Revolights Shark Tank, a pioneering bicycle lighting system, gained national attention after its appearance on Shark Tank Season 5. Designed to improve cyclist visibility and safety, the product featured LED lights mounted on bicycle rims, offering 360-degree illumination. This comprehensive update explores Revolights’ journey from its inception to its eventual closure, highlighting key developments and its lasting impact on the cycling industry.
Revolights Net Worth – How Much Was the Company Worth?
At its peak following the Shark Tank deal in Season 5, Revolights was valued at approximately $3 million, based on the $300,000 investment for 10% equity offered by Robert Herjavec. With successful crowdfunding campaigns, additional Series A funding of $1 million, and international retail expansion, industry analysts estimated Revolights’ overall worth to have reached between $4 million to $5 million during its most active years. Despite this promising valuation, the company faced challenges common to hardware startups, including high production costs and logistical complexity, which eventually led to its shutdown in 2019. As of 2025, the brand holds residual value as a case study in innovative design, but its operational assets are no longer active.
Key Takeaways
- Innovative Concept: Revolights introduced a groundbreaking bicycle lighting system that enhanced rider visibility and safety.
- Product Evolution: Post-show, Revolights expanded its product line and received additional funding, but eventually ceased operations in 2019
- Shark Tank Success: Founder Kent Frankovich secured a $300,000 investment from Robert Herjavec for 10% equity during Season 5.
- Legacy: Despite its closure, Revolights remains a notable example of innovation in cycling safety.
The Genesis of Revolights Shark Tank
Mechanical engineer Kent Frankovich conceptualized Revolights to address the limitations of traditional bicycle lighting. Recognizing that standard front and rear lights offered limited side visibility, Frankovich developed a system that integrated LED lights onto the bicycle’s wheel rims. This innovation not only enhanced visibility from all angles but also provided a futuristic aesthetic appeal.
The initial funding for Revolights came through a successful Kickstarter campaign, which demonstrated significant consumer interest and validated the product’s market potential.
Shark Tank Appearance
In Season 5, Episode 19 of Shark Tank, Frankovich pitched Revolights, seeking $150,000 in exchange for 10% equity. The Sharks were intrigued by the product’s design and safety benefits.
The Deal
- Robert Herjavec: Offered $300,000 for 10% equity, doubling the initial ask.
- Kevin O’Leary: Proposed $150,000 for a 7% royalty per unit sold until the investment was recouped, then 1% in perpetuity.
- Daymond John: Suggested $300,000 for 30% equity.
Frankovich accepted Herjavec’s offer, valuing the company at $3 million. The deal provided not only capital but also strategic guidance to scale the business.
Post-Shark Tank Developments
Following the Shark Tank exposure, Revolights experienced a surge in sales and brand recognition. The company expanded its product line, introducing models like the Revolights Eclipse, which featured Bluetooth connectivity and a companion app for enhanced functionality. In 2014, Revolights secured an additional $1 million in Series A funding from investors such as Sierra Angels and Sacramento Angels.
The products were made available in major retailers, including REI, and expanded internationally to markets in Brazil, Singapore, and South Africa.
Challenges and Closure
Despite initial success, Revolights faced challenges in scaling production and maintaining profitability. In January 2019, Frankovich announced the company’s closure, citing personal and professional reasons. The official statement expressed gratitude to supporters and acknowledged the inability to continue providing product support.
The closure highlighted the difficulties hardware startups often face, including high manufacturing costs, supply chain complexities, and intense market competition.
Legacy and Impact
Revolights set a new standard for bicycle safety lighting, inspiring subsequent innovations in the cycling industry. The company’s emphasis on design and functionality demonstrated the potential for integrating technology into traditional products to enhance user experience.
While Revolights is no longer operational, its influence persists, serving as a case study for entrepreneurs and designers aiming to merge innovation with practicality.
Conclusion
Revolights’ journey from a college project to a nationally recognized brand exemplifies the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurial ventures. Its appearance on Shark Tank provided a significant boost, but sustaining growth in the hardware sector proved challenging. Nevertheless, Revolights’ innovative approach to bicycle safety has left a lasting impression, highlighting the importance of design, functionality, and adaptability in product development.
