In the world of innovative products, Sunscreenr stood out with a unique concept. Designed as a small, handheld UV camera, Sunscreenr aimed to address a common issue faced by many: the proper application of sunscreen. The product allowed users to identify areas on their skin where sunscreen was either not applied or had worn off, promising a safer time under the sun. At its inception, the company had ambitious goals to revolutionize how people protect themselves from harmful UV rays. The vision was clear—to provide an easy-to-use tool that could significantly reduce the risk of skin damage.
“Shark Tank” Appearance
Sunscreenr’s journey took a fascinating turn when Dave Cohen, the CEO and co-founder, appeared on Season 8 of “Shark Tank.” Seeking an investment of $800,000 for 10% equity, Cohen presented the product to a panel of potential investors, hoping to secure the funds needed to scale the business. Among the Sharks, only Kevin O’Leary expressed interest, offering the requested amount but for a 33.3% stake in the company. This offer was accepted by Cohen, signaling the start of what seemed like a promising collaboration.
Post-Show Developments
Despite the initial agreement, the deal with Kevin O’Leary did not materialize. During the due diligence phase, unforeseen issues led to the collapse of the arrangement. The primary concerns revolved around Cohen’s lack of experience in business operations and market penetration strategies. Without O’Leary’s investment, Sunscreenr found itself scrambling for alternative sources of funding. Attempts were made to attract new investors, but these efforts did not yield the desired results. The lack of capital placed significant constraints on the company, hindering growth and product distribution.
Crowdfunding Campaigns
Before entering the “Shark Tank,” Sunscreenr had already engaged in crowdfunding campaigns with considerable success. Garnering over $172,021 from Kickstarter and Indiegogo, the company had the backing of more than 1,700 enthusiastic supporters. This initial funding brought hope that the product would soon reach the hands of its early adopters. Unfortunately, the situation turned sour as Sunscreenr struggled to deliver on its promises. By May 2021, none of the Kickstarter backers had received their products, leading to widespread disappointment and anger. The failure to supply the promised units damaged the company’s reputation and strained relationships with supporters.
Challenges Faced by Sunscreenr
Sunscreenr’s journey was riddled with challenges that prevented it from capitalizing on its early interest. Despite public appearances—including promotional events where even celebrity Wesley Snipes tried the device—the initial excitement waned. A critical issue was the lack of sustained marketing efforts. The company did not maintain a consistent presence on social media , ceasing updates by mid-2019. With no engagement strategies or customer communications, Sunscreenr failed to build a loyal customer base. This lack of visibility further diminished its market prospects, making it difficult to bounce back from setbacks.
Closure of the Company
As the difficulties compounded, Sunscreenr’s operations ground to a halt. By 2020, the app associated with the product was disabled, effectively severing a crucial link between the device and its users. Social media silence was a glaring sign of things to come, as the company’s accounts went dormant. Products on the website were marked as “out of stock,” with no indication of future replenishments. By 2022, Sunscreenr had officially shut down, with its website offline and founders distancing themselves from the brand. This unfortunate end marked a significant loss for both the company and its backers, with hopes unfulfilled and investments gone awry.
Current Endeavors of the Founders
In the aftermath of Sunscreenr’s closure, its founders pursued new opportunities in their respective careers. Dave Cohen reestablished himself as a staff life sciences technology manager at Plexus Corp., pursuing a path where his expertise could thrive. With 23 U.S. patents to his name, Cohen continues to be an influential figure in technology innovation. Similarly, Jon Meyer, Sunscreenr’s co-founder, took on the role of chief technology officer at CAPTRUST. Both founders have moved beyond their Sunscreenr venture, channeling their skills and experiences into new roles that align with their professional strengths.
Conclusion
Sunscreenr’s story is a telltale journey of innovation met with unforeseen challenges. A promising product concept, marred by funding hiccups and unmet promises, serves as a lesson for many startups in the tech industry. While its initial vision sparked interest and investment, the failure to deliver has left many backers disillusioned. Despite these setbacks, the journey of Sunscreenr’s founders showcases resilience and adaptability, inspiring others to persevere and innovate. For more insights on entrepreneurial journeys, you can visit our website, where we explore stories like these and more.
