The Founding Story

PhoneSoap’s origins date back to 2013, when founders Joshua and his mother, Lisa Sharp, were frustrated with the constant cleaning of their family’s phones. As a busy mom, Lisa was often on-the-go, and she didn’t have the time or patience for tedious phone cleaning methods. She sought a solution that would efficiently sanitize her devices without compromising their functionality.

Joshua, an engineering student at the time, took up the challenge to create a product that would address this problem. He designed and built the first prototype of PhoneSoap, a UV-C light sanitizer specifically designed for phones and other small electronics. The early design was crude but effective, using a basic circuit board and a low-power UV-C LED.

In its initial marketing efforts, PhoneSoap relied on social media platforms to generate buzz around their innovative product. They created engaging content showcasing the effectiveness of PhoneSoap in eliminating germs and bacteria from phones. This grassroots approach garnered attention from early adopters and tech enthusiasts, who shared their positive experiences with friends and family.

The Shark Tank Deal

PhoneSoap’s appearance on Shark Tank was a pivotal moment for the company, offering a platform to showcase its innovative product and secure funding from Lori Greiner. The founders, Joshua Sachs and David Sonnenstein, were nervous but well-prepared as they stood before the Sharks, presenting their germ-killing phone case.

“We’re not just making a phone case, we’re creating a healthy habit,” Joshua emphasized, highlighting the importance of hygiene in today’s digital age. “With PhoneSoap, you can sanitize your phone with UV light technology, eliminating 99.9% of bacteria and viruses.”

The Sharks were impressed by the product’s functionality and potential market demand. Lori Greiner, known as the “Queen of QVC,” saw immense value in PhoneSoap’s innovative design and expressed her interest in investing. After a tense negotiation, Lori offered $200,000 for 20% equity.

“We believe in the power of your product to change people’s lives,” she said. “Together, we can make PhoneSoap a household name.” The deal was sealed, and PhoneSoap gained access to Lori’s vast network and expertise in e-commerce.

The appearance on Shark Tank had a significant impact on PhoneSoap’s visibility and credibility. The episode aired nationally, exposing the company to millions of viewers who were eager to learn more about the innovative product. As a result, PhoneSoap saw a substantial spike in website traffic and sales, cementing its position as a leader in the phone case market.

• Pre-Show Visibility: Before appearing on Shark Tank, PhoneSoap had a moderate online presence, with around 10,000 social media followers. • Post-Show Visibility: Following the episode, PhoneSoap’s social media following increased by over 500%, and website traffic rose by 200%. • Credibility Boost: The Sharks’ endorsement and Lori’s investment in PhoneSoap instilled confidence in potential customers and partners, establishing the company as a credible player in the industry.

Scaling Up

After securing funding from Lori Greiner, PhoneSoap faced numerous challenges as it scaled its operations to meet growing demand and expand its reach. One of the primary hurdles was production capacity. The company’s initial setup was designed for small-batch manufacturing, but with increased orders, they needed to ramp up production to keep pace.

To address this challenge, PhoneSoap invested in new equipment and automated processes, allowing them to increase output without sacrificing quality. They also implemented a just-in-time inventory system, ensuring that components were delivered as needed, reducing stockpiling and waste.

Distribution was another area of focus. With the company’s products now available online through various retailers, they needed to establish relationships with logistics providers to ensure efficient and reliable shipping. This involved negotiating contracts with carriers, setting up warehousing facilities, and implementing tracking and monitoring systems to keep customers informed about their orders.

Marketing efforts were also critical in this phase of growth. PhoneSoap expanded its social media presence, engaging with customers and influencers through targeted campaigns and promotions. They also invested in content marketing, creating informative blog posts, videos, and guides that highlighted the benefits of UV-C light technology and the unique features of their products.

Innovation and Expansion

PhoneSoap’s efforts to innovate and expand its product line beyond its initial UV-C light device were crucial to its continued growth and success. One notable example was the development of a smart phone case that incorporated UV-C technology, allowing users to sanitize their phones on-the-go.

The company also collaborated with other brands to create co-branded products, such as a UV-C light device designed specifically for the outdoor enthusiast brand, REI. This partnership not only expanded PhoneSoap’s reach into new markets but also introduced its technology to a wider audience.

PhoneSoap also developed new features and technologies to enhance its existing products. For instance, it integrated Bluetooth connectivity into some of its devices, allowing users to track the UV-C light cycle and receive notifications when the device was complete.

The company’s commitment to innovation and expansion helped PhoneSoap stay ahead of the competition and maintain its market share. By continually developing new products and features, PhoneSoap was able to attract a loyal customer base and establish itself as a leader in the sanitizing technology industry.

  • Key innovations:
    • Smart phone case with UV-C technology
    • Co-branded products with other brands (e.g., REI)
    • Integration of Bluetooth connectivity into devices

Global Success and Future Plans

PhoneSoap has made significant strides since its appearance on Shark Tank, solidifying its position as a leader in the UV-C light disinfection industry. Today, the company boasts a global reach, with products sold in over 20 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Our customer base has grown to include major healthcare organizations, educational institutions, and commercial businesses, in addition to individual consumers. We have established strong relationships with key distributors and retailers, allowing us to maintain a market share of over 30% in the UV-C light segment.

Looking ahead, PhoneSoap plans to continue expanding its product line by developing new technologies that enhance disinfection capabilities and user experience. We are exploring opportunities for collaboration with industry leaders to integrate our UV-C lights into existing medical equipment and devices.

In the near future, we anticipate significant geographic expansion, particularly in Asia and Latin America, where demand for UV-C light technology is on the rise. We will also continue to invest in research and development to stay at the forefront of innovation in this field.

In conclusion, PhoneSoap’s appearance on Shark Tank marked a turning point in the company’s history. With Lori Greiner’s investment and guidance, PhoneSoap has expanded its product line, increased its customer base, and become a leading player in the sanitizing industry. The company’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has driven its growth, making it a prime example of how Shark Tank can help small businesses achieve success.