Shark Tank season 1 episode 1 (often referred to as S01E01) originally aired on August 9, 2009, marking the premiere of the hit business reality series. The episode introduces viewers to the original panel of Sharks as entrepreneurs enter the Tank hoping to secure investment and business partnerships.
In this debut episode, several founders pitch innovative consumer products and service-based business ideas, each attempting to convince the Sharks that their companies have strong growth potential and are worth backing.
The entrepreneurs face intense questioning as the Sharks evaluate product viability, market demand, valuation, and scalability. Negotiations quickly become competitive as the investors weigh risk versus reward before deciding whether to make an offer.
If you’re looking for a complete recap of Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 1, including the entrepreneurs, deals made in the Tank, and a breakdown of each product featured in the episode, you’ll find everything you need below in this detailed guide.
Looking for more from this season? Browse the complete Shark Tank Season 1 episode guide for a full breakdown of every pitch and investment. For a ranked look at the biggest deals and most successful companies, explore the Best of Shark Tank Season 1 – Top Deals, Biggest Investments & Most Successful Companies.
About Shark Tank Season 1
Executive producer Mark Burnett and Sony Pictures Television return with another exciting season of Shark Tank, the hit business reality show where entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to a panel of wealthy investors known as the “Sharks.” Contestants must convince the Sharks that their businesses are worth investing in, often leading to intense negotiations and high-stakes deals.
The show is based on the international format Dragons’ Den, which originally launched in Japan and later became a global franchise. Over the years, Shark Tank has helped launch hundreds of companies while giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at how real investment decisions are made.
Browse All Shark Tank Season 1 Episodes
Each recap includes the entrepreneurs, deals made in the Tank, and 2026 business updates.
Shark Tank Season 1 Episode Guide
Explore every pitch, deal, and business update from the first season of Shark Tank.
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Sharks in Shark Tank Season 1
The main Sharks appearing during Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 1 included:
Season 1 Episode 1 in depth
In this first season as sharks in every episode appear Kevin Harrington, Daymond John, Kevin O’Leary, Barbara Corcoran, and Robert Herjavec
Kevin Harrington
Kevin Harrington is an American business executive and entrepreneur born in 1956. He has appeared as Keynote Speaker on the American annual invention trade show Inpex 2012 and on the television series Shark Tank.
Harrington became a Chairman and Senior Executive Officer of H & H Imports Inc. and a Member of the Advisory Board at AbsolutelyNew, Inc.
Source: Wikipedia
From 2006 to 2008, Harrington was the Director of Infusion Brands International, Inc. In 2007, he became the Executive Director of ResponzeTV Plc and the Chief Executive Officer of ResponzeTV Plc, then a year later, in 2008, he left both positions.
On ABC TV series Shark Tank, Harrington was one of the first investors and members of the Sharks from its beginning in 2009. After two seasons of the show, he left in 2011.
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I’m not trying to make friends. You want a friend, buy a dog. I’m trying to make money.
Kevin O’Leary
We listed below every entrepreneur and business who has appeared on Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 1. Many scammers claim they’ve received big investments from the Sharks or they have been on the show. If you don’t see a business on this list, they haven’t been actually on Shark Tank. Some of the top places you can use to check are on Wikipedia and also ABC’s episode guide.
What Happened in Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 1?
Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 1 featured five entrepreneurs pitching innovative consumer products, service startups, and technology concepts to the Sharks.
The businesses ranged from a children’s talking medicine dispenser designed to make giving medication easier for parents to a gourmet pie company looking to expand its bakery operations. Other pitches included a student-based packing and moving service, a hospital kiosk network providing internet access and educational content, and a controversial concept for a surgically implanted Bluetooth communication device.
As the premiere episode of Shark Tank, the entrepreneurs faced intense scrutiny from the Sharks, who questioned the founders about business scalability, regulatory challenges, profitability, and market demand before deciding whether to invest.
Businesses Featured on Shark Tank S01E01
Here is the complete list of companies that appeared on Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 1.
List with all the appearances in Season 1 Episode 1 (S01E01):
- AVA The Elephant – A talking children’s medicine dispenser designed to help parents administer oral medication more easily and reduce anxiety for kids.
- College Foxes Packing Boxes – A student-run packing and moving service created by the founders of College Hunks Hauling Junk.
- Ionic Ear – A concept for a surgically implanted Bluetooth device designed for hands-free wireless communication.
- Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory – A gourmet bakery specializing in sweet potato pies and other dessert pies made with natural ingredients.
- WiSpots – Interactive media centers placed in hospitals and waiting rooms that provide patients with internet access and educational resources.
Shark Tank S01E01 Highlights
- 5 entrepreneurs pitched their businesses
- 2 deals were made in the Tank
- ~$2.76M total capital requested
- $510K invested on air
- Barbara Corcoran participated in both deals
Entrepreneurs faced tough questions from the Sharks about product safety, business scalability, regulatory approvals, and long-term market potential.
Shark Tank S01E01 Episode Products Summary Table
The table below summarizes the key details from Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 1, including each company’s funding request, the final deal negotiated in the Tank, which Shark invested, and the current business status as of 2026.
| Company | Industry | Ask | Deal | Shark(s) | 2026 Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ava the Elephant | Children’s product | $50K for 15% | $50K for 55% | Barbara Corcoran | Active brand |
| Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory | Food / Bakery | $460K for 10% | $460K for 50% | Daymond John and Barbara Corcoran | Limited visibility |
| College Foxes Packing Boxes | Moving service | $250K for 25% | No Deal | — | Limited visibility |
| WiSpots | Technology / kiosks | $1.2M for 10% | No Deal | — | Defunct |
| The Ionic Ear | Medical technology concept | $1M for 15% | No Deal | — | Never launched |
Only two entrepreneurs appearing on Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 1 secured a deal, while the remaining founders left the Tank without investment.
Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 1 Snapshot
Season: 1
Episode: 1
Air Date: August 9, 2009
Sharks: Kevin Harrington, Kevin O’Leary, Barbara Corcoran, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John
Total Pitches: 5
Deals Made: 2
No-Deal Count: 3
Largest Investment: $460K (Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory)
Shark Tank S01E01 Investment Totals & Financial Breakdown
Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 1 featured approximately $2,760,000 in total capital requests, with $510,000 invested on air across two deals.
Financial Aggregation
Total Capital Requested: ~$2.76M requested
Total Capital Invested: $510K
Total Capital Committed: $510K
Highest Equity Given: 55% (Ava the Elephant)
Highest Valuation Asked: ~$10M valuation (WiSpots – $1M for 10%)
Lowest Valuation Asked: ~$333K valuation (Ava the Elephant – $50K for 15%)
Average Equity Asked: ~17%
Valuation Compression Analysis
Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 1 demonstrated how the Sharks carefully evaluate both business potential and product feasibility before committing to an investment.
• Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory secured a deal with Barbara Corcoran after negotiations resulted in the founder giving up a much larger equity stake than originally requested.
• Ava the Elephant, a children’s medicine dispenser, attracted interest but ultimately secured a deal with Barbara Corcoran for $50,000 for 55% equity, although the agreement ultimately did not close after filming.
• College Foxes Packing Boxes, a packing and moving service using college students, faced questions about how the business could scale nationally.
• WiSpots, a hospital kiosk system offering internet access and educational content, struggled to convince the Sharks that the technology had strong long-term growth potential.
• The Ionic Ear, a surgically implanted Bluetooth communication device, raised major safety and regulatory concerns, causing all five Sharks to decline the investment.
Ultimately, two deals were made during the premiere episode of Shark Tank.
Key Observations
- Consumer products focused on parenting challenges – Ava the Elephant aimed to make giving medicine to children easier.
- Food businesses attracted strong investor interest – Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory demonstrated early traction with its gourmet sweet potato pies.
- Service startups explored student-based labor models – College Foxes Packing Boxes relied on college students to provide packing and moving services.
- Technology startups attempted to improve hospital communication – WiSpots introduced digital kiosks designed for patient waiting areas.
- Experimental medical technology concepts faced strong skepticism – The Ionic Ear proposed a surgically implanted Bluetooth device.
Shark Tank Air Date: 08/09/09 – Season 1 – Episode 1
AVA The Elephant
| ASKED FOR | GOT | SHARK |
| $50,000 for 15% | $50,000 for 55% | Barbara Corcoran |
Entrepreneurs: Tiffany Krumins, from Auburn, Georgia
Product Overview
Ava the Elephant (originally called Emmy the Elephant) is a children’s medicine dispenser designed to make giving oral medication easier and less stressful for both parents and kids.
The product was created by Tiffany Krumins, who previously worked as a nanny for a child with Down syndrome. She noticed that giving medicine was often a difficult and unpleasant experience for the child. Wanting to make the process more positive, she developed a playful solution that would help children feel more comfortable taking their medication.
Ava the Elephant is designed as a friendly toy elephant that talks while medicine is being administered. The device combines a standard oral medicine dropper with a soft toy character that distracts and reassures children during the process.
To use the product, the included dropper is first filled with the correct dose of medicine. The dropper is then inserted into the opening on the back of the elephant toy, allowing parents to gently dispense the medicine while the toy provides encouraging sounds and positive reinforcement.
The goal of Ava the Elephant is to help children take their full dosage of medicine on the first try, while reducing anxiety and resistance often associated with taking medication.
Ava the Elephant – 2026 Update
Although Tiffany Krumins secured a deal with Barbara Corcoran during the episode, the agreement ultimately did not close after filming. The product later became one of the most successful businesses associated with the show’s early episodes.
After the show aired, Ava the Elephant gained significant attention and was eventually distributed through major retailers and online marketplaces. The product received praise from parents for helping make medication time easier for young children.
As of 2026, Ava the Elephant continues to be recognized as a popular children’s medicine dispenser, and the brand remains one of the most well-known success stories from the first season of Shark Tank. The product is widely remembered for its practical solution to a common parenting challenge and for Tiffany Krumins’ inspiring entrepreneurial journey.
Where to Buy AVA The Elephant
College Foxes Packing Boxes
| ASKED FOR | GOT | SHARK |
| $250,000 for 25% | NO DEAL | NO SHARK |
Entrepreneurs: Nick Friedman & Omar Soliman
Product Overview
College Foxes Packing Boxes was pitched by Nick Friedman and Omar Soliman, entrepreneurs who had already found success with their first company, College Hunks Hauling Junk. While the two businesses were related, the founders presented them as separate ventures during their appearance on Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 1.
The concept behind College Foxes Packing Boxes was to offer packing and moving services performed by college students, targeting families and businesses that needed help preparing for relocations. The idea was similar to their existing junk removal company but focused specifically on packing services and moving assistance.
The founders entered the Tank seeking $250,000 for a 25% stake in the business. Despite their early success with College Hunks Hauling Junk, the Sharks ultimately chose not to invest in the new venture.
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
The founders’ original business, College Hunks Hauling Junk, later expanded into College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, a North American junk removal and moving service company headquartered in Tampa, Florida.
The company provides a wide range of services, including:
• Residential and commercial junk removal
• Local and long-distance moving services
• Office relocation services
• In-home donation pickup for nonprofit partner organizations
Both residential and commercial customers can use the company’s services. A major part of the company’s mission is environmental responsibility — more than 65% of the items collected are donated, recycled, reused, or converted into energy through waste-to-fuel programs.
The company partners with organizations such as Goodwill Industries to donate usable items whenever possible.
College Foxes Packing Boxes – 2026 Update
Although College Foxes Packing Boxes did not secure an investment during the episode, the founders continued focusing on their original company.
Over time, College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving grew significantly and became one of the most successful businesses connected to the first season of Shark Tank.
As of 2026, the company operates hundreds of franchise locations across the United States and Canada, offering junk removal and moving services to both residential and commercial customers. The brand has built a strong reputation for its student-focused workforce, environmentally responsible practices, and community partnerships.
While the specific College Foxes Packing Boxes concept did not expand independently, the founders’ primary company has grown into a major national franchise and one of the most successful service businesses associated with the show’s early seasons.
Where to Buy College Foxes Packing Boxes
Ionic Ear
| ASKED FOR | GOT | SHARK |
| $1,000,000 for 15% | NO DEAL | NO SHARK |
Entrepreneur: Darren Johnson
Product Overview
The Ionic Ear, pitched by Darren Johnson, was one of the most unusual concepts presented during Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 1. The product proposed a surgically implanted Bluetooth device that would allow users to communicate wirelessly without holding a phone.
Unlike standard Bluetooth headsets that sit around the ear or on the neck, the Ionic Ear was designed to be implanted directly into the body through a surgical procedure. The concept suggested that the device could be placed inside the ear or neck area, allowing users to make hands-free phone calls through an embedded wireless communication system.
Johnson entered the Shark Tank seeking $1 million in exchange for a 15% stake in the company, valuing the concept at more than $6.6 million.
During the pitch, the Sharks quickly raised concerns about the medical safety, practicality, and regulatory challenges associated with the idea. Because the product required surgical implantation, it would likely need extensive clinical testing and approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before it could ever be sold to consumers.
Johnson also appeared somewhat nervous during the presentation, and the pitch struggled to convince the Sharks that the concept could realistically reach the market.
Ultimately, all five Sharks declined to invest, making the Ionic Ear one of the most memorable no-deal pitches from the first season of Shark Tank.
The Ionic Ear – 2026 Update
After appearing on Shark Tank, the Ionic Ear gained attention online due to the unusual nature of the concept. However, the product never progressed beyond the early idea stage.
Developing a surgically implanted communication device would require years of medical research, clinical trials, and regulatory approval, making it extremely difficult and expensive to bring to market.
As of 2026, there is no evidence that the Ionic Ear was ever developed into a commercial product, and the concept does not appear to have a functioning website or active company behind it.
The pitch remains one of the most infamous moments in Shark Tank history, often remembered for the Sharks’ shocked reactions to the idea of implanting Bluetooth technology directly into the human body.
Status: OUT OF BUSINESS
Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory
| ASKED FOR | GOT | SHARK |
| $460,000 for 10% | $460,000 for 50% | Daymond John and Barbara Corcoran |
Entrepreneur: Tod Wilson, from Somerset, New Jersey
Product Overview
Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory, founded by Tod Wilson, specializes in handcrafted pies made from natural ingredients. The company became known for its signature sweet potato pie, along with other flavors such as butternut coconut, chocolate pecan, and additional dessert varieties.
Wilson created the business with a focus on small-batch baking and high-quality ingredients, offering pies in both 10-inch family-size pies and smaller 4-inch personal pies. His goal was to build a recognizable dessert brand centered around gourmet sweet potato pies.
Before appearing on Shark Tank, Wilson took major personal financial risks to keep the business alive. He invested heavily into the company, reportedly maxing out credit cards, refinancing his home, and even living in his car for a period of time while trying to grow the bakery.
During Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 1, Wilson pitched the business to the Sharks and ultimately reached a deal with Barbara Corcoran and Daymond John, who agreed to invest $460,000 for a 50% stake in the company.
After the show aired, Wilson also explored opportunities to expand distribution through television retail channels such as QVC and online sales. The company began focusing more on direct-to-consumer ecommerce, allowing customers across the country to order pies online.
Wilson later reconsidered giving up such a large portion of his business, and the deal made on the show ultimately did not close after filming.
In 2009, Wilson received the Small Business Success Award from the Raritan Valley Community College Small Business Development Center, recognizing the growth and perseverance behind his company.
By 2014, Wilson announced plans to expand Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory with additional locations in New York City, aiming to grow the brand’s retail presence and reach more customers.
Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory – 2026 Update
After appearing on Shark Tank, Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory received national exposure that helped increase awareness of the brand and its signature sweet potato pies.
Although the deal with the Sharks did not ultimately close, the publicity from the show helped drive online sales and customer interest. Over time, the company continued selling pies through retail locations, catering services, and online ordering.
As of 2026, Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory appears to operate as a small specialty dessert brand, with its sweet potato pies remaining the company’s most recognizable product. While it did not grow into a major national bakery chain, the business continues to be remembered as one of the notable food startups from the first episode of Shark Tank.
The story of Tod Wilson’s persistence—sacrificing personal finances and even living in his car while building the company—remains one of the most memorable entrepreneurial journeys from the show’s premiere episode.
Where to Buy Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory
WiSpots
| ASKED FOR | GOT | SHARK |
| $1,200,000 for 10% | NO DEAL | NO SHARK |
Entrepreneur: Kevin Flannery, from Cary, North Carolina
Product Overview
WiSpots, founded by John Flannery, developed interactive media centers designed for hospitals and medical waiting rooms. These stations provide patients with access to the internet as well as educational resources related to healthcare and hospital services.
The system uses tablet-based kiosks placed in waiting areas, allowing patients to browse the web, complete hospital-related tasks, and access health information while waiting for appointments. The concept aimed to improve the patient experience by providing both entertainment and useful medical information during long wait times.
To keep the business operating while developing the technology, Flannery took significant financial risks. He reportedly maxed out multiple credit cards, refinanced his home twice, and used funds originally set aside for his children’s college education in order to continue building the company.
The goal of WiSpots was to create a network of connected kiosks that could be installed in hospitals across the country, helping medical facilities improve communication with patients while also generating advertising and service revenue.
WiSpots – 2026 Update
After appearing on Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 1, the company gained some attention for its attempt to combine digital kiosks with healthcare communication tools. However, the business faced strong challenges as technology quickly evolved.
As smartphones, mobile internet, and free Wi-Fi access became more widely available in hospitals and public spaces, the need for dedicated internet kiosks decreased significantly.
As of 2026, WiSpots does not appear to be widely active, and there is limited public evidence that the company expanded into a large nationwide network of hospital media stations. The concept has largely been replaced by mobile devices and hospital-provided wireless networks, which allow patients to access information directly on their own smartphones and tablets.
Status: No website available. Possible OUT OF BUSINESS
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Industry Breakdown – Shark Tank S01E01
Children’s Consumer Products: 1
Food & Bakery Businesses: 1
Moving / Service Startups: 1
Technology & Connectivity Platforms: 1
Experimental Medical Technology Concepts: 1
Compared to many other Shark Tank Season 1 episodes, Episode 1 leaned toward:
• Consumer products designed to solve everyday parenting challenges
• Food and beverage businesses seeking expansion capital
• Service-based startups built around student labor models
• Technology platforms focused on internet connectivity and digital services
• Experimental technology concepts that raised safety and regulatory questions
Did the Deals Close After Filming?
As with all Shark Tank deals, agreements made on television are subject to due diligence after filming.
As of 2026:
• Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory, a gourmet bakery specializing in sweet and savory pies, secured an investment from Barbara Corcoran during the episode. The company experienced increased exposure after appearing on Shark Tank but remained a relatively small regional brand.
• Ava the Elephant, a children’s talking medicine dispenser, secured a $50K deal with Barbara Corcoran, although the deal later fell through. The product went on to become one of the most successful businesses associated with Shark Tank’s first season.
• College Foxes Packing Boxes, a student-run moving service that used college students to help families relocate, did not receive an investment and did not grow into a major national moving company.
• WiSpots, a company that installed internet kiosks in hospital waiting rooms to provide patients with web access and health information, struggled as smartphones and free Wi-Fi became widely available.
• The Ionic Ear, a concept for a surgically implanted Bluetooth device designed for hands-free communication, raised serious safety and regulatory concerns and never became a commercial product.
The on-air deal for Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory ultimately did not close after filming, as Tod Wilson later decided he did not want to give up such a large ownership stake in the company.
Best Deal of Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 1 (S01E01)
Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory stands out as the strongest deal from this episode due to several factors:
• A well-established food product with proven customer demand
• Strong early sales and an existing bakery business
• Clear potential for expansion through retail and distribution
• A product category with broad consumer appeal
• Investment support from Barbara Corcoran
Food businesses often perform well on Shark Tank because they offer simple products with immediate consumer demand and strong brand storytelling.
🦈 Shark Strategy Patterns in This S01E01 Episode
Barbara Corcoran invested in Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory after seeing strong potential for growth in the specialty food market.
Kevin O’Leary focused heavily on valuation and scalability, questioning whether some of the startups had realistic growth potential.
Robert Herjavec evaluated the technology-focused pitches but raised concerns about competition and long-term sustainability.
Daymond John partnered with Barbara Corcoran to invest $460,000 for 50% of Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory.
Kevin Harrington showed interest in products that could potentially succeed through infomercials and direct-response marketing channels.
This episode demonstrated how the Sharks often favor products with clear consumer demand and straightforward distribution opportunities.
Why Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 1 Stands Out
This episode is notable because it served as the series premiere of Shark Tank, introducing viewers to the format of entrepreneurs pitching their businesses to a panel of wealthy investors.
The episode featured a wide range of business ideas, including:
- A children’s medicine dispenser designed to make giving medicine easier for parents
- A gourmet pie company seeking capital to expand its bakery business
- A student-based moving service designed to help families relocate
- A hospital kiosk network providing internet access and health information for patients in waiting rooms
- A controversial concept for a surgically implanted Bluetooth communication device
Season 1 episodes often showcased experimental startup ideas and early-stage entrepreneurs, reflecting the early development of the show and the diverse range of business concepts presented to the Sharks.
Companies From Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 1 – Where Are They Now?
Entrepreneurs appearing on Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 1 introduced a variety of consumer products and startup concepts ranging from food businesses to experimental technology ideas.
While two companies secured deals in the Shark Tank, several of the businesses struggled to scale after their television appearance.
Below is a quick 2026 update on the companies featured in this episode and what happened to them after Shark Tank.
Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory – Where Are They Now?
Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory, a gourmet bakery specializing in sweet potato pie and other dessert pies, secured an investment from Barbara Corcoran during the episode.
The company gained national exposure after appearing on Shark Tank and expanded its product distribution through retail stores and online orders.
As of 2026, Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory continues to be recognized as a small specialty bakery brand known for its signature sweet potato pies.
Ava the Elephant – Where Are They Now?
Ava the Elephant introduced a children’s medicine dispenser designed to make administering liquid medicine easier for parents.
Although the company secured a deal during the episode, the agreement ultimately did not close after filming. The product later gained popularity and was distributed through major retailers and online stores.
As of 2026, Ava the Elephant remains one of the more recognizable products from the first season of Shark Tank.
College Foxes Packing Boxes – Where Are They Now?
College Foxes Packing Boxes was a student-run moving and packing service that relied on college students to provide relocation assistance.
Despite presenting a scalable service concept, the company did not receive an investment during the episode.
As of 2026, the company did not expand into a major national moving service and appears to have remained a smaller regional business.
WiSpots – Where Are They Now?
WiSpots developed internet kiosks placed in hospitals and waiting rooms, providing patients with web access and educational health information.
Although the concept addressed a real need at the time, the rapid expansion of mobile data networks and free public Wi-Fi reduced the demand for dedicated internet kiosk systems in hospitals.
As of 2026, WiSpots is no longer widely active and appears to have been discontinued.
The Ionic Ear – Where Are They Now?
The Ionic Ear was one of the most controversial pitches from the early seasons of Shark Tank.
The concept proposed a surgically implanted Bluetooth device that would allow users to communicate wirelessly without holding a phone.
The Sharks quickly raised concerns about medical safety, regulatory approval, and market demand.
As of 2026, the product never launched commercially and remains one of the most memorable and unusual pitches inShark Tank history and remains one of the most unusual pitches ever seen on the show.
Final Thoughts on Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 1 (S01E01)
Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 1 highlights how investors evaluate both product feasibility and business scalability when deciding whether to invest.
While some concepts generated curiosity and entertainment value, the Sharks ultimately focused on businesses with clear customer demand, realistic growth potential, and straightforward distribution opportunities.
The episode also marked the beginning of Shark Tank’s long-running success as one of the most popular business reality shows on television.
Explore More Shark Tank Guides
• Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 2 Recap
• Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 3 Recap
• Shark Tank Season 1 – Full Episode Guide
• Best Deals of Shark Tank Season 1
Frequently Asked Questions About Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 1
When did Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 1 (S01E01) air?
Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 1 originally aired on August 9, 2009, on ABC. It was the premiere episode of the series and introduced viewers to the Sharks and the format of entrepreneurs pitching their business ideas to investors.
What companies appeared on Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 1?
S01E01?
Five entrepreneurs pitched their businesses in the first episode of Shark Tank:
Ava the Elephant – a children’s medicine dispenser designed to help parents give liquid medicine to kids more easily.
Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory – a gourmet pie company selling sweet and savory pies.
College Foxes Packing Boxes – a student-run moving and packing service.
Wispots – a hospital kiosk network providing internet access and health information to patients in waiting rooms.
The Ionic Ear – a wearable Bluetooth device implanted into the ear for hands-free communication.
Did any companies get a deal in Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 1?
Yes. Two companies secured deals during the episode: Ava the Elephant and Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory.
What is Ava the Elephant?
Ava the Elephant is a children’s medicine dispenser designed to make giving liquid medicine easier and less stressful. The device attaches to a standard syringe and plays music while delivering medicine to help distract children.
What is Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory?
Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory is a gourmet bakery company specializing in sweet and savory pies. The brand offers products such as pecan pie, sweet potato pie, and chicken pot pie.
What was the Ionic Ear?
The Ionic Ear was a concept for a surgically implanted Bluetooth device designed to allow users to communicate wirelessly without holding a phone. The idea raised concerns among the Sharks due to medical risks and regulatory challenges.
Is Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory still in business today?
Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory continued operating after its appearance on Shark Tank and gained exposure from the show. The company has sold pies through retail locations and online orders over the years.
Where can I watch Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 1?
Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 1 is available on streaming platforms that carry the show, including:
Hulu
Amazon Prime Video
Apple TV
ABC on demand (availability may vary by region)
Did the Deals Close After Filming?
Ava the Elephant did secure a deal with Barbara Corcoran for $50K for 55%, but the deal did not close after filming.
