Not every pitch stops the entire panel. Shark Tank Season 17 has had its share of standout moments, but the 9 Strap Technology pitch on Episode 16 was something different. Four Sharks wanted in. All at once.
Founders Alyson and Ryan Vaughn from San Clemente, California, walked into the Tank with a product built in their own home using a sewing machine and Velcro. What started as a backyard prototype became one of the most competitive bidding battles of the season. The 9 Strap Shark Tank moment proved that a simple idea with strong numbers can make even the toughest investors move fast.
What 9 Strap Technology Does and Why the Sharks Paid Attention
The 9 Strap is a lightweight batting accessory designed to keep both hands connected to the bat throughout the entire swing. It prevents the single-arm follow-through that causes injuries for both batters and catchers. The product retails between $40 and $50, with a production cost of just $1 to $1.40.
Originally designed for baseball and softball, the strap has since expanded into golf, tennis, pickleball, and cricket. Guest Shark Rashaun Williams, a former baseball player, stepped in to try it during the pitch. The live demonstration made the improvement immediately visible.
Then came the numbers. In under a year, 9 Strap had generated $1.3 million in sales, $432,000 in EBITDA, and over 31,000 units sold. The return rate was less than 1%. That combination of margins, traction, and multi-sport potential is what made the panel light up.
How the 4-Shark Deal Came Together
GettyAlyson and Ryan entered asking for $360,000 for 9% equity. What followed was a full Shark bidding war. Kevin O’Leary went first, offering $360,000 for 15% with a $2 royalty per unit until he recovered three times his investment. He later revised to 5% equity but kept the royalty structure.
Rashaun Williams countered with $360,000 for 27%, then teamed with Daniel Lubetzky on a joint offer. Kendra Scott came in at $360,000 for 12% with no royalty, positioning herself as a branding partner.
According to ABC, Lori Greiner stepped back, saying the other Sharks were a better fit for this product.
The founders pushed for a combined deal. Kevin O’Leary proposed a four-Shark partnership: $800,000 for 20% equity plus the $2 royalty until a 3X return. Kevin O’Leary, Rashaun Williams, Kendra Scott, and Daniel Lubetzky all signed on. Alyson and Ryan accepted.
The 9 Strap Shark Tank deal stands as one of the most complex and collaborative closings of Season 17.
For two founders who built their prototype at home, landing four of the sharpest investors in the country is a remarkable turnaround. Multi-sport potential and nearly zero returns gave the Sharks very little reason to walk away.
Shark Tank Season 17 continues airing Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET on ABC, with episodes streaming the next day on Hulu.
