Insta-Fire Update | Shark Tank Season 7

While hiking in Utah, Konnel Banner saw someone trying to light volcanic rock on fire, struggling to get a flame going. That’s when he and Frank Weston created Insta-Fire, a fire-starting mix of volcanic rock, wood pellets, and paraffin wax that lights fast and burns at 1,000 degrees, even on wet wood. It makes starting a fire easy for campers, hikers, and anyone preparing for emergencies. Will the sharks see the value in this simple but useful solution? Keep reading our Insta-Fire update and pitch recap to find out.

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

Konel and Frank entered Shark Tank Season 7, seeking $300,000 for 10% equity in their instant fire-starter product. After their pitch, they landed a deal with Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner for $300,000 for 30% equity.

In terms of an Insta-Fire update, the company expanded its retail presence and secured partnerships with major stores like Target, Walmart, and The Home Depot. Moreover, it also established itself as a strong player in the fire-starting industry, reaching an estimated net worth of $7.5 million.

Shark	Result
Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner	Accepted offer of $300,000 for 30% equity
Daymond John	$300,000 for 17% equity plus 25% of online sales
Kevin O’Leary	$300,000 for 20% equity
Robert Herjavec	No offer

Shark Tank Insta-Fire Pitch

• Entrepreneurs: Konel Banner and Frank Weston
• Business: Instant fire-starter
• Ask: $300,000 for 10% equity
• Result: $300,000 for 30% equity
• Sharks: Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner

Frank and Konel entered Shark Tank, carrying a flaming tray, immediately grabbing the sharks’ attention.

Next, they introduced themselves and asked for an investment in Insta-Fire, a fire-starting product. 

Frank then showed how simple it was to use—open the bag, pour it out, and light it. For charcoal, their cellulose pouch made ignition easy.

He highlighted its use for RV camping, tailgating, and grilling. Mark Cuban joked that he thought about fire-starting every day.

Lori Greiner asked for samples. Frank handed out Fire-Starter packets while Konel demonstrated putting out the fire with water.

Following that, he explained that Insta-Fire was safer than lighter fluid and wouldn’t burn through the bottom of a grill

Skeptical, Robert Herjavec questioned whether water could truly extinguish it. Konel clarified that while Insta-Fire could burn in water, pouring water over it would put it out.

Robert asked how they came up with the idea. Frank explained they met at a Mountain Man Rendezvous, where survivalists practiced primitive skills.

An older participant accidentally set fire to a rock, inspiring them to develop a more controlled fire-starting product.

Konel said they started in the emergency preparedness market before expanding into fire-starting and charcoal lighting. Each category used the same core technology.

At this point, Lori asked how long they had been in business. Konel said seven years. She then asked about sales. They had made $2.1 million so far, but Kevin O’Leary found that low.

Robert asked about their most recent annual revenue. Konel said $320,000 last year but projected more than double for the current year.

Each product cost $0.18 to make, sold for $0.74 wholesale and retailed for $1.49. Kevin asked if it could be copied. Konel assured him it was patented.

They had recently secured deals with Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Meyers, which they expected to boost sales. They were on track for $800,000 in revenue.

Kevin asked about profitability. They expected $250,000 and they paid themselves $36,000 each.

Robert pointed out that selling a low-cost product in high volume made scaling difficult. He exited the negotiations.

Kevin saw potential but wanted decision-making power. He offered $300,000 for 33% equity.

Daymond John offered $300,000 for 20% equity plus a third of their online business, saying he could significantly grow their e-commerce sales.

Mark also wanted in, but instead of partnering with Kevin, he turned to Lori. She asked what percentage they wanted. Mark proposed 30%, saying their combined expertise justified it.

Konel countered, asking if Lori and Mark would do 20% equity. They refused.

Daymond adjusted his offer to 17% equity plus 25% of online sales. Kevin also dropped to 20% equity. Lori and Mark stayed firm at 30% equity.

Ultimately, after a final discussion, Konel and Frank accepted Mark and Lori’s offer.

What happened to the company after the show? We’ll talk about it in the rest of our Insta-Fire update.

Shark Tank Insta-Fire Update

Our Insta-Fire update found that the deal with Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner closed successfully.

As a result, this helped expand their retail presence, leading to partnerships with major stores like Target, Walmart, and The Home Depot.

Over time, the company broadened its product line from two items to 31, including fire starters and portable stoves.

Within three years of their Shark Tank appearance, they had generated $7.5 million in retail sales.

Our Insta-Fire update research revealed that in 2022, they were making over $4 million in annual revenue.

At the time of this writing, the company remains strong in the fire-starting industry. You can find products on Amazon or the Insta-Fire website.

We’re calling this Insta-Fire update a success.

Make sure to check out our company updates for the other products featured in Season 7 Episode 19. You can find them here:

• Custard Stand Food Products Update
• PRX Performance Update
• Rags to Raches Update

Before you go, be sure to check out our list of all the Shark Tank Season 7 products.