Kevin O'Leary has backed several successful Shark Tank startups, and Blueland is one of his most notable investments. Sarah Paiji Yoo founded the eco-conscious cleaning firm, which pleased the investor not only with its aim but also with its implementation. Blueland's products are now available at big retailers such as Target, and the brand is growing.
"The product solves a big pain point. People don't like plastic anymore. They just don't. And she's eliminated plastic from the cleaning fluid industry, which is genius. I mean, it's just a great idea," O’Leary said in a recent interview with NYSE TV, highlighting why the company made such a compelling pitch on the show.
O'Leary has frequently highlighted his success with women-led companies on the reality TV show, and Blueland remains a shining example. Despite opening before the pandemic, when many firms failed, Blueland responded rapidly, transitioning to digital delivery and expanding its direct-to-consumer business.
Its ability to remain ahead of industry trends while retaining a strong environmental focus has made it a popular choice not only among consumers but also within O'Leary's portfolio. Blueland demonstrates that purpose-driven brands can thrive with the appropriate leadership and strategy.
Why Blueland stands out in Shark Tank’s Kevin O'Leary's portfolio
Blueland is more than just another Shark Tank success story; it stands out in Kevin O'Leary's investment portfolio for a reason. While many products highlight ease or profitability, Blueland drew attention by addressing a global issue: plastic waste. Blueland ticks all of O'Leary's boxes for outstanding execution and market disruption, making it the clear front-runner among his many deals.
Kevin O'Leary has always stressed the high returns he has seen from investing in women-led firms, and Blueland fits that description wonderfully. As Sarah Paiji Yoo entered the tank, her ambition, clarity, and vision set her apart in a sea of aspiring entrepreneurs. Her mere presence convinced the Shark Tank expert that she possessed the necessary skills to oversee a rapidly expanding brand.
"Almost 90 percent of my returns over 17 years on Shark Tank have come from companies owned by women. And Sarah came on the set and she was a mapper. She was just a force to be dealt with."
Sarah's ability to negotiate crises, however, solidified Kevin's confidence in Blueland. The company was started before the pandemic, when many consumer goods startups struggled or failed. Blueland boomed. Sarah's rapid action not only rescued the company but also allowed it to grow dramatically during an unexpected period.
Shark Tank investor said, "This is pre-pandemic, so she should have gone bankrupt, but she didn’t because she pivoted to digital delivery of consumer, built a massive brand, Blueland."
Blueland's popularity stems from its product, which addresses a rising consumer concern: single-use plastic. Kevin sees this as a significant advantage. Blueland's cleaning solutions completely eliminate the need for plastic packaging, appealing to a new generation of ecologically concerned consumers. Kevin considered the investment a no-brainer.
Watch Shark Tank judges make more such investments on ABC.