The WISP cleaning machine joins the long list of innovations that Shark Tank is famous for showcasing that aim to enhance consumers’ daily lives.
Designer Eben Dobson III created this invention to revolutionize how people sweep. When using a regular broom, you are forced to bend over to control the dustpan, chase after dirt lines, and hurl dirt everywhere due to weak brushes. The WISP method aims to fix such problems.
Was it a hit? Let’s explore the company’s Shark Tank debut.
Quick Facts
| Founders name: | Eben Dobson |
| Business details: | Broom/dustpan combo |
| Founded in: | 2012 |
| Location : | Baker St, San Francisco, USA |
| Asking of Company: | $500,000 for 10% equity |
| Accepted Deals: | No Deal |
| Shark on board (Investors): | None |
| Shark Tank Episode: | Season 10 Episode 05 |
| Net Worth: | $14 Million |
| Business Status: | Active |
| Last Updated: | Mar 14, 2024 |
| Social Media | Facebook |
About the Founder
The proprietor, Eben Dobson III, invented this broom, The Wisp, to make it easier for people to sweep the floor.
Most people, globally, suffer from back aches and knee aches. Eben had a clear picture to make their lives smoother. This made him invent the product.
Founding the Wisp Broom
The WISP has considerably smaller brushes that are angled 90 degrees from the surface in place of the regular lengthy brushes. The user can have control over the cleaning tasks, which also makes it easier for dust to stay out of crevices.
The trash can in this structure was additionally redesigned. The WISP vacuum is made to be trodden on rather than just placed on the floor. It can flatten to the ground with a little pressure, preventing the user from having to scoop up any debris that the brush and the dumpster skipped.
Shark Tank Appearance
Dobson entered and pitched $500,000 for a 10% ownership stake.
When the sharks asked Eben Dobson regarding future profits, he responded confidently, saying that over 100,000 pieces had already been traded, generating over $3 million in revenues. He admitted to the sharks that his company had dropped over $600,000 during previous decades as a result of personal monetary decisions related to the business.
The sharks swiftly realized that Eben faced serious financial problems after digging through the numbers of his company. It was soon discovered that he had suffered over $2,000,000 in the previous several years.
Barbara Corcoran opted to reveal her withdrawal first after reaching this decision. Mark Cuban soon withdrew for similar explanations.
Despite his economic challenges, Kevin O’Leary made Eben a proposal, granting him $500,000 in exchange for a 50% share. Eben consented to it at first but then he started stuttering and trying to talk to Lori Greiner. Kevin O’Leary decided that was sufficient and abruptly withdrew, venting his anger to Eben.
After Shark Tank
Eben Dobson III had faith in WISP after he exited his vessel on Shark Tank, ignoring Kevin O’Leary’s abrupt shift of heart.
The WISP is still available as of 2024, but it has been sold out on QVC’s webpage.
The WISP is now available for purchase on the company’s web page, via QVC, at Walmart, and Amazon. Additionally, the company has grown to encompass additional comparable goods such as the miniWISP, a self-cleaning sweep, and a window-cleaning vacuum. These goods are offered separately and in packages, and it seems that the company continues to broaden and vary its selection.