Max and Brian saw a problem with modern work life. They noticed that the 9-to-5 workday was boring and lacked fun. People were spending too much time working and not enough time having fun or interacting with others. They thought of a solution: a Bluetooth phone shaped like a banana. This fun and silly idea became the Banana Phone. Max and Brian created it to add some humor to people’s lives.
They saw a chance to turn this funny idea into a business. After getting a lot of social media attention, they wanted to take the product to the next level. To do this, they needed an investment from a Shark. They entered the Shark Tank looking for $250,000 for 10% equity in their company. Will the entrepreneur get a deal on Shark Tank? Check out the Packback update to find out!
Banana Phone Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Max and Brian were looking for an investment of $250k in exchange for 10% equity in the company. At the time of the episode, they valued their company at $2.5 million. They did not secure a deal on Shark Tank. After the show was aired, the company experienced a good boost in exposure. As per my rough estimate, the current net worth of Banana Phone in 2025is around $3 million.
Shark(s) Name
Offer & Demand
Counter Offer
Accepted?
Lori Greiner
Out
N/A
N/A
Robert Herjavec
Out
N/A
N/A
Kevin O’Leary
Out
N/A
N/A
Barbara Corcoran
Out
N/A
N/A
Mark Cuban
Out
N/A
N/A
Founders Backstory + Initial Pitch
Max and Brian were aware that they aimed to develop something enjoyable. They understood that the contemporary workday was dull. Individuals found themselves trapped in lengthy meetings and had minimal opportunities to engage with one another. They aimed to enhance the enjoyment of work. They began brainstorming ideas to inject some enjoyment into it. That’s when they conceived the notion of a Bluetooth phone resembling a banana.
They started developing the product. They developed a device that could be linked with a smartphone or tablet. It had a banana shape and allowed individuals to make phone calls. The Banana Phone turned into a means for individuals to inject humor into their work hours. Max and Brian noticed individuals on the internet mocking their product. They recognized that they possessed something unique.
They began offering the Banana Phone as a novelty present. It gained significant popularity on social media. Individuals adored the concept of conversing on a banana. The Banana Phone was another option for a playful gift that people could give. With the focus on social media, Max and Brian recognized the opportunity to expand the business. They aimed to place the Banana Phone in retail outlets such as Bed Bath & Beyond.
The pitch from the founders was straightforward. They sought $250,000 for a 10% stake in their business. The product was performing well online, but they required assistance to expand and distribute it to retail locations. They demonstrated that they had achieved $1.6 million in total sales, and their revenue for 2021 amounted to $540,000, generating a profit of $123,000.
Queries + Sharks’ Responses and Final Deal
The Sharks were curious and had many inquiries regarding the Banana Phone. They were curious about its functionality and how it differed from other Bluetooth devices. The entrepreneurs described the Banana Phone as an entertaining method to make calls. They demonstrated how it linked to smartphones and tablets using Bluetooth. The gadget served as an excellent conversation starter, and they recognized the substantial potential for it as a gift option.
The Sharks inquired about the company’s expansion and upcoming strategies. Max and Brian shared that they aimed to enter retail shops and increase their production. They thought the Banana Phone had the potential to be very popular. Nonetheless, the Sharks remained uncertain. They believed the product could be overly specialized and unlikely to grow sustainably in the future.
The Sharks also inquired about the absence of a patent for the Banana Phone. Max and Brian possessed only the trademark for the brand rather than a patent for the actual product. This caused certain Sharks to be reluctant to invest. The Sharks were worried that Max and Brian weren’t entirely dedicated to the business. They were doing it part-time while continuing with other employment.
The Sharks believed the Banana Phone lacked the potential to become a major business. They were worried about its ability to scale. The item was enjoyable, but they doubted it would sell effectively in high volumes. They were also concerned about the founders’ part-time involvement. They desired to observe increased focus and commitment to the business. The absence of a patent also made the Sharks uneasy.
Lacking a patent, other firms might replicate the concept. This might result in a rivalry that could damage the Banana Phone’s prospects for success. Another concern was the product’s future potential. The Sharks appreciated the concept, but they believed it wouldn’t maintain its popularity indefinitely. They viewed it as a novelty product that could diminish in attraction as time went on. Due to these concerns, none of the Sharks chose to invest in the Banana Phone. Everyone declined the offer.
Product Availability
Despite not getting a deal on Shark Tank, the Banana Phone continued to grow in popularity. The product is available online. People can buy it from websites like Amazon. It is also available on the official Banana Phone website. The device is priced at $39.99, and it costs around $6 to make. The majority of sales come from online platforms like Amazon and social media ads. The Banana Phone is also marketed as a fun gift item.
In addition, the company donates 1% of its yearly sales to a non-profit called Gearing Up 4 Gorillas. This charity helps to protect mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park in Congo.
What Happened to Banana Phone After Shark Tank?
After appearing on Shark Tank, the Banana Phone continued to do well. The company reached $1 million in revenue by the end of 2022. Max and Brian were able to keep growing the business, but things took a big turn in 2023. In that year, the Banana Phone was sold to another company. The details of the sale are not clear, but Brian stepped away from the business in August 2023. Max, however, remained with the company.
He still held the role of CEO and co-founder of the Banana Phone. However, Max was not fully focused on the business. He still works at Garrett Leather. So, the Banana Phone continued as more of a side project. Despite the sale, the Banana Phone remains popular. It is still available for purchase, and the brand continues to attract attention online.
Conclusion
The Banana Phone had an interesting journey on Shark Tank. Max and Brian entered the tank asking for $250,000 for 10% equity in their business. They didn’t get a deal, but their product continued to grow. Despite the Sharks passing on the deal, the Banana Phone has sold well online and gained a lot of attention as a fun gift. The company reached $1 million in revenue in 2022 and was later sold in 2023.
While Max and Brian didn’t secure a deal on Shark Tank, the Banana Phone is still around today. It remains a side project for Max, who continues to work at Garrett Leather. The product is still available online and has become a popular novelty item.
Hi! I’m Fatima Muhammad, a writer with a passion for international relations, strategic analysis, and global affairs. As a bachelor’s student in International Relations, I love exploring geopolitical trends, economic policies, and global power shifts. I specialize in breaking down complex topics into clear, engaging content that informs and sparks discussions. As someone who enjoys both business strategy and great storytelling, one of my favourite shows is Shark Tank. I love the show from the bold ideas to the unexpected deals. Beyond writing, I have a creative side I enjoy graphic design and storytelling, which helps me bring a unique perspective to my work.
