Hi there! I’m Nathaniel Wellen, a 15-year-old entrepreneur, high school freshman, and the proud inventor of The Duo Umbrella. My journey from a soggy morning walk to securing a deal on Shark Tank has been nothing short of surreal. Let me take you behind the scenes of my invention and share the incredible story of how The Duo Umbrella came to be.
The Birth of an Idea
It all started when I was just seven years old. One rainy morning, as my dad and I walked to school under a single umbrella, I couldn’t help but notice how uncomfortable it was. Whoever held the umbrella stayed dry, while the other person got soaked. That day, I thought to myself, What if there was an umbrella with two handles so both people could hold it comfortably?
Fast forward a few years, and that childhood idea turned into a serious project. My dad and I spent hours in the garage tinkering with prototypes—breaking umbrella after umbrella in the process. For my 10th birthday, my dad gifted me something extraordinary: a patent for my dual-handle umbrella design. That gift became the foundation for what would eventually become The Duo Umbrella.
The Shark Tank Experience
The Pitch
When I walked into the Shark Tank with my mom and younger sister by my side, I was both nervous and excited. I was seeking $100,000 for 10% equity in my company, valuing it at $1 million. My pitch began with a simple truth: umbrellas haven’t changed much in thousands of years, and sharing one is often inconvenient. That’s why I invented The Duo—a dual-handled umbrella designed for two people.
I demonstrated how The Duo works: with a spacious 54-inch canopy and an extendable second handle that adjusts up to 12 inches to accommodate different heights. Whether you’re walking with your tall friend or your little sibling, The Duo ensures both of you stay dry and comfortable.
The Sharks’ Reactions
The Sharks were intrigued by my invention and impressed by my energy. Lori Greiner loved the size of the umbrella, while Mark Cuban praised me as a role model for young entrepreneurs. Kevin O’Leary had concerns about whether I’d be able to manage school and business simultaneously (fair point!), but he appreciated the thoughtfulness behind the design.
Barbara Corcoran felt that I already had an ideal partner in ShedRain—a leading umbrella manufacturer that owns 49% of my company—so she decided not to invest. Ultimately, it was Robert Herjavec who saw the potential in both me and The Duo.
The Deal
After some negotiation, Robert offered me $100,000 for an 18% equity stake in my company, lowering its valuation to $555,556. Though it wasn’t what I initially asked for, I knew partnering with Robert would bring invaluable mentorship and resources to help scale The Duo Umbrella.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key details from my Shark Tank experience:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | The Duo Umbrella |
| Founders | Nathaniel Wellen |
| Season & Episode | Season 15, Episode 11 |
| Ask (Investment & Equity) | $100,000 for 10% |
| Final Deal | $100,000 for 18% |
| Shark(s) Involved | Robert Herjavec |
| Memorable Episode Moments | Demonstrating prototypes; Sharks testing the umbrellas |
| Current Net Worth | Estimated at $740,741 (2024) |
| Current Business Status | Active |
| Revenue Since Shark Tank | Pre-orders began in Q3 2024 |
| Social Media Presence | Growing across platforms |
| Key Achievements | Partnership with ShedRain; patented technology |
Life After Shark Tank
Production and Sales
Thanks to ShedRain’s expertise in manufacturing and distribution, The Duo went into production in mid-2024. By Q3 of that year, we started fulfilling pre-orders through ShedRain’s website. We also secured partnerships with major retailers like Target and Walmart—making The Duo accessible to customers nationwide.
Product Line Expansion
We currently offer two models:
- Compact Duo: Retailing at $25.
- Stick Umbrella: Retailing at $50.
Both models feature patented dual-handle technology, UPF 50+ sun protection, and high-quality materials like RPET recycled polyester.
Marketing Strategies
Social media has been instrumental in spreading the word about The Duo. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok allow us to connect directly with our audience—especially younger consumers who appreciate innovative products.
Challenges Along the Way
Running a business as a teenager isn’t without its challenges. Balancing schoolwork with entrepreneurship can be tough, but I’ve learned to manage my time effectively. Another hurdle has been proving myself as a young entrepreneur—some people don’t take you seriously when you’re just 15 years old.
However, having supportive partners like ShedRain and Robert Herjavec has made all the difference. Their guidance has helped me navigate these challenges while staying true to my vision.
Where We Are Today
As of January 2025, The Duo Umbrella is thriving:
- Annual Revenue: While exact figures are undisclosed, sales have been strong thanks to retail partnerships.
- Market Reach: Available across the U.S., with plans for international expansion.
- Updated Valuation: Estimated at $740,741 as of late 2024.
- Team Growth: Our headquarters in Redondo Beach now employs a small but dedicated team of 5-10 people.
Lessons Learned
Reflecting on this journey, here are some key takeaways that might inspire other young entrepreneurs:
- Protect Your Idea: Securing patents early gave me a competitive edge.
- Build Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with ShedRain ensured high-quality production and broad distribution.
- Stay Resilient: Challenges are inevitable; what matters is how you adapt and persevere.
Looking Ahead
The future looks bright for The Duo Umbrella! We’re exploring new product designs and considering expanding our market internationally. My ultimate goal is to make sharing an umbrella as comfortable and convenient as possible for people everywhere.
To all aspiring entrepreneurs out there: don’t wait for the “perfect” moment—start now! If a soggy walk to school could inspire me to create The Duo Umbrella at age seven, imagine what your ideas could lead to.
Thank you for joining me on this incredible journey! Stay dry out there—and remember—everyone deserves their own handle!