Wake N Bacon Before Shark Tank
Matty Sallin, an industrial designer from San Francisco, believed he had developed the ideal alternative to traditional alarm clocks that abruptly wake users with loud sounds. During an electronics class in college, he conceptualized an alarm clock that awakens individuals with the delightful scent of cooked bacon. The clock's exterior was crafted to resemble a pig in a block wood form, adding a whimsical touch to its design.
The Wake N Bacon alarm clock operates by heating pre-cooked bacon ten minutes before the set wake-up time. Users need to place a couple of slices into a Teflon-coated cooking pan the night before, and a halogen lamp crisps the bacon. Instead of a jarring alarm, individuals are gently awakened by the savory aroma of bacon, creating a pleasant start to their day.
Wake N Bacon On Shark Tank
Shark Tank Season 2 Episode 2
Matty entered the tank with confidence, ready to present his innovative alarm clock. He shared the story of its creation and demonstrated its functionality to the sharks. Matty mentioned that his initial design had received an overwhelmingly positive response online, which motivated him to seek assistance from the sharks to turn his prototype into a marketable product. He requested $40,000 in exchange for 20% equity to redesign the clock for mass production and to develop a mass prototype.
As part of his pitch, Matty served freshly cooked bacon to the sharks to showcase the clock's unique feature. Despite their amusement, Kevin raised a significant concern about the potential risk of the clock malfunctioning and causing a fire. Matty attempted to allay these fears by comparing his device to the Easy-Bake Oven, emphasizing that it would be UL listed to ensure safety. However, Kevin remained skeptical, prompting further questions about production costs and margins.
Robert queried about Matty's financial plans post-prototype, questioning how he would secure funds for production. Matty's response was vague, relying on the need for retail and manufacturing partners. Mark viewed the clock as a novelty item and inquired about potential sales figures, which Matty surprisingly did not provide. This lack of sales projections troubled Kevin, who withdrew his interest, humorously offering $100 for the "pig box." Robert also expressed interest in the prototype, but Matty revealed it was his only one.
Barbara saw the clock as a quirky gift but doubted its practical appeal due to concerns about having bacon cooked so close to one's bed. She believed people would prefer the aroma emanating from the kitchen, leading her to opt out. Robert and Daymond followed suit, leaving Mark as the last potential investor. Mark probed into the minimum production run, which Matty estimated at 10,000 units, requiring $130,000 for production—a figure much higher than his initial ask.
Mark questioned why Matty only sought $40,000 when his actual need was much greater. This inconsistency, coupled with Matty's discomfort, led to a moment of laughter among the sharks. Kevin's lingering concerns about fire hazards and Mark's belief that the clock would primarily be a one-time novelty purchase led to Mark's final decision not to invest. Matty left the tank without a deal, despite Kevin's continued offers to buy the prototype for his "museum of really bad ideas."
Wake N Bacon After Shark Tank
Despite ongoing interest from some online fans, Wake N Bacon did not transition into a commercial product. Matty's experience serves as a valuable lesson for aspiring entrepreneurs about the importance of having a market-ready product before seeking investment. The sharks typically look for products with established markets, strong sales records, pending orders, and potentially patentable elements. Matty's pitch, centered on a single prototype, fell short of these criteria.
Matty has since moved away from entrepreneurial pursuits. His LinkedIn profile indicates he is now working in User Experience (UX) and recently joined Finix, a financial technology company. While bacon enthusiasts may feel disappointed, the realization remains that bacon is best enjoyed in the kitchen rather than the bedroom.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is strictly informational; Seo Insights is not affiliated with Wake N Bacon, SharkTank, or any of its subsidiaries.