued to grow the brand.

Shark	Result
Mark Cuban	Accepted offer of $200,000 for 15% equity
Richard Branson	$100,000 for 25% equity
Daymond John	No offer
Lori Greiner,	No offer
Robert Herjavec	No offer

Shark Tank DNA Simple Pitch

• Entrepreneur: Olivier Noel
• Business: DNA kits for research studies that pay consumers $50
• Ask: $100,000 for 12.5% equity
• Result: $200,000 for 15% equity
• Shark: Mark Cuban

Olivier enters Shark Tank and begins his pitch by predicting the inevitability of future pandemics and the critical role DNA will play in understanding them. 

DNA Simple facilitates genetic research by collecting DNA samples from individuals and providing them to qualified researchers. 

Then, these researchers use DNA to study various diseases and conditions, aiming to discover their causes and develop new treatments.

Here’s how it works: DNA Simple recruits volunteers who donate a saliva sample. The company then connects these samples with researchers studying specific genetic conditions. 

Researchers compare the donated DNA with DNA from healthy individuals to identify potential genetic variations linked to diseases. These variations can provide crucial insights into the disease process, ultimately leading to breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment.

Further, DNA Simple offers a unique opportunity for individuals to contribute to medical advancements. 

By participating, donors play a vital role in unlocking the mysteries of human health while receiving compensation for their contribution. 

Olivier distributes samples of his kits, explaining that the company earns $155 for each successful study match between researchers and DNA donors. 

The operational costs are $12.50 per sample collection kit and $50 paid to each donor as compensation. So far, DNA Simple has facilitated 500 study matches, generating approximately $77,500 in revenue.

The sharks are impressed by Olivier’s intelligence and his ability to answer their questions confidently. 

Guest shark Sir Richard Branson offers $100,000 for 25% equity. 

Mark Cuban follows with an offer of $200,000 for 20% equity, demanding an immediate answer. Olivier, wanting to consider other offers, is pressured by Mark’s insistence. 

Ultimately, Olivier counters with $200,000 for 15% equity, and they make a deal.

Do you think Olivier made the right call? Find out in our DNA Simple update.

Shark Tank DNA Simple Update 

It appears that the deal with Mark Cuban never closed. However, the company benefited significantly from the Shark Tank exposure, with its donor database surpassing the initial target of 100,000 samples shortly after airing and reaching 130,000 in December 2017. 

Building on this momentum, DNA Simple set an ambitious goal of exceeding 1 million donors by 2018 and began accepting samples from Canada. 

As of this DNA Simple update, the company continues to accept new donors through its website. 

DNA Simple remains successful. While we couldn’t find accurate information on annual revenue, the company seems to have grown significantly since Shark Tank.

Further, it has been featured in numerous publications, including NPR, Buzzfeed, The Boston Globe, and Becker’s Hospital Review. 

Olivier Noel appears to be effectively steering the company in the right direction. We look forward to sharing the latest developments in our next DNA Simple update.

You can find the other company updates from Season 9 Episode 10 here:

• SmartGurlz Update
• Robin Update
• Grypmat Update

Before you go, be sure to check out our Shark Tank Season 9 page for more updates!