A day at the beach should be relaxing, but for many people, carrying heavy chairs, umbrellas, and coolers can turn a fun outing into a stressful experience. Traditional beach gear is often bulky, difficult to transport, and time-consuming to set up. Many people struggle with folding chairs that are either too heavy or too flimsy, leaving them frustrated before they even get to enjoy the sand and waves.
Greg Besner and Leslie Hsu, the founders of Sunflow, recognized this problem and decided to create a solution. Their innovative beach chair is designed to be lightweight, portable, and easy to set up, making beach trips more enjoyable. The Sunflow chair comes with convenient accessories like a sunshade, drink holder, and storage pockets, eliminating the need to carry multiple items separately.
In Shark Tank Season 13, Greg and Leslie pitched their business, asking for $1 million in exchange for 6% equity. They impressed the sharks with their sales numbers, $2.9 million in just 13.5 months, but some sharks were hesitant due to the high valuation and expensive retail price ($200 per chair). After intense negotiations, Kevin O’Leary made a deal: $1 million for 5% equity plus a $5 royalty per chair until he recouped $1 million.
However, the deal ultimately fell through. Despite this setback, Sunflow continued to grow, raising over $3.5 million from investors and expanding its product line.
Sunflow Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Greg and Leslie were looking for an investment of $1 million in exchange for 6% equity in the company. At the time of the episode, they valued their company at $16.6 million. Greg and Leslie successfully secured a deal with Kevin O’Leary for an investment of $1 million for 5% equity in the company. The investment adjusted the company’s net worth to around $20 million. After the show was aired, Sunflow saw a big increase in website traffic, sales, and social media exposure. As per my rough estimate, the current net worth of Sunflow is around $8 million.
$1M for a 4% stake + a royalty of $5 per chair sold until $2M is paid$1M for a 6% stake + a royalty of $5 per chair sold until $1M is paid
$1M for a 4% stake + a royalty of $5 per chair sold until $1M is paid$1M for a 5% stake + a royalty of $5 per chair sold until $1M is paid
Yes
Barbara Corcoran
Out
N/A
N/A
Mark Cuban
Out
N/A
N/A
Greg Besner and Leslie Hsu Backstory + Their Initial Pitch
Greg Besner and Leslie Hsu were inspired to create Sunflow after experiencing the struggles of carrying heavy beach gear firsthand. They wanted a chair that was not only comfortable but also easy to transport and set up. After months of research and development, they designed a chair that folds flat like a yoga mat, weighs less than 5 pounds, and includes built-in accessories.
In the early stages, they faced challenges with manufacturing and scaling production. They also had to convince customers that their premium-priced chair was worth the investment. However, their persistence paid off, and within just over a year, they generated nearly $3 million in sales.
During their Shark Tank pitch, Greg and Leslie demonstrated how the Sunflow chair worked, highlighting its portability and convenience. They explained their business model, which included direct-to-consumer sales through their website and partnerships with retailers. They asked—$1 million for 6% equity—valued the company at around $16.6 million, which some sharks found too high.
Queries + Shark’s Responses, and Final Deal
The sharks had several questions and concerns about Sunflow.
Daniel was the first to make an offer—$1 million for 22.5% equity, which was much higher than what Greg and Leslie wanted to give up. However, instead of immediately responding, Greg continued discussing the business with the other sharks. This delay frustrated Daniel, and he eventually withdrew his offer.
Mark Cuban was skeptical about the high valuation. He felt that the company’s sales, while impressive, didn’t justify the $16.6 million valuation. He also worried about the chair’s $200 price point, believing it might limit the customer base. Because of these concerns, Mark decided not to invest.
Barbara thought Greg and Leslie were overconfident. She didn’t share their belief that the business would continue growing at the same rapid pace. Without confidence in their projections, she chose to bow out.
Lori Greiner, known for her success with retail products, felt that Sunflow’s sales might decline after the initial hype. She didn’t see enough long-term potential and decided not to make an offer.
Kevin O’Leary, also known as Mr. Wonderful, was the only shark willing to make a deal. His initial offer was $1 million for 4% equity plus a $5 royalty per chair until he recouped $2 million. Greg and Leslie countered, asking for better terms. After some back-and-forth, Kevin agreed to $1 million for 5% equity with a $5 royalty until he recouped $1 million. The deal was accepted, but it later fell through due to undisclosed reasons.
Product Availability
The Sunflow beach chair is designed for convenience and comfort. Key features include:
– Lightweight & Portable – Weighs less than 5 pounds and folds flat for easy carrying.
– Built-in Accessories – Includes a sunshade, drink holder, and storage pockets.
– Durable Material – Made with high-quality fabric that withstands sand and saltwater.
The chairs are available for purchase on the Sunflow website and Amazon. The company has also introduced new accessories, such as sunglasses case, a towel, and a bikini bag. Additionally, they partnered with designer Shoshanna to create a matching swimwear and beach chair collection.
What Happened To The Sunflow After Shark Tank?
After their Shark Tank appearance, Sunflow continued to grow. Although the deal with Kevin O’Leary didn’t close, the company raised $3.5 million from other investors. They expanded their product line and increased their social media presence, gaining over 17,000 Instagram followers and 9,000 TikTok followers.
As of today, Sunflow is still in business and continues to innovate. They have hinted at upcoming products, suggesting that the brand is far from done. Their partnership with Shoshanna shows their commitment to blending fashion with functionality, making them a standout in the beach gear market.
Conclusion
Greg Besner and Leslie Hsu’s journey on Shark Tank was a mix of success and challenges. While they impressed the sharks with their sales numbers, the high valuation and product pricing made some hesitant. Kevin O’Leary’s deal initially seemed like a win, but it ultimately fell through.
Despite this, Sunflow proved resilient. The company secured additional funding, expanded its product line, and built a strong brand presence. Their innovative beach chairs continue to attract customers who value convenience and style. While they may not have left the tank with a shark, Sunflow’s success shows that a great product and determined founders can thrive even without a Shark Tank deal.
For now, beachgoers can enjoy the ease of Sunflow chairs, and who knows what the company will come up with next?
Hey, I’m Amna Habib, an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. Shark Tank has always been one of my favorite TV shows because it offers a unique glimpse into the world of entrepreneurship. The way entrepreneurs present innovative solutions to everyday problems aligns with my academic interests and fuels my curiosity about business strategies. Each pitch showcases creativity and strategic decision-making, which I find both insightful and inspiring. Watching the show has deepened my passion for business and motivated me to explore the world of entrepreneurship even further. Beyond business and writing, I love food, shopping, and spending time with my friends and family.
