News & Trending Investing News

A Nosebleed Product Sparked One of Shark Tank’s Tightest Standoffs

A fast-growing nosebleed brand faced a valuation showdown over cents.

By Jordan Major

Edited by Sara Albertelli

Updated Jan. 11, 2026

A small health product turned into one of Shark Tank's most precise financial standoffs when a few cents per unit became the difference between walking away and closing a deal.

When ABC's Shark Tank returned for the new year, Nampons' founder Josh Lippiner entered seeking $350,000 in exchange for 5% of the business. He framed the opportunity around scale, pointing out that tens of millions of Americans experience nosebleeds, making the market far larger than it might first appear, and his product an opportunity to get ahead financially.

Get a protection plan on all your appliances

Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.

Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.

For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.

Get a free quote

The product

Nampons are built around a simple but common problem. Nosebleeds strike without warning, and with more than three million already stopped, the product has positioned itself as a go-to solution for kids, adults, and seniors alike.

Lippiner designed Nampons to be small, portable, and easy to use. Unlike tissues or cotton balls, the product expands to absorb far more blood and includes a proprietary clotting agent, giving it a functional edge.

The company also owns the trademark and is expanding its lineup, including Nampon Sport, a version for athletes that allows them to keep breathing through a mesh airway while staying in the game.

Who really has the cheapest auto insurance in your area? Check your zip code here.

Sales and growth

From a pricing perspective, the economics were already defined. A twelve-pack sells for $24.99 and costs $7.86 to make. The six-pack is the top seller at $15.99 with a manufacturing cost of $3.61, leaving room for strong margins.

When Robert Herjavec asked whether the company had sold just $1 million, Lippiner clarified that 2024's sales reached $3.4 million and $3.8 million was expected at the end of 2025.

He explained that 2024's revenue was boosted by a large wholesale order from a global first aid kit company. The business also expanded into 1,200 Walmart stores last year.

The lofty valuation

With $3.4 million in 2024 revenue, the company generated roughly $800,000 in profit. In 2025, Lippiner said profit would fall to around $200,000 as the company reinvested in new products and marketing.

That number immediately caught Kevin O'Leary's attention. "Two hundred thousand, that's it?" he asked. Lippiner confirmed it, explaining that the lower profit reflected an intentional push to fund growth.

"So you're making $200,000, and you price this at $7 million. That means I have to pay 35 times what you make to buy any equity in this thing. In today's market, very few companies trade at 35 times earnings. Even the stock market doesn't," he said, rejecting revenue multiples.

Lippiner tried to shift the frame to EBITDA and revenue multiples, pointing to health and wellness companies trading at more than two times revenue. O'Leary dismissed the comparison. "The revenue days are over," he said. "The only problem I have here is valuation. I would never pay 35 times for this."

A competitive edge

Lippiner pointed to Nampons' proprietary clotting agent, while most competitors rely on foam or cotton. Still, the Sharks noted that the real barrier to entry was not the formula alone, but brand recognition, trademark protection, and the ability to control distribution.

Kevin O'Leary, Lori Greiner, and Barbara Corcoran all passed on the valuation, but Robert Herjavec took a different approach. "Your valuation is high, but I am more creative than the other Sharks. If I do not like your valuation, I can simply offer one I am comfortable with." He offered the full $350,000, but for 25% of the company, valuing Nampons at $1.4 million.

A royalties debate

Michael Strahan said he was intrigued by the product but hesitated to move forward alone. He indicated he would only invest if he could do so alongside Robert, signaling interest in the business but caution around the valuation and structure.

Lippiner then tried to reframe the deal. He proposed keeping the $350,000 for 5% equity but adding a royalty, saying he was surprised Kevin O'Leary had not suggested that himself. The proposal called for a five-cent royalty on every individual Nampon sold until the $350,000 was paid back, which would amount to 30 cents on a six-pack.

"For me, the interest is to build this company," Robert said, making it clear that while royalties could address risk, his focus was on long-term growth rather than quick repayment.

A two-shark deal

The royalty discussion pulled O'Leary back into the deal. He countered with $350,000 for 7.5% equity and a $0.10 royalty per unit until $500,000 was repaid.

Robert responded with his own version, offering $350,000 for 5% equity with a $0.10 royalty. Michael immediately said he was in on that structure, giving Lippiner a two-Shark team. Lippiner accepted the offer, which was revised to $350,000 for 10% equity with a $0.10 royalty until the investment amount was repaid, securing Robert and Michael as partners.

Grow Your $$: 11 brilliant ways to build wealth after 40

Bottom line

The Nampons deal shows how founders protect valuation by using a deal structure instead of giving up more equity.

By trading a small per-unit royalty for a lower ownership stake, Lippiner kept control of his company while still securing the capital and strategic backing needed to scale and build more wealth.

More from FinanceBuzz:

Help Protect Your Savings From Stock Market Volatility With Gold

American Hartford Gold Benefits

American Hartford Gold helps individuals protect their retirement by rolling over IRAs and 401(k)s into physical gold.
Includes FREE IRA rollover and storage for up to 3 years.
Get up to $20,000 in free silver on qualifying purchases.

Download your guide for free