Even before appearing on Season 9 of the hit ABC reality series, Nicki Radzely had made moves with The Pop over the company's four months of operation. Radzely and business partner Janna Badger took a year designing the bacteria-free, silicone-made pacifier before starting a successful Kickstarter to fund their business. From there, they were awarded the Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association Innovation Award and got their product on the shelves of Buy Buy Baby and Nordstrom.
Feeling confident about the trajectory of her business, Radzely appeared on "Shark Tank" seeking a $250,000 investment for 5% of the company — a $5 million valuation. While the panel of rich investors is impressed by Radzely and sees the potential in the product, they largely find her valuation too high, especially given that the company has only made $117,000 by this point. Daymond John doesn't see the growth potential and is out, while Mark Cuban believes he doesn't offer much value.
Kevin O'Leary makes the first offer, willing to give the $250,000 but requiring 10% equity. Lori Greiner and guest shark Sara Blakely go in together, proposing $250,000 for 20% equity. Radzely attempts to make a counteroffer, saying that she would be willing to give up the 20%, but only if Grenier and Blakely are able to raise the cash offer to $500,000 or more. The sharks don't budge from their stance and Radzely ends up going with O'Leary.
