Let’s cut through the usual Shark Tank hype. Yeah, Nubrella got a deal. The real question: did that deal actually matter, or did Alan Kaufman’s hands-free umbrella just land him in deeper water?
If you watched Shark Tank Season 1, you remember it: there’s Kaufman, strapping on a dome over his head and boldly betting he’s reinvented rain protection. The Sharks didn’t know if they should laugh, invest, or both. We’ve seen plenty collapse after that first primetime pitch. So what happened to Nubrella once the camera buzz wore off?
Read on, because if you’re hustling a new product or sharpening your next pitch, these lessons are worth way more than just a passing headline.
The Nubrella Pitch: Breaking the Mold on Shark Tank
Alan Kaufman brought the kind of energy you want—confident, direct, and unlike anyone else on that stage. Nobody had seen a hands-free umbrella like this before. You strap it on like a backpack, and suddenly you’re protected from rain, wind, maybe even side-eye.
He walked in asking for $200,000 in exchange for 25% of Nubrella. Even before the show, he had sold over 3,000 units and had orders from nearly 50 countries. That’s hustle most pre-Shark Tank founders only dream of.
But here’s what made this segment pop: Nubrella wasn’t just weird or different—it solved a real pain for anyone who needs two hands outdoors but doesn’t want to get soaked or frozen. Delivery drivers, photographers, dog walkers, wheelchair users—Kaufman was thinking bigger than the average rainy-day shopper. Sharks took notice.
Who’s Behind Nubrella? Meet Alan Kaufman
Quick reality check: innovators like Alan Kaufman usually come from left field. He’s no stranger to risk, and you could tell—he didn’t flinch when the Sharks poked holes. Kaufman looked past the laughs and saw an opening other umbrella makers ignored.
He wasn’t some VC darling in a hoodie. Kaufman built Nubrella after spotting a gap nobody else addressed. He wanted hands-free protection, and unlike most wannabe inventors, he put in the grind: prototypes, launching online, landing international orders before the bright lights and pressure.
I’ve seen too many founders walk into a room hoping hype alone pays the bills. Kaufman, on the other hand, showed up with traction. Love or hate the product, you have to respect that.
Putting a Number on It: Nubrella’s Net Worth Today
Let’s get straight to the money. Is Nubrella actually worth anything—or is the story just good TV?
Here’s where real numbers talk. Nubrella pulls in about $1.2 million in annual revenue as of 2024. That’s not headline-grabbing like Scrub Daddy, but this isn’t a graveyard of flopped Shark Tank ideas, either.
After factoring healthy margins and reasonable overhead (this isn’t a warehouse-heavy operation), estimates peg Nubrella’s current net worth around $2.5 to $3 million. Solid for a niche product, especially when most hands-free inventions are gathering dust in someone’s basement.
Would it be bigger if it caught viral fire or landed a nationwide retail chain? Sure. But steady seven-figure revenue means Kaufman built a real, sustainable business—not just a marketing stunt.
Shark Tank Deal: Who Bit and What Changed?
This is always where the real drama sneaks in. Kaufman scored interest from Daymond John and Kevin Harrington—two Sharks who know product and distribution. Here’s how the negotiation shook out:
Kaufman wanted $200k for 25%. Daymond and Kevin countered with $200k, but for 51%. That gave them majority control—classic Shark move to steer the ship. Kaufman said yes on-air, handing over control but locking in the Shark muscle.
Did that deal actually close? Here’s something most viewers miss: on-screen deals fall apart off-screen all the time. But this one? According to the receipts, John actually rolled up his sleeves post-show. He used his retail muscle and cracked open real doors, not just promises.
What Happened After the Show?
If there’s one thing Shark Tank gets right, it’s creating launchpad moments when Sharks honor their agreements. Daymond John lobbied for Nubrella and scored a meeting with Sharper Image—a huge play for a quirky product needing retail clout. Nubrella got shelf space in their stores, which led to a nationwide boost most inventors can only dream about.
But here’s a twist you don’t see every day: Shark Tank filmed an update with Daymond and Kaufman, but the segment was pulled before airing. That’s rare—and fueled plenty of speculation. Sometimes updates get pulled for boring reasons (editing, timing), but when money’s really flowing, you know the network loves to brag. Take from that what you will.
Even without the TV boost, Nubrella kept making sales and showing up in headlines.
Is Nubrella Still Growing or Just Surviving?
Every seasonal Shark Tank success gets tested. Can you outlast the trend? With Nubrella, the answer is actually pretty clear. Annual revenue in 2024 sits at around $1.2 million. That’s not scale-the-earth big—but it’s respectable for a specialized product you don’t buy on a whim.
Healthier margins and a steady business mean Nubrella isn’t just clinging to its initial spike. With mentions still popping up on social media, and online orders steady, Kaufman has kept this from being a one and done Shark Tank footnote.
Would I call it breakout massive? No. Did Kaufman steer it out of gimmick territory? Absolutely. Compared to all the doomed umbrella revolutions we’ve seen, that’s a real win.
The Nubrella Product: Game Changer or Gimmick?
Let’s not sugarcoat it—the Nubrella looks…unusual. You wear it, not carry it, and people stare. But the best businesses solve real problems for real people, even if they look a little wild.
For city cyclists, dog walkers, wheelchair users, and those who work outdoors year-round, a hands-free, wind-resistant shield isn’t a joke. Standard umbrellas flip inside out or require two hands (and nerves of steel). Nubrella meets a need few noticed before.
Does the mainstream care? Not really. Is there a diehard niche? Yes, and Kaufman doubled down on them. That’s what separates a meme from a million-dollar business.
Will I swap my classic umbrella? Probably not. Should pros in lousy weather consider it? Definitely.
Lessons from the Nubrella Hustle
If you’re sharpening your own pitch, Nubrella offers some clear guides:
Bring real traction to funding talks. Not fake data—actual orders, and a market with global reach.
Don’t blink at bold Shark asks—just be ready to give up control if they see major upside.
Retail is a beast. Shark help can give you a shot, but you need a product that works on shelves, not just on paper.
Carve your niche. Nubrella never beat classic umbrellas for mass shoppers, but it became the go-to for people who need hands-free weather protection.
Survive the gimmick label. The line between a game-changer and a novelty is thin. Kaufman crossed it—and kept his business relevant.
I’ve watched too many founders lose focus chasing the big viral wave. Kaufman played a longer, steadier game. That’s the move most overnight headlines miss.
Conclusion: Nubrella’s Place in the Shark Tank Saga
So, was Nubrella a smart Shark Tank bet? Purely by the numbers and the survival curve, yes. It might not be sitting next to Scrub Daddy or Bombas in the billion-dollar club, but it’s outlasted most next big thing inventions.
Alan Kaufman proved you can build a business by solving a legit, overlooked problem—if you’re ready to take some heat and give up more equity than most founders want to stomach.
If you want to make your product the next SharkWorth headline, remember: it’s about traction, actual customers, and never getting caught up in your own hype—just like Nubrella.
FAQs
1. Is Nubrella still in business after Shark Tank?
Yes—Nubrella is still selling today, both online and through select retail channels.
2. What is Nubrella’s current annual revenue and net worth?
Annual revenue is about $1.2 million, with a current net worth estimated between $2.5 and $3 million.
3. Did the Shark Tank deal with Daymond John and Kevin Harrington close?
Yes. Daymond John and Kevin Harrington made the deal and at least Daymond helped broker retail expansion post-show.
4. Where can customers buy Nubrella today?
You can buy the Nubrella at nubrella.com and sometimes through specialty retailers and online marketplaces.
5. Why was the Shark Tank update segment pulled from broadcast?
The update was filmed but never aired. No public reason was announced, fueling some mystery. Sometimes it’s production, sometimes business reasons.
6. How does Nubrella compare to regular umbrellas for daily use?
For everyday city use, regular umbrellas are more common. For hands-free or high-wind users, Nubrella wins.
7. Has the Nubrella design changed since Shark Tank aired?
There have been minor tweaks for comfort and durability. The main dome approach hasn’t changed.
8. What advice does Alan Kaufman offer to new entrepreneurs?
Don’t listen to the doubters. If your product solves a real problem, get traction and stay persistent.
9. Is Nubrella popular on social media or just a niche product?
It’s got a loyal following in its niche communities. New mentions and shares still pop up on social platforms—enough to keep the brand buzzing, but not mainstream viral.
If you want to read more Shark Tank backstories, check out SharkWorth for cold, hard business facts and founder lessons—no fluff, just what actually moves money.
