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The Banana Phone is a gadget that appeared in episode 2 of season 14 on ABC’s Shark Tank. Shaped like a banana, this Bluetooth-enabled device connects to a smartphone, allowing users to give voice commands, play music, accept calls, and access their contacts list.
Inspired by Raffi’s song “Bananaphone” and the associated memes, Banana Phone offers a touch of nostalgia reminiscent of cordless phones. It was initially designed as a novelty item for fun and entertainment.
What sets Banana Phone apart is its commitment to a cause. The founders, Max Brown, Brian Brunsing, and Charlie Katrycz, are passionate about gorilla conservation.
In 2017, they established Banana Phone LLC and partnered with Gearing Up 4 Gorillas, an NGO dedicated to protecting endangered gorillas in Congo’s Virunga National Park.
Up to 1% of Banana Phone’s sales are donated to this cause, making it a socially responsible choice for consumers who care about wildlife conservation.
Banana Phone gained initial traction through a successful crowdfunding campaign on Indie Go-Go, which raised approximately $44,850. The founders also prioritize digital marketing and social media engagement, utilizing memes and jokes in their promotional materials to resonate with younger audiences.
The device has remained unchanged since its launch, ensuring compatibility with any smartphone with Bluetooth technology.
In addition to being available on Banana Phone’s official website, customers can find the product on popular online retail platforms such as Amazon.
The gadget has garnered attention from prominent publications and websites and has been featured on YouTube channels like ‘Unbox Therapy.’
Banana Phone is an innovative Bluetooth-enabled device shaped like a banana that allows users to make voice commands, play music, accept calls, and access contacts. It appeals to nostalgia while supporting gorilla conservation efforts through its partnership with Gearing Up 4 Gorillas.
With compatibility across smartphones and an engaging marketing approach, Banana Phone is poised for continued growth in the future.
Information | Answer |
Company Name | Banana Phone LLC |
Founder | Brian Brunsing, Charlie Katrycz, and Max Brown |
Product | Banana-shaped Bluetooth phone |
Investment Seeking | $250,000 for a 10% Equity |
Final Deal Accepted | No Deals |
Episode | Season 14, Episode 02 |
Business Status | In Business |
Website | Visit Website |
Net Worth | $3 Million *estimated |
What Is Banana Phone?
Banana Phone is a product that combines fun, functionality, and conservation. It is a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone handset shaped like a banana.
With its eye-catching design and practical features, Banana Phone offers a delightful way to make and receive calls while supporting gorilla conservation efforts.
The Banana Phone is a novelty item and a fully functional device. It can be easily paired with your smartphone via Bluetooth, allowing you to receive calls by clicking the multifunction button.
You can also initiate calls using voice-activated calling with Siri or OK Google. Additionally, the Banana Phone has a built-in lithium battery that provides 20 hours of talk time and 120 hours of idle time.
What sets Banana Phone apart is its commitment to gorilla conservation. The company donates 1% of all revenue to support Gearing Up 4 Gorillas’ work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. By purchasing a Banana Phone, you can contribute to preserving these endangered animals.
The Banana Phone is a fun, functional mobile phone handset shaped like a banana. It offers practical features such as Bluetooth connectivity and voice-activated calling while supporting gorilla conservation through charitable donations.
Who Is The Founder Of Banana Phone?
The founders of Banana Phone are Brian Brunsing, Charlie Katrycz, and Max Brown. Brian, the president of Banana Phone, has a background in product design, development, sales, and marketing. He also is a Senior Account Manager for Visa, consulting Fortune 500 companies.
Charlie, the CTO, has a diverse range of experiences. He founded Loonskin Labs, a company that uses biomimicry to build fabrication machines.
He is also the founder of Undu Wearables, which produces natural and reusable heat packs to relieve pain. Charlie is pursuing a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Toronto.
Max, the CEO of Banana Phone, is also the president of the Garrett Leather Corporation, the world’s largest privately owned distributor of high-quality Italian leather. Max led a global team of sales representatives and distributors in his previous role as vice president of sales.
Brian, Charlie, and Max conceived the idea for Banana Phone as campers and guides at Camp Pathfinder, a wilderness canoe-tripping camp in Ontario.
They started their “Fruit Tech revolution” with the Banana Phone, a Bluetooth-enabled mobile handset and speaker shaped like a yellow banana.
The founders wanted to create a fun and unique product to encourage people to have real conversations and bring more smiles into their lives.
Before appearing on Shark Tank, Banana Phone had already gained popularity in 21 countries, with over 4,000 phones sold. The company’s vision was to promote meaningful conversations, bring joy, and contribute to conservation efforts.
Banana Phone is committed to giving back to the environment by being a certified member of “1% for the Planet.” This means that 1% of the profits from every phone sold go towards “Gearing Up for Gorillas,” an organization dedicated to gorilla conservation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Overall, the founders of Banana Phone combined their diverse backgrounds and shared passion for promoting human connection and environmental conservation to create a unique and socially responsible product.
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of Banana Phone?
During the second episode of Shark Tank Season 14, Brian Brunsing, Max Brown, and Charlie Katrycz presented their business, Banana Phone, to the Sharks.
They were seeking a $250,000 investment in exchange for 10% equity in their company, valuing it at $2.5 million.
Banana Phone is a Bluetooth device designed to look like a banana. It allows conversations to take place using Bluetooth technology to send and receive audio.
Although the product is more of a novelty gift than a serious technological device, it is compatible with any smartphone or tablet that supports Bluetooth.
Despite the wide range of compatibility options and potential uses, none of the Sharks offered to invest in Banana Phone.
After considering their options, all the Sharks decided to drop out of the negotiations without making an offer. They couldn’t find a way to return their money in a reasonable amount of time.
As a result, the founders offered no investment, no counteroffer, and no final deal was accepted.
Banana Phone left Season 14 of Shark Tank without securing an investment from the Sharks.
Shark’s Name | Investment Offered | Counter Offer by Founders | Final Deal Accepted |
None | None | None | None |
However, the Banana Phone business is still operational, and their product is available on Amazon for $40. While the future looks promising for Banana Phone, they must find effective strategies to convince more people to purchase their product to scale their business further.
Overall, the Shark Tank pitch for Banana Phone did not result in any investment offers or a final deal with the Sharks.
Did Banana Phone Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
No, Banana Phone did not get a deal on Shark Tank. The founders of Banana Phone, Brian Brunsing, Charlie Katrycz, and Max Brown, appeared on Shark Tank in Season 14 Episode 2.
They asked for $250,000 for a 10% equity stake, valuing their company at $2.5 million. Despite their entertaining pitch and lifetime sales of $1.6 million, none of the Sharks decided to invest in the company. Banana Phone continues to operate and is still in business.
What Happened To Banana Phone After Shark Tank?
After appearing on Shark Tank, the Banana Phone did not secure an investment from the sharks. However, the company continued its operations with all three founders still involved.
The product maintained its novelty value and was marketed as a white elephant gift during the holiday season. The company also remained committed to gorilla conservation and sustainability by being part of 1% for the Planet and using ethically sourced materials.
The Banana Phone is still available, connects to iPhone or Android systems, and is compatible with voice assistant Bluetooth devices. It offers a 20-hour talk time and 120 hours when idle and has a 60-foot Bluetooth range.
The company also offers wholesale partnerships and has maintained a 4.5-star rating on its Amazon storefront.
Although there are no official announcements for new additions to the product line, the company remains active on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, and has garnered attention from celebrities like Reese Witherspoon.
Banana Phone Shark Tank Update
After appearing on Shark Tank, Banana Phone co-founders Brian Brunsing and Max Brown sought a $250,000 investment for 10% of their company.
While the sharks found the product amusing and were impressed by the sales figures, they ultimately declined to invest, citing concerns about scalability.
Despite not securing a deal, Banana Phone continued to thrive. The company saw significant success following its appearance on the show, benefiting from the “Shark Tank” effect.
Although it is unclear how much additional traffic and sales they received, Banana Phone was expected to generate over $1 million in revenue by the end of 2022.
Banana Phone is still in business and can be purchased on its official website, Amazon, and Walmart. The product has received positive reception, with a 4.5-star average rating on Amazon.
While some customers have criticized the $39.99 price point, most consider it a quality novelty item.
Banana Phone remains committed to its mission of “Talk More, Smile More, and Save Gorillas.” The company has been featured in various media outlets and maintains an active presence on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Banana Phone could lower its price and introduce additional accessories and merchandise to expand its product lineup.
Co-founder Brian Brunsing stepped down in August 2023, and although it’s unclear who currently owns the company, Max Brown continues as CEO and co-founder. The business remains a side hustle for Brown as he maintains his position at Garrett Leather.
While it is too early to determine the long-term prospects of Banana Phone, the company is still operational and has the potential to succeed with the right time and energy invested.
Is Banana Phone Still In Business?
Yes, Banana Phone is still in business. Started in 2017, this novelty Bluetooth-enabled device shaped like a banana has gained popularity for its unique design and charitable mission. Despite not securing a deal on Shark Tank, Banana Phone has thrived.
The founders, Brian Brunsing and Max Brown, along with their partner Charlie Katrycz, have built a successful brand that resonates with consumers who appreciate the retro charm of the device.
While the Banana Phone does not have touchscreen technology or text/email notifications, it can connect to smartphones via Bluetooth and is compatible with voice assistants like Siri and Alexa.
Banana Phone has leveraged online advertising and Amazon to drive sales. They also donate 1% of their revenue to protect endangered gorillas in the wild, a cause that resonates with their customers.
The publicity from their appearance on Shark Tank provided a temporary boost in sales, and they continue to maintain a strong presence on platforms like Amazon.
With positive reviews on Amazon and a growing customer base, Banana Phone is positioned for continued success. As of 2024, the company is worth $2.5 million and has shown steady revenue growth.
While their one-off product may pose challenges for long-term sales growth, their commitment to charity and unique design continues to attract customers.
In summary, Banana Phone remains a thriving business, offering its retro banana-shaped phone to customers worldwide while supporting gorilla conservation efforts.
What Is the Net Worth Of Banana Phone?
According to our research, Banana Phone’s net worth is $3 million. The valuation of Banana Phone was $2.5 million when it appeared on Shark Tank.
Also, read about other businesses that appeared on episode 02 of season 14 of Shark Tank: