Everyone’s seen that Shark Tank episode—you know, the dramatic pitch, the will they bite? tension, the big moment when a Shark finally jumps in. But here’s the real story: it’s what happens after the lights fade that actually matters. Take TekDry—the save your soaked phone crew. They got their 15 minutes of Shark Tank fame. But did it land money in the bank, or was it just another flash in the pan? Let’s break down TekDry’s journey, straight and sharp, the way we’d want someone to cut through the hype for us.
TekDry and the Wet Phone Problem
Let’s kill a myth here—rice isn’t saving your drenched iPhone. We’ve all dropped a device in water, freaked out, and reached for the kitchen pantry. That’s exactly the pain point TekDry tackled.
Phones and gadgets are our lifelines. When they take a dunk, we risk losing photos, work, everything. Liquid damage costs Americans billions every year. Enter TekDry: a machine that pulls water out of electronics fast, safe, and—most importantly—without erasing your data.
I’ve seen founders chase problems that don’t exist. This one? The demand is painfully real.
Who Built TekDry: Adam Cookson & Craig Beinecke
Let’s meet the founders—Adam Cookson and Craig Beinecke. These aren’t celebrities or silicon valley kings. They’re problem solvers who spotted something no one else fixed properly.
Cookson brought the engineering chops. Beinecke had the practical hustle. Together, they realized most wet phone rescues were either scams or wrecked your phone’s insides. Friends and colleagues kept asking, Can you fix this?—and the answer usually ended in disappointment or a brick for a phone.
That’s how real businesses get built. Not by dreaming, but by relentlessly chasing a solution.
What Makes the TekDry Machine Different?
Here’s the tech, minus the jargon. TekDry uses a vacuum chamber and low heat. The science: water vaporizes at low pressure, and pellets inside the chamber absorb the moisture. No disassembly. No putting your data at risk. No waiting three days for rice to maybe do something.
Their big boast? Most phones walk out dry in 30 minutes. No complicating customer’s lives, just results. I’ve watched startups bolt on features for the sake of innovation. TekDry keeps it simple. That’s smart engineering—and smarter business.
TekDry on Shark Tank: The Pitch That Turned Heads
Picture this: Season 8, TekDry takes the stage. Adam and Craig don’t show up nervous—they walk in and own their numbers. They ask for $500,000 for 5% equity. If you’ve seen enough Shark Tank deals, you know that sets a $10 million valuation. Bold? Yeah. Delusional? Only if they couldn’t back it up.
They demo the machine, quote industry stats, and even guarantee success for their mail-in service. That’s the kind of confidence (and salesmanship) you can’t fake.
What I liked: They didn’t try to make the problem bigger than it is. They just showed numbers, tech, and how much this headache actually costs people.
The Deal and the Valuation: Kevin O’Leary Steps In
Now for the moment everyone wants to know. Did the Sharks bite? Most circled, curious but cautious. But Mr. Wonderful, Kevin O’Leary, saw an angle.
Did O’Leary give them the $500K for 5% equity? Not exactly. He cut a classic Kevin move: $500,000 as a loan at 13% interest, plus 5% equity. To be honest, it’s not a founder’s dream deal—paying interest isn’t easy for hardware companies scaling up. But sometimes in the real world, you take the best deal on the table.
TekDry’s ask set their value at $10 million. I’ve seen founders go for less and get more. But they knew water-logged phones aren’t going anywhere, and they played it straight. Sometimes confidence is the closest thing to closing.
Where TekDry Stands Now
So, did that Shark Tank deal bring TekDry easy money? Far from it. Getting a deal on TV is just the starting line. TekDry used that exposure—plus O’Leary’s buzz—to land retail partnerships.
Their machines started popping up in major retailers and repair shops. They kept their model tight: quick service, no harsh chemicals, and your device comes back with all your stuff still on it.
I’ve watched plenty of companies get lazy and coast on Shark Tank fumes. TekDry? They doubled down on retail and launched a mail-in rescue service with a money-back guarantee. That’s the work, not just the sparkle.
Net Worth and Business Health: Hype or Real?
Let’s cut to the actual numbers—because founders love to flex, but cash in the bank is what counts.
The Shark Tank pitch pegged their value at $10 million. Was that just TV smoke? Hard to say—TekDry’s true net worth isn’t public, and the device repair business has razor-thin margins for hardware. But their focus on retail partnerships and a strong money-back guarantee built real trust.
As of this year, TekDry is still in business. They’re not just some remember from Shark Tank? meme. Customers keep coming because the pain point stays real—and TekDry delivers on their promises.
Are they a unicorn? No. But they’re not living off nostalgia, either. If you want to talk about healthy business, look for steady growth, clean brand reputation, and a model that actually makes sense. TekDry’s got those bases covered.
What Comes Next for TekDry: Expansion or Pivot?
Good founders don’t sit still. TekDry’s game plan? Keep expanding retail locations, keep the tech simple, and grow more partnerships.
I’d love to see them branch further—maybe partner with phone insurance companies, or slide their machines into airport kiosks. So far, they’re holding the course: same process, same promise, just aiming to reach more watery disasters around the country.
No wild pivots. No risky new gadgets. Just sticking with what works, and building a bigger footprint.
Is TekDry a Shark Tank Win? Honest Verdict
We’ve seen Shark Tank darlings turn into viral hits and flame out in a year (remember Breathometer? Yep).
But here’s the real deal: TekDry didn’t just pitch hope—they built a process, backed it with engineering, and set honest expectations. They didn’t chase fake virality. They just solved a real-world problem the right way—and rolled up their sleeves after the cameras shut off.
That’s rare. That’s what you want to see, whether you’re eyeing your own side-hustle or shopping for risk-free investments. Is TekDry the next Scrub Daddy? Maybe not. But they’re not going out of style, either.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is TekDry still in business after Shark Tank?
Yes. As of this year, TekDry is still active and expanding their offered services and partnerships in the device repair space.
2. Did Kevin O’Leary’s loan actually happen?
Reports suggest the deal followed Shark Tank negotiations closely—structured as a loan plus equity. That’s Kevin for you.
3. How much does a TekDry machine cost for retailers?
TekDry doesn’t publish pricing online, but sources estimate retailer costs in the $3,000–$4,500 range per unit.
4. Does TekDry work for devices besides phones?
Yes. TekDry can rescue tablets, cameras, and other small electronics. If it fits in the chamber, they’ll try to save it.
5. What’s the current valuation or net worth of TekDry?
The last public valuation was $10 million during Shark Tank. Exact numbers today are undisclosed.
6. Where can regular customers find a TekDry location?
You can use the locator on TekDry’s official site to find retail partners inside electronics stores and repair shops.
7. Does TekDry offer a money-back guarantee?
Yes. The mail-in service gives you your money back if your device can’t be revived.
8. Is there real competition for TekDry now, or are they unique?
The market’s got rivals, but TekDry leads with patented tech and a focus on safe, quick, no-data-loss recoveries.
Final Word from SharkWorth: Is TekDry Worth Watching?
TekDry didn’t bet it all on a viral stunt or wild branding. They built something people need, rode the Shark Tank wave, then kept grinding.
Is this the kind of company you build international hype with? Maybe not. But if you want proof that steady, well-engineered hustle still works, TekDry is your case study. If you’re betting on solid execution and real pain-point solving, they’re a Shark Tank win.
For more on TekDry’s journey and other no-BS post-show stories, check out SharkWorth—we call it how we see it.
