Nohbo Update | Shark Tank Season 7

In his 9th-grade classroom, Benjamin Stern watched a video showing how plastic waste from shampoo and soap bottles harms the environment. As a result, he came up with Nohbo Balls, small pods that hold shampoo, conditioner, or soap and dissolve in water, so there’s no plastic to throw away. This helps reduce waste and makes personal care more eco-friendly. Will a shark see the value in Nohbo Balls and invest? Keep reading our Nohbo update and pitch recap to find out.

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

Benjamin entered Shark Tank Season 7, seeking $100,000 for 20% equity in his shampoo balls brand. After his pitch, he landed a deal with Mark Cuban for $100,000 for 25% equity.

In terms of a Nohbo update, the company adapted its business model by shifting from powdered shampoo balls to gel-based Nohbo Drops in 2018, addressing stability and shipping challenges. Further, they rebranded, secured over 76 million purchase orders, and raised $3 million in seed funding.

Shark	Result
Mark Cuban	Accepted offer of $100,000 for 25% equity
Barbara Corcoran	$100,000 for 20% equity
Robert Herjavec	$100,000 for 20% equity
Lori Greiner	No offer
Kevin O’Leary	No offer

Shark Tank Nohbo Pitch

• Entrepreneur: Benjamin Stern
• Business: Shampoo balls that reduce plastic waste
• Ask: $100,000 for 20% equity
• Result: $100,000 for 25% equity
• Shark: Mark Cuban

Benjamin entered Shark Tank with his grandmother, Lois, and showcased his product which aims to change how people wash their hair while also reducing plastic waste

He explained that 80% of bathroom product containers are not recycled, creating enough waste to fill twelve football stadiums every year.

To solve this, he created Nohbo balls—single-use, dissolvable shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and shaving cream portions that leave no waste.

Mark Cuban asked his age. When Benjamin says he’s 16 and in the eleventh grade, they are visibly impressed.

Benjamin shared that he started the business in January 2014 and has spent two years refining it.

He also contacted a major hotel chain that expressed interest but wanted the product patented first, which has been a challenge due to limited resources.

He then demonstrated how Nohbo works, wetting Lois’ hair and dissolving a shampoo ball in his hands.

Robert Herjavec asked about competition from bigger brands, but Benjamin insisted his product was superior.

Barbara Corcoran pointed out that the aluminum foil wrapping makes the product look like candy. Benjamin admitted it was temporary as he planned to switch to eco-friendly packaging.

Meanwhile, Kevin O’Leary asked if the samples on display are his entire inventory. Benjamin confirmed they are.

Robert asked about the name. Benjamin explained that “Nohbo” stands for “no hair bottles.”

Mark then asked about production costs. Benjamin revealed each Nohbo ball costs $0.6 to make, but he aims to reduce it to $0.4 and sell them for $0.12.

His primary target is hotels, as widespread adoption could significantly reduce waste.

However, Mark pointed out that guests were accustomed to bottled products, meaning hotels would have to educate them on how to use Nohbo.

Lori Greiner, though impressed, thinks it’s too early and advises him to refine the product before selling it. She’s out.

Kevin agrees, believing the personal care industry is difficult to penetrate, especially with brand-loyal customers. He also passes.

Robert, however, sees potential but is concerned about the patent. He offers $100,000 for 20% equity, contingent on the patent’s approval. If granted, he will help with licensing.

Mark quickly counters with $100,000 for 25% equity. He highlights his legal team’s ability to assist with the patent and mentions his shampoo company, which has the resources to scale Nohbo.

Barbara then jumps in with $100,000 for 20% equity, promising to introduce Benjamin to Estée Lauder. If a deal materializes, he keeps the investment.

Benjamin, excited but torn, asks if any sharks would partner. They all refuse, preferring to go solo.

After careful thought, he chooses Mark’s offer. They shake hands, sealing the deal.

Where does this leave the promising company? Find out in the rest of our Nohbo update.

Shark Tank Nohbo Update

Our Nohbo update found that Benjamin received the Young Entrepreneur award from the governor of Florida and improved the product through many years of trial and error.

In 2018, Nohbo shifted from its powdered shampoo balls to gel-based “Nohbo Drops” due to issues with stability and shipping.

After a quick rebrand, Benjamin was able to secure over 76 million purchase orders through 2022 and secured more venture funding.

In 2020, the company raised $3 million in seed funding from Material Impact, Safer Made, and additional investment from Mark Cuban’s Radical Investments.

Benjamin began another brand called Sunrise Session in 2022. Since then, he has licensed shampoo delivery technology more than 60 times to various companies and brands.

In 2024, Nohbo reported annual revenues of $8 million, with partnerships involving over 60 companies and hotels, and expansion into the European market.

However, in March 2024, Benjamin Stern announced his departure. He cited differing visions with shareholders as the reason for stepping away.

After leaving Nohbo, he founded Tenakara AI, a platform supporting startups.

At the time of this writing, Nohbo’s official website is inactive, and its social media has not been updated since 2022. 

With Benjamin’s departure, it looks like this will be our final Nohbo update.

Get caught up with the rest of the products featured on Season 7 Episode 18 with our company updates. You can find them here.

• Sworkit Update
• Clean Sleep Update
• TuTuBlue Update

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