Let me tell you the story of Dare-U-Go!, a product that caught my attention for its sheer ingenuity and the heartfelt journey of its founder, Lisa D’Amato. If you’re a parent, you’ll know the struggle of messy mealtimes, spilled food, and the endless task of packing meals for kids on the go. Dare-U-Go! is a product that solves all these problems in one fell swoop. It’s not just a bib—it’s a bib, food storage container, and serving plate all rolled into one. And the story of how it came to life on Shark Tank is nothing short of inspiring.
The Birth of Dare-U-Go!
Dare-U-Go! was born out of necessity. Lisa D’Amato, a former winner of America’s Next Top Model and mother of two young boys, created this innovative product to simplify mealtime for parents like herself. As a busy mom constantly juggling her career and family life, Lisa knew firsthand how challenging it could be to keep kids fed and mess-free while on the move. She designed Dare-U-Go! as an all-in-one solution: a silicone bib with built-in compartments to store food and serve it directly to kids without needing extra plates or bowls.
But Lisa’s journey wasn’t just about creating a product; it was deeply personal. During her pitch on Shark Tank, she opened up about her struggles with childhood anorexia and how it shaped her desire to help families create positive mealtime experiences. Her passion for the product and its mission was evident from the start.
The Shark Tank Pitch: A High-Stakes Moment
Lisa appeared on Season 10, Episode 14 of Shark Tank, seeking $350,000 for 10% equity in Dare-U-Go!, valuing her business at $3.5 million. From the moment she stepped into the Tank, she exuded confidence and authenticity. Her pitch was compelling—she demonstrated how Dare-U-Go! worked, highlighted its affordability (it costs $2.68 to produce and retails for $22.99), and shared impressive early sales figures: $100,000 in just three months.
The Sharks were intrigued but had mixed reactions:
- Mark Cuban bowed out early, expressing concerns about Lisa’s focus on market potential over operational risks.
- Kevin O’Leary, true to his nickname “Mr. Wonderful,” made several offers involving loans and equity but ultimately didn’t close a deal.
- Barbara Corcoran, however, saw potential in both the product and Lisa’s drive. After some intense negotiations, Barbara offered $150,000 in cash and a $200,000 loan in exchange for 35% equity—down from her initial ask of 50%. Lisa accepted Barbara’s revised offer.
The pitch had its share of memorable moments, including Lisa’s emotional recounting of her childhood struggles and her determination to make Dare-U-Go! a success. It was clear that this wasn’t just about business for Lisa—it was about making a difference in the lives of parents and children.
Breaking Down the Details
Here’s a detailed table summarizing everything you need to know about Dare-U-Go!’s Shark Tank journey:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Dare-U-Go! |
| Founders | Lisa D’Amato |
| Season & Episode | Season 10, Episode 14 |
| Ask (Investment & Equity) | $350,000 for 10% equity |
| Final Deal | $150,000 + $200,000 loan for 35% equity |
| Shark(s) Involved | Barbara Corcoran |
| Memorable Episode Moments | Emotional pitch about childhood anorexia; intense negotiations with Kevin O’Leary and Barbara Corcoran |
| Current Net Worth | ~$46 million (2025) |
| Current Business Status | Active |
| Revenue Since Shark Tank | ~$1.2 million in Year 2 post-show |
| Social Media Presence | Active on Instagram; strong engagement with parents |
| Key Achievements | Expanded to over 20 countries; diversified product line |
Life After Shark Tank: The Post-Pitch Journey
The Shark Tank effect is real, and Dare-U-Go! experienced it firsthand. Following the episode’s airing, sales skyrocketed as parents across America—and eventually around the world—embraced this innovative product.
Revenue Growth
In the first year after Shark Tank, Dare-U-Go! generated $500,000 in revenue—a significant jump from its pre-show figures. By the second year, sales had grown to $1.2 million as the company expanded its reach both online and offline.
Global Expansion
One of Lisa’s key achievements post-Shark Tank was taking Dare-U-Go! global. The product is now available in over 20 countries through platforms like Amazon and various retail stores. This expansion has been instrumental in driving revenue growth and establishing Dare-U-Go! as a household name among parents.
Product Diversification
Lisa didn’t stop at the original design. She introduced new colors and designs to cater to different customer preferences, ensuring that Dare-U-Go! remained fresh and appealing in a competitive market.
Marketing Success
Lisa leveraged social media brilliantly to connect with her target audience—parents looking for practical solutions to everyday challenges. Through engaging content and storytelling, she built a loyal community around Dare-U-Go!, turning customers into brand advocates.
Challenges Along the Way
Of course, success didn’t come without its challenges. The surge in demand after Shark Tank led to inventory shortages and delays in fulfillment—a common issue for businesses experiencing rapid growth. Scaling production while maintaining quality was another hurdle that required careful planning and execution.
Interestingly, despite accepting Barbara Corcoran’s offer on air, the deal didn’t materialize after the show due to undisclosed reasons. Instead, Lisa partnered with distributors she had mentioned during her pitch—a move that proved successful in scaling her business.
Where Is Dare-U-Go! Today?
As of 2025, Dare-U-Go! is thriving:
- Revenue: The company continues to grow at an estimated rate of 10% annually.
- Market Reach: With products available globally through online platforms like Amazon and retail stores, Dare-U-Go! has become a trusted brand among parents.
- Valuation: The company is currently valued at approximately $46 million—a testament to its enduring success.
- Founder’s Success: Lisa D’Amato has not only built a thriving business but also established herself as an inspiring entrepreneur with a personal net worth exceeding $40 million.
Lessons from Dare-U-Go!’s Journey
Dare-U-Go!’s story offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs:
- Passion Drives Success: Lisa’s personal connection to her product resonated with both the Sharks and customers.
- Adaptability Is Key: When her deal with Barbara fell through, Lisa pivoted quickly by partnering with distributors—a move that paid off.
- Leverage Publicity Effectively: The Shark Tank effect can be a game-changer if used wisely through marketing and customer engagement.
- Prepare for Growth Challenges: Rapid success can strain operations; having scalable systems in place is crucial.
Looking Ahead
Dare-U-Go!’s future looks bright as it continues to innovate and expand its market presence globally. With Lisa at the helm, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see even more kid-friendly solutions from this dynamic brand in the years to come.
For me, this story isn’t just about a product—it’s about resilience, creativity, and the power of turning personal challenges into opportunities that make life better for others. If you’re an entrepreneur or even just someone looking for inspiration, take a page from Lisa D’Amato’s book: believe in your vision, adapt when needed, and never stop pushing forward.
So here’s to Dare-U-Go!, a little bib that’s making big waves—and showing us all what’s possible when passion meets purpose!