Sharks and the Ring Deal
The Sharks on Shark Tank passed on Ring before the smart doorbell company was acquired by Amazon for over one billion dollars. Jamie Siminoff, the founder, pitched the company when it was still called DoorBot and asked for funding to scale the product. The investors on the show declined, and Ring later secured capital from other sources that helped the company grow rapidly. The decision by the Sharks is now widely cited as one of the most notable missed opportunities in the history of the show.
Ring launched its video doorbell through crowdfunding and later retail channels, building a brand around home security and convenience. The company raised multiple rounds of venture funding from firms outside the Shark Tank panel, which enabled it to expand its product line and customer base. By the time Amazon acquired Ring, the company had become a dominant player in the smart doorbell market and a key part of the broader smart home ecosystem.
What Happened After the Deal
Amazon acquired Ring in 2018 for a reported sum that valued the company at over one billion dollars, making it one of the most significant exits from a startup that had appeared on Shark Tank. The acquisition gave Ring access to Amazon's logistics, cloud infrastructure, and vast retail network, which accelerated the adoption of its products. Ring's technology became integrated with Amazon Echo devices and the Ring Alarm system, creating a connected home security platform.
After the acquisition, Ring continued to release new products, including wireless security cameras, floodlight cameras, and the Ring Always Home Cam, a flying indoor drone. The company expanded its subscription services, such as Ring Protect, which provides video recording and extended warranties. Ring also deepened its partnerships with law enforcement agencies through the Neighbors app, a community safety platform that allows users to share and view local crime alerts.
Regret and the Shark Tank Legacy
Public statements and interviews have indicated that several Sharks have expressed regret over passing on Ring, with some calling it one of the biggest misses of their Shark Tank careers. The financial outcome of the deal, where the company was later acquired for a massive sum, has been a frequent topic in business and media coverage of Shark Tank outcomes. The Ring story is now used as a case study in entrepreneurship and investment, illustrating how a missed opportunity on a television show can have long-term financial consequences.
The Ring acquisition has had a lasting impact on the Shark Tank brand, influencing how future entrepreneurs pitch and how investors evaluate startups. The company's success under Amazon has reinforced the value of hardware and subscription-based models in the consumer technology sector. Ring's journey from a Shark Tank rejection to a billion-dollar acquisition by Amazon remains one of the most referenced examples in discussions about startup investing and the potential for high returns in the smart home industry.