Let’s knock down a classic Shark Tank myth: Land a deal, and your business gets rich, right? Not always. Sometimes, the brands that walk away empty-handed end up with the real win. Bermies is the living, breathing proof.
Most viewers remember the founder parading onto Season 9, Episode 24, in nothing but swim trunks. It was gutsy, risky—and every entrepreneur watching could feel the sweat. That wasn’t a gimmick; it was a calculated bet on himself, and on his swimwear brand. Here’s why this pitch—and what followed—actually matters for people who want to understand what business hustle looks like, Shark Tank style.
Who’s at the Helm? Meet Uki Deane
Let’s get honest: Uki Deane isn’t your trust-fund startup bro. He’s a regular guy who went all-in when safer, easier options existed. Born in Argentina, raised in Bermuda, Uki absorbed the laid-back, beachy energy you see baked into every Bermies product. He founded Bermies with his own savings and his own skin in the game—literally.
Uki wasn’t just selling trunks; he was selling the freedom to ditch boring, overpriced swimwear and wear something with personality. That’s what pushed him to risk everything to launch Bermies—and why he rolled the dice on Shark Tank with everyone watching.
The Shark Tank Pitch: Numbers, Sweat, and a Bold Move
No suit, no script. Uki strolled into the Tank in Bermies trunks and a power handshake. He was looking for $200,000 in exchange for 20% of Bermies. The guy put it right on the table: He’d put his life savings into the business.
Now, let’s talk numbers—because seasoned investors care about facts, not just flash. At the time, Bermies trunks retailed for $49. Production cost? $9.80 a pair. Uki claimed he could drop that to $6.50 with bigger orders. He was moving real volume and had product-market fit—something Shark Tank veterans know is tougher than pitching.
But the Sharks? They came out swinging. How will you stand out in a sea of copycats? Isn’t swimwear just a seasonal hustle? Classic questions. Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, Kevin O’Leary, and others pressed hard. Uki held his ground. He pitched the eco-friendly angle—the built-in liner, the eye-catching patterns, and the price-quality sweet spot.
Here’s my take—I’ve seen founders get flustered and undersell. Uki kept his head, didn’t crumble, and defended his margins and mission like someone who knows the pain of shipping, returns, and cash flow on the ground.
Did the Sharks Bite? The Tank Verdict
After the pitch storm passed, it came down to this: None of the Sharks invested. No deal from Mark, Lori, Kevin. Swimwear, they argued, was cutthroat. Margins could erode. Inventory could bury you.
Look, I get it. Sharks see thousands of pitches and swimwear is famous for hype but not always for profitability. Inventories don’t move, styles change fast, and big-box brands can eat you for lunch.
Still, the pitch wasn’t a flop. Sometimes, not getting a deal is the cleanest move you can make. I’ve seen founders give up too much on TV, only to regret it later when their business takes off.
Bermies Net Worth and Numbers Post-Tank
Want to know where the money’s at? Here’s what SharkWorth found when they ran the numbers:
Bermies is no side hustle. Even without Shark money, the exposure worked. After airing, Bermies blew up. By 2022, they were clocking $4 million a year in annual revenue. Lifetime, we’re talking over $50 million in gross sales. Think about that for a second: That’s real demand—repeat orders, expanded lines, and a clearly dialed in direct-to-consumer machine.
Let’s talk valuation. Bermies isn’t tossing around public numbers, but smart guesses put their net worth right in the low-to-mid eight figures. In plain talk: You don’t cross $50 million in sales unless your brand knows how to build loyal customers and keep costs tight.
So, for those tracking: no Shark investment, but a much bigger business on the other side of the pitch.
What Makes Bermies Swimwear Stand Out?
Everyone asks—what’s in these trunks? Why pay $49, even if the print is cool? I’ll break it down:
- Eco-friendly edge: Bermies moved quickly to use recycled materials. They played this early, before sustainable was just another buzzword.
- Built-in liner: This isn’t your scratchy, bunched-up netting. Customers talk about how comfortable these are—even after long wear.
- Price vs. quality: $49 may sound steep, but compared to premium brands that charge double, they’re a steal.
- Design: Uki’s Bermuda roots show. These don’t look like what you’ll find at big-box stores. They pop, and that matters in a sea of bland.
If you’re building a product in a crowded market, here’s the lesson: Product has to outlive hype. Bermies worked on that.
Growth Moves: Staying in the Game After the Tank
A lot of founders leave Shark Tank expecting magic. Some fizzle as soon as TV traffic dies. Bermies didn’t. Here’s why:
- More products: They doubled down on women’s and kids’ lines—smart, because growth means hitting new customer bases.
- New materials: As trends shifted, Bermies leaned even harder into sustainability. They moved fast on recycled fabrics, and only got better with time.
- Direct-to-consumer: No cluttered retail shelves. Bermies owns the relationship, controls the margins, and builds a brand out of every customer touchpoint.
- Smart scaling: Scaling isn’t sexy, but if you can’t source, ship, and stock efficiently, Shark Tank exposure just sinks you. Bermies didn’t make that mistake.
I’ve watched a dozen Shark Tank companies fade after a viral moment. Bermies stayed nimble.
What’s Next? Bermies and the Path Forward
Even after hitting $4 million a year, winners keep evolving. Bermies is pushing global expansion hard. Rumor is, they’re eyeing partnerships and new beachhead markets in Europe and Australia.
Their playbook is clear: Build around the core swim trunks, keep adding eco-friendly gear, and tell the sustainability story better than anyone else. No greenwashing—just real, low-waste supply chains baked into the business. Will they succeed? If they stick to smart, direct-to-consumer muscle and avoid retail traps, they’ve got a shot at being more than just a nostalgia act.
Lessons from the Bermies Journey
So, here’s what I see: Losing out in the Tank isn’t a death sentence—it’s often the start of the real game. Uki didn’t let the no from the Sharks define the business. He bet on customer retention, smart branding, and actually delivering on eco claims.
My advice? If you’re pitching anywhere—Shark Tank, investors, even your own friends—don’t fake big numbers or coast on flash. Know your margins. Stand your ground. And never be afraid to bet on yourself, but stay flexible enough to shift when the market changes.
I’ve seen plenty of brands crack under TV pressure. Bermies isn’t one of them. They played the long game, swam past big talkers, and built something with lasting power.
FAQs
1. Is Bermie’s from Shark Tank still in business?
Yes, Bermies is not just in business—they’re growing fast, now boasting over $4 million in yearly revenue.
2. Who owns Bermies now?
Uki Deane is still the owner and main operator, steering the brand behind the scenes.
3. Did Bermies ever get an investment after Shark Tank?
No, Bermies never closed outside investment on or off the show. Growth happened organically from real customers.
4. How much is Bermies worth in 2024?
Exact numbers aren’t public, but with annual revenue topping $4 million and lifetime sales above $50 million, smart estimates say multi-millions.
5. What makes Bermies swimwear different from others?
Eco-friendly fabric, comfortable built-in liner, sharp designs, and honest pricing. These trunks aren’t just for show.
6. Where can I buy Bermies products?
You can score Bermies trunks, bikinis, and more on their official website and through select online retailers.
7. Did appearing on Shark Tank help Bermies grow?
Absolutely. Shark Tank gave Bermies massive exposure and credibility—it was fuel to a fire already burning.
8. Is Bermies environmentally friendly?
Yes, Bermies uses recycled materials and low-waste packaging. Their eco claim is more than just talk.
In short? Bermies proves the Shark Tank effect is real, but it’s what you do afterward that writes the legacy. If you want to see business grit—watch what happens when someone doesn’t get the deal, but keeps showing up for the next round. That’s why Bermies is still swimming strong. For more on Bermies’ growth, net worth, and the real numbers, check out the full breakdown at SharkWorth—where the smart money stories live.
