Hells Bells
DEAL
EPISODE SUMMARY
🕓 Air Date: January 8, 2010
Asking For:
$500,000 for 20%
Investor:
Daymond John
Deal:
$500,000 for 50%
PRODUCT SUMMARY
Hells Bells Helmets offers uniquely designed helmets with three-dimensional graphics for the motorcycle and sports industry, combining safety with style.
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Background Story
Hells Bells Helmets is the brainchild of Marix Stone and Dr. Nancy Tanchel. Marix Stone brings over 15 years of experience in designing products for the custom motorcycle industry. His expertise lies in crafting visually appealing and functional products tailored to motorcycle enthusiasts. Dr. Nancy Tanchel complements the team with her role as the CEO, leveraging her business acumen to drive the company’s operations forward.
The idea for Hells Bells Helmets emerged from a desire to revolutionize the safety helmet market by merging safety with style. Marix, with his extensive background in product design, recognized a gap in the market for safety helmets that not only met legal standards but also appealed to consumers on an aesthetic level. Drawing from his experience and expertise, Marix developed a unique three-dimensional process that enhances the appeal of helmets while maintaining their safety integrity.
Together with Dr. Nancy Tanchel, they embarked on a journey to transform the perception of safety helmets, aiming to make them not just a functional necessity but also a fashion statement. Their collaboration was fueled by a shared vision to disrupt the industry and provide consumers with helmets that offer both protection and personal expression. With their combined skills and determination, Marix and Nancy set out to establish Hells Bells Helmets as a leading innovator in the motorcycle and sports safety gear market.
The Product
Hells Bells Helmets offer a unique blend of safety and style, catering to motorcycle enthusiasts and athletes across various sports disciplines. The helmets feature three-dimensional graphics that not only enhance their visual appeal but also reinforce their safety integrity. These helmets are designed to meet and exceed legal safety standards while providing consumers with a customizable and personalized option for head protection.
The helmets work like traditional safety helmets, providing impact protection in the event of accidents or falls. However, what sets Hells Bells Helmets apart is their innovative design, which allows customers to express their individuality through their choice of graphics and patterns. Whether it’s a bold, eye-catching design or a more subtle and understated look, these helmets offer something for every taste and preference.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, Hells Bells Helmets boast practical benefits such as comfort, durability, and functionality. They are constructed with high-quality materials to ensure long-lasting performance and reliability. Customers can purchase these helmets through various retail channels, including online platforms and specialty stores. Prices typically start at $175, making them accessible to a wide range of consumers.
How It Went
The company’s position before Shark Tank
Hells Bells Helmets has demonstrated strong performance and positioned itself as a leader in the motorcycle and sports safety gear market. With projected revenue of $300,000 for the current year solely from motorcycle helmet sales, the company has established a solid foothold in the industry. They own a utility patent for placing three-dimensional designs on sporting helmets, giving them a competitive advantage and setting them apart from competitors.
The company primarily sells its products through various retail channels, including online platforms and specialty stores. Hells Bells Helmets’ customers include motorcycle enthusiasts and athletes across various sports disciplines who prioritize safety without compromising on style. The company’s innovative designs cater to a diverse consumer base, allowing individuals to express their personality and preferences through their choice of helmet.
In terms of funding, the company sought a $500,000 investment on Shark Tank to facilitate mass production of their helmets. The company is currently structured with Marix Stone as the creator and designer and Dr. Nancy Tanchel as the CEO. Following a successful deal negotiation on Shark Tank, Daymond became a 50% partner in the company, bringing his expertise in branding and sales to the table. With this strategic partnership in place, Hells Bells Helmets aims to capitalize on its innovative product offering and continue its trajectory of success in the motorcycle and sports safety gear market.
The Negotiations:
During the negotiations on Shark Tank, the sharks initially expressed interest in Hells Bells Helmets’ unique product offering and utility patent. However, they raised concerns about the company’s valuation, given its relatively low revenue compared to the requested investment. Despite generating $300,000 in sales for the current year, the ask of $500,000 for 20% equity seemed steep to some sharks. After evaluating the potential of the product and recognizing the value of the utility patent, Daymond made a generous offer of $500,000 for 50% of the company.
He emphasized his intention to license the product to multiple companies, leveraging his expertise in branding and sales to scale the business. Marix and Nancy saw this as a valuable opportunity and accepted Daymond’s offer, believing that his involvement would propel the company to success. Although some sharks bowed out due to concerns about the valuation and potential return on investment, Daymond’s offer aligned with the company’s goals and vision for expansion. With the deal sealed, Hells Bells Helmets looks forward to leveraging Daymond’s expertise and resources to dominate the industry and build a billion-dollar brand.
Overall, the negotiations showcased the sharks’ skepticism regarding the valuation but also highlighted Daymond’s strategic vision and willingness to invest in the company’s potential. The successful deal negotiation marked a significant milestone for Hells Bells Helmets, setting the stage for accelerated growth and market dominance in the motorcycle and sports safety gear market.
