The UpFlip Podcast

19. How Shark Tank Helped Bunch Bikes Grow to $2.7M Revenue in 2021

Listen on

Episode notes

What does it take for a business to get on the Shark Tank show—and, more importantly, to get funded by the investors? Bunch Bikes was the first company in Shark Tank history to be approached by a shark post-show, as well as getting funded by judges during the episode. Owner Aaron Powell talks about starting Bunch Bikes and his Shark Tank experience on this podcast.

Before starting Bunch Bikes, Aaron Powell was a bike commuter. He wanted to get a cargo bike to let him maintain that lifestyle after having kids, but found no one was selling them—so he started a business that would fill that niche in 2016. Bunch Bikes grew quickly, with a $1.8 million revenue in 2020 when he filmed his Shark Tank episode. That revenue nearly doubled in 2021 despite the supply chain disruptions and rising costs brought on by the pandemic.

In this episode, Aaron talks about how he bootstrapped Bunch Bikes in its first few years, and how he managed the cash flow and inventory challenges as the business grew. He’ll also share his Shark Tank experience, including how he prepared for the show and got funding from both Robert Herjavec and Barbara Corcoran, and how going on Shark Tank helped Bunch Bikes grow.

Resources

  • Bunch Bikes – Check out their products and find out more about the company.
  • UpFlip Blog - More real-world advice straight from business owners.

Connect with UpFlip:

For more insights to start, build, or grow a business, check out the resources on UpFlip.com or head to the UpFlip YouTube channel to see more interviews with business owners and experts.

Thanks for listening!