Shark Tank season 1 episode 8 (often referred to as S01E08) originally aired on October 6, 2009, and features a new group of entrepreneurs entering the Tank to pitch their businesses to the Sharks.
In this episode, founders present a variety of innovative consumer products and startup ideas while attempting to convince the Sharks that their businesses have the potential for long-term success.
As negotiations unfold, the entrepreneurs must answer challenging questions about production costs, profit margins, competition, and scalability. The Sharks carefully analyze each pitch before deciding whether the opportunity is worth investing in.
If you’re looking for a complete recap of Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 8, 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.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support the site at no additional cost to you.
Sharks in Shark Tank Season 1
The main Sharks appearing during Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 8 included:
Season 1 Episode 8 in depth
In this first season as sharks in every episode appear Kevin Harrington, Daymond John, Kevin O’Leary, Barbara Corcoran, and Robert Herjavec
In this season 1 episode 8, there is no guest judge.
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.
You may also like
Shark Tank Season 8
Stop the madness!
Kevin O’Leary
We listed below every entrepreneur and business who has appeared on Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 8. 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 8?
Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 8 featured four entrepreneurs pitching a mix of consumer products, fashion accessories, children’s organizers, and online education platforms to the Sharks.
The businesses ranged from a digital marketplace where college students could sell study guides and notes to novelty socks sold in packs of three. Other pitches included a children’s stuffed animal organizer designed to help kids clean up their toys and a designer belt company known for its unique hardware buckles.
Throughout the episode, the Sharks questioned the entrepreneurs about retail distribution, scalability, production costs, and long-term growth potential. While several founders demonstrated early traction in retail stores or online platforms, only one business ultimately secured an investment.
Unlike some later episodes where multiple deals are made, negotiations in Episode 8 resulted in a single investment, as the Sharks carefully evaluated risk, valuation, and market demand.
Businesses Featured on Shark Tank S01E08
Here is the complete list of companies that appeared on Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 8.
List with all the appearances in Season 1 Episode 8 (S01E08):
- NoteHall – An online platform where college students can upload and sell study guides, class notes, and exam preparation materials to other students.
- Throx – A novelty sock company that sells socks in packs of three instead of pairs, solving the common problem of losing a sock.
- Treasure Chest Pets – Plush stuffed animals designed to function as toy organizers, allowing children to store toys and belongings inside the animal.
- Washed Up Hollywood – A fashion accessories brand known for its designer belts featuring distinctive metal hardware buckles.
Shark Tank S01E08 Highlights
• Online education platform NoteHall secures an investment deal from the Sharks
• Novelty sock company Throx introduces the idea of selling socks in packs of three
• Children’s organizer Treasure Chest Pets aims to make cleaning toys fun for kids
• Designer belt brand Washed Up Hollywood highlights early retail success in hundreds of stores
• Only one of the four businesses appearing in the episode successfully secures a deal
Shark Tank S01E08 Episode Products Summary Table
The table below summarizes the key details from Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 8, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NoteHall | Online education platform | $90K for 10% | $90K for 25% | Barbara Corcoran | Acquired by Chegg |
| Throx | Novelty apparel (3 socks per pack) | $50K for 25% | No Deal | — | Limited visibility |
| Treasure Chest Pets | Children’s toy organizer | $150K for 20% | No Deal | — | Limited visibility |
| Washed Up Hollywood | Fashion accessories / belts | $500K for 25% | No Deal | — | Limited visibility |
Only one entrepreneur appearing on Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 8 secured a deal, while the remaining founders left the Tank without investment.
Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 8 Snapshot
Season: 1
Episode: 8
Air Date: October 6, 2009
Sharks: Kevin Harrington, Kevin O’Leary, Barbara Corcoran, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John
Total Pitches: 4
Deals Made: 1
No-Deal Count: 3
Largest Investment: $90K (NoteHall)
Shark Tank S01E08 Investment Totals & Financial Breakdown
Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 8 featured approximately $790,000 in capital requests, with $90,000 invested by the Sharks on air.
Financial Aggregation
Total Capital Requested: $790K
Total Capital Invested: $90K
Total Capital Committed: $90K
Highest Equity Given: 25% (NoteHall)
Highest Valuation Asked: $2M valuation (Washed Up Hollywood – $500K for 25%)
Lowest Valuation Asked: $200K valuation (Throx – $50K for 25%)
Average Equity Asked: ~20%
Average Equity Given (Deals Closed): 25%
Valuation Compression Analysis
Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 8 illustrates the negotiation dynamics of the early seasons, where investors often required entrepreneurs to increase the equity offered in order to secure investment.
• NoteHall, the student note-sharing platform, secured a deal with Barbara Corcoran after negotiating a higher equity stake than originally offered.
• Throx, the novelty sock company selling socks in packs of three, struggled to convince the Sharks that the concept could scale into a large apparel brand.
• Treasure Chest Pets, a children’s stuffed animal organizer product, attracted interest but faced questions about manufacturing costs and retail scalability.
• Washed Up Hollywood, despite early traction selling belts in hundreds of retail stores, faced concerns about brand differentiation and inventory management.
Ultimately, only NoteHall secured investment, highlighting the Sharks’ preference for scalable digital platforms.
Key Observations
- Online platforms attract investor interest – NoteHall demonstrated strong potential as a digital marketplace for students.
- Novelty consumer products can generate buzz but struggle with scalability – Throx presented a memorable concept but raised concerns about long-term demand.
- Children’s organization products target niche markets – Treasure Chest Pets attempted to combine toys and storage solutions.
- Fashion accessories rely heavily on branding and distribution – Washed Up Hollywood highlighted the challenges of scaling designer accessories.
Shark Tank Air Date: 10/06/09 – Season 1 – Episode 8
NoteHall
| ASKED FOR | GOT | SHARK |
| $90,000 for 10% | $90,000 for 25% | Barbara Corcoran |
Entrepreneurs: D.J. Stephan and Sean Conway
Product Overview
Notehall is an online platform where college students can buy and sell study materials, including class notes, study guides, and outlines.
After appearing on Shark Tank in October 2009, the company gained national exposure that helped accelerate its growth. The platform later attracted the attention of Chegg, a major textbook-rental and education services company, which eventually acquired Notehall and integrated the service into its platform.
The concept behind Notehall is simple:
students can upload helpful academic materials—such as lecture notes, summaries, and study guides—and make them available for sale to other students on the website.
Students who want access to these documents purchase credits through the platform, which can then be used to download study materials uploaded by other users.
Notehall keeps 50% of each sale, while the remaining revenue goes to the student who uploaded the notes.
After appearing on Shark Tank Season 1, Notehall became one of the more notable education startups featured during the early seasons of the show.
Although the founders did not secure a deal in the Tank, the company gained significant attention following its television appearance. The platform continued growing as a marketplace where college students could upload and sell study materials such as class notes, study guides, and lecture summaries.
In 2011, Notehall was acquired by Chegg, a major online education platform known for textbook rentals and academic services. After the acquisition, Chegg integrated Notehall’s note-sharing marketplace into its ecosystem, helping expand its suite of student learning tools.
As Chegg expanded its digital education services—including tutoring, homework help, and study resources—the original Notehall brand was gradually absorbed into the broader Chegg platform.
NoteHall – 2026 Update
- Notehall no longer operates as a standalone website.
- Its core concept of sharing and accessing student study materials lives on through Chegg’s online learning services.
- The acquisition is often cited as an example of how exposure from Shark Tank helped early-stage startups gain visibility and attract larger education technology companies.
Status: Acquired and integrated into Chegg’s education platform.
Where to Buy NoteHall
Status: ACQUIRED
Throx
| ASKED FOR | GOT | SHARK |
| $50,000 for 25% | NO DEAL | NO SHARK |
Entrepreneurs: Edwin Heaven
Product Overview
Throx is a sock company that became known for its unusual idea: selling socks in packs of three instead of the traditional pair. The concept was designed to solve a common problem—losing one sock—by giving customers an extra spare sock.
The company was founded by Edwin Heaven, who originally worked as a screenwriter and filmmaker before launching the business. Heaven wrote, directed, and produced several short films that were shown at international film festivals prior to becoming an entrepreneur.
The idea behind Throx was simple but memorable: if one sock from a pair gets lost in the laundry, customers still have a matching replacement.
Throx – 2026 Update
- Throx no longer appears to operate as a large active retail brand.
- The company’s original website and online storefront have limited or no active commercial activity.
- The product is mostly remembered for its novelty concept and memorable Shark Tank pitch, rather than for becoming a major apparel brand.
Although the company did not scale into a major sock manufacturer, Throx remains one of the more unusual and entertaining product ideas featured in the early seasons of Shark Tank, illustrating how simple ideas can gain national attention through the show.
Where to Buy Throx
Washed Up Hollywood
| ASKED FOR | GOT | SHARK |
| $500,000 for 25% | NO DEAL | NO SHARK |
Entrepreneurs: Danon Beres
Product Overview
Washed Up Hollywood is a fashion accessories company known for its unique belt designs featuring custom metal hardware buckles. The brand was founded by Danon Beres, who entered the fashion industry following the path of his father, Al Beres, an established designer in the luxury belt market.
Danon Beres launched Washed Up Hollywood with the goal of creating stylish belts with distinctive hardware buckles, targeting fashion-conscious consumers looking for statement accessories.
Before appearing on Shark Tank, the company had already demonstrated promising traction in the retail market. In the year leading up to the show:
- The company sold approximately 10,000 belts
- Products were carried in around 300 retail stores
- The belts were stocked by major retailers including Nordstrom
During the pitch, Beres explained that he wanted investment from the Sharks to help expand production, increase distribution, and grow the brand to the next level in the fashion accessories market.
Washed Up Hollywood – 2026 Update
After its appearance on Shark Tank, Washed Up Hollywood gained exposure but did not grow into a widely recognized fashion brand. The company had early retail traction thanks to its unique buckle designs and existing department store relationships.
As of 2026:
- The brand does not appear to have a major active presence in the fashion accessories market
- Its original retail distribution has largely disappeared
- The company is remembered mainly for its appearance on Shark Tank and its distinctive belt hardware designs
Status: OUT OF BUSINESS
Treasure Chest Pets
| ASKED FOR | GOT | SHARK |
| $150,000 for 20% | NO DEAL | NO SHARK |
Entrepreneurs: Lisa Lloyd
Product Overview
Treasure Chest Pets is a children’s organization product designed to look like cute stuffed animals that double as storage containers. The idea was created by Lisa Lloyd, who wanted to make cleaning up toys fun and engaging for kids.
Each Treasure Chest Pet functions as both a plush toy and a storage organizer, allowing children to store items such as toys, clothes, books, or blankets inside the animal-shaped container. The product was designed to encourage kids to keep their rooms organized while still enjoying a playful toy.
Before appearing on Shark Tank, the company had already achieved early retail traction:
- Products were sold in about 200 smaller retail stores
- The company generated approximately $100,000 in sales in the previous year
- Interest from larger retail chains created a need for additional manufacturing and distribution capacity
During the pitch, Lisa Lloyd explained that she needed investment from the Sharks to finance larger production runs and fulfill potential orders from major retailers, which required significantly more capital than her current operation could support.
Treasure Chest Pets – 2026 Update
After appearing on Shark Tank, Treasure Chest Pets received exposure but did not become a major brand in the toy or children’s storage market.
As of 2026:
- The product no longer appears widely available through major retail channels
- The original company has limited public visibility
- The brand is mostly remembered as a creative children’s organizer concept featured on Shark Tank
Status (2026): Appears inactive / limited market presence.
Status: OUT OF BUSINESS
More from Shark Tank
Recommended
Watch full episodes of shark tank online with Amazon Video
Industry Breakdown – Shark Tank S01E08
Online Education Platforms: 1
Novelty Apparel Products: 1
Children’s Toy & Organization Products: 1
Fashion Accessories & Belt Design: 1
Compared to many other Shark Tank Season 1 episodes, Episode 8 leaned toward:
- Online platforms designed to monetize educational content created by students
- Novelty apparel products solving everyday problems with humorous concepts
- Children’s products designed to make organization fun and interactive
- Fashion accessory brands focused on distinctive design and retail distribution
- Founder-driven startups attempting to scale niche consumer products
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:
• NoteHall, a website that allowed college students to buy and sell study guides and class notes, gained significant traction after appearing on the show. The company was eventually acquired by Chegg, which integrated the platform into its online education ecosystem.
• Throx, the sock company famous for selling three socks instead of a pair, gained media attention after the show but did not develop into a large apparel brand and has limited visibility today.
• Treasure Chest Pets, children’s organizers designed to look like stuffed animals that store toys and other items, received early retail interest but did not become a widely recognized toy brand.
• Washed Up Hollywood, a belt and fashion accessory company known for its unique hardware buckles, had early success in hundreds of retail stores but does not appear to have maintained a strong market presence.
There is no widely reported public evidence suggesting that any on-air investment deals from this episode failed to close after filming.
Best Deal of Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 8 (S01E08)
NoteHall stands out as the most successful business from this episode for several reasons:
• A scalable digital platform allowing students to monetize academic content
• Strong demand from college students seeking study guides and exam preparation materials
• A marketplace model with built-in network effects
• Clear monetization through credit purchases and commission on note sales
• A successful exit through acquisition by Chegg
🦈 Shark Strategy Patterns in This S01E08 Episode
Robert Herjavec showed interest in technology-driven businesses but remained cautious about early-stage startups.
Barbara Corcoran evaluated consumer products but looked for stronger retail growth potential.
Kevin O’Leary focused heavily on scalable digital platforms and monetization models.
Daymond John focused on branding and apparel potential when evaluating fashion-related products.
Kevin Harrington evaluated retail distribution opportunities, particularly for consumer products sold in stores.
This episode demonstrates how the Sharks often favored business models with scalable digital platforms or strong retail distribution potential.
Why Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 8 Stands Out
This episode is notable because it featured:
• A college note-sharing marketplace that later became part of a major education platform
• A novelty sock company that solved the common problem of losing one sock
• A children’s toy organizer designed to make cleaning up fun
• A fashion accessories brand with unique designer belt buckles
Season 1 episodes frequently showcased creative consumer products and early internet startups, reflecting the wide range of entrepreneurs experimenting with new business ideas.
Companies From Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 8 – Where Are They Now?
Entrepreneurs appearing on Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 8 introduced several creative product concepts and early digital platforms.
While some companies struggled to scale after their television appearance, others used the exposure to grow or exit successfully.
Below is a quick 2026 update on the companies featured in this episode.
NoteHall – Where Are They Now?
NoteHall was an online platform that allowed college students to upload and sell study materials such as class notes, outlines, and study guides.
Students purchased credits to download documents while the company kept a 50% commission from each sale.
After appearing on Shark Tank, the platform gained significant visibility and traction among students.
As of 2026, NoteHall is best known for being acquired by Chegg, which integrated its study material marketplace into the Chegg Homework Help ecosystem.
Throx – Where Are They Now?
Throx introduced a unique twist on traditional socks by selling them in packs of three instead of pairs, solving the problem of losing a sock in the laundry.
The novelty concept attracted attention during the pitch and generated media buzz after the show aired.
As of 2026, the brand no longer appears to operate at large scale and has limited public visibility.
Treasure Chest Pets – Where Are They Now?
Treasure Chest Pets were plush stuffed animals that functioned as toy organizers, allowing children to store toys and personal items inside the animal.
The product was designed to encourage kids to clean up their rooms while keeping the experience playful.
Despite early retail interest, the product did not expand into a major toy brand.
As of 2026, the company appears to have limited market presence.
Washed Up Hollywood – Where Are They Now?
Washed Up Hollywood was a fashion accessories brand specializing in designer belts with unique hardware buckles.
The company had early success selling 10,000 belts in over 300 retail stores, including Nordstrom.
However, despite the early traction, the brand did not develop into a major fashion label.
As of 2026, the company has limited visibility in the fashion accessories market.
Final Thoughts on Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 8 (S01E08)
Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 8 highlights how both consumer products and early digital platforms competed for investment during the show’s early seasons.
While several of the physical products struggled to scale, the episode also demonstrates how exposure from Shark Tank could help technology startups gain traction or attract acquisition opportunities.
The success of NoteHall’s eventual acquisition shows how digital platforms with strong network effects can evolve beyond their initial concept.
Explore More Shark Tank Guides
• Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 7 Recap
• Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 9 Recap
• Shark Tank Season 1 – Full Episode Guide
• Best Deals of Shark Tank Season 1
Frequently Asked Questions About Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 8
When did Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 8 (S01E08) air?
**Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 8 originally aired on October 6, 2009, on ABC.
What companies appeared on Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 8 S01E08?
Four companies appeared in the episode:
• NoteHall – A website where college students can upload and sell study guides, class notes, and exam materials to other students.
• Throx – A novelty sock company selling socks in packs of three instead of pairs to solve the problem of losing a sock.
• Treasure Chest Pets – Plush stuffed animals that double as toy organizers for children.
• Washed Up Hollywood – A fashion accessories brand known for its designer belts with unique hardware buckles.
Who got a deal in Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 8?
NoteHall secured an investment deal during the episode, while the other entrepreneurs left the Tank without an agreement.
How much total money was invested in Shark Tank S01E08?
Approximately $90,000 was invested during the episode, which went to NoteHall.
Which company received the largest investment?
NoteHall received the largest investment of the episode, securing $90,000 from the Sharks.
Did all deals close after filming?
As with most Shark Tank deals, agreements made on television are subject to due diligence after filming.
The investment deal for NoteHall moved forward and helped the company gain additional visibility in the education technology space.
What industries were represented in S01E08?
The episode featured businesses across several industries:
• Online education platforms
• Novelty apparel products
• Children’s toy and organization products
• Fashion accessories and designer belts
What happened to NoteHall after Shark Tank?
NoteHall grew significantly after appearing on Shark Tank and was eventually acquired by Chegg, a major online education company. The platform was integrated into Chegg’s homework help and study resources ecosystem.
Is Throx still in business in 2026?
Throx, the sock company known for selling socks in packs of three, gained attention after its Shark Tank appearance but does not appear to operate as a major brand today.
What happened to Treasure Chest Pets after Shark Tank?
Treasure Chest Pets, the stuffed animal toy organizers for children, received early retail interest but did not expand into a major toy brand and has limited visibility today.
Is Washed Up Hollywood still operating in 2026?
Washed Up Hollywood had early success selling belts in hundreds of retail stores including Nordstrom, but the brand does not appear to maintain a strong presence in the fashion accessories market today.
Why did some entrepreneurs not get a deal in this episode?
The Sharks raised concerns about scalability, manufacturing costs, retail competition, and long-term growth potential, which prevented several entrepreneurs from securing investment.
How many pitches were featured in Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 8?
Season 1 Episode 8 featured four entrepreneur pitches competing for investment from the Sharks.
What made Shark Tank Season 1 Episode 8 unique?
This episode stands out because it featured a mix of consumer products and an early digital platform, including NoteHall, which later became part of a major education technology company through its acquisition by Chegg.
