Have you ever wondered about the true financial success of those clever inventions you see on television? Well, when it comes to the Bug Bite Thing, its journey from a simple idea to a multi-million-dollar enterprise is, quite honestly, a fascinating tale. This little device, which helps people get instant relief from annoying bug bites, has really made a splash, and its financial standing is pretty impressive. So, too it's almost, this story is about more than just a product; it is about smart business moves and remarkable growth.
This handy tool, designed to ease the discomfort of insect bites without chemicals, captured attention when it first appeared on a popular business show. It seemed like a straightforward solution to a common problem, and many people quickly saw the appeal. You know, that immediate itch or sting can really spoil your day, and this device offered a quick fix.
Since its television debut, the company has seen incredible expansion. What started as a family's idea has grown into a widely recognized brand, with its products available in thousands of stores. We're going to explore the financial milestones and the people who made this success possible, giving you a clear picture of the Bug Bite Thing net worth.
Table of Contents
- The Brains Behind the Bite Relief
- A Simple Idea, Big Impact
- Shark Tank: The Game-Changing Moment
- The Financial Ascent: Revenue and Valuation
- What's Next for Bug Bite Thing?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Bug Bite Thing
The Brains Behind the Bite Relief
Meet Kelley Higney and Ellen McAlister
The story of the Bug Bite Thing really begins with two remarkable women: Kelley Higney and her mother, Ellen McAlister. They are the creators of this simple yet effective device. Their goal was to help people find comfort from insect bites without needing harsh chemicals, which is a pretty noble aim, if you ask me. This mother-daughter team brought a personal touch to their business, which, you know, often resonates with customers.
They saw a common problem and came up with a practical solution, and that's often how the best inventions come about. Their dedication to providing relief led them to build a company that has grown significantly over the years. As a matter of fact, their personal financial success reflects the company's overall prosperity.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founders | Kelley Higney and Ellen McAlister |
| Founders' Estimated Net Worth (as of 2022) | $16.2 million USD |
A Simple Idea, Big Impact
Before its big television appearance, the Bug Bite Thing was already making waves, especially online. It had actually gained significant traction as a top item for insect bite relief on a major e-commerce platform. This early success showed that there was a real need for their product, and people were willing to try something new for relief. Ellen, one of the founders, shared that the company had achieved a solid $500,000 in sales even before they stepped onto the famous television set. That's a pretty good start, wouldn't you say?
The device itself is quite simple. It works by gently removing the irritant from the skin, providing almost instant comfort from bug bites and stings. This straightforward approach, without any chemicals, really appealed to many consumers looking for a more natural solution. It's almost, in a way, like a small, personal vacuum for your skin.
This initial success laid a strong foundation for what was to come. It proved that their product had market appeal and could stand on its own, even without a huge marketing push. Their early sales figures demonstrated that people were genuinely finding value in what they offered, which is, you know, the real test of a product.
Shark Tank: The Game-Changing Moment
The Bug Bite Thing truly made a splash when it appeared on Shark Tank in 2019, during season 11. This was a pivotal moment for the company, bringing it into the homes of millions. Kelley and Ellen presented their invention with confidence, explaining how their simple tool could ease the discomfort of insect bites effectively. This appearance was, arguably, a turning point for their business.
Their pitch caught the attention of Lori Greiner, often known as the "Queen of QVC." After some discussion, Lori made them an offer that they accepted: $150,000 for a 10% equity stake in their company. This deal was not just about the money; it was also about gaining a powerful partner with extensive experience in retail and product distribution. Lori's endorsement and guidance would prove to be incredibly valuable.
After the show aired, the Bug Bite Thing experienced a significant boost in exposure. This kind of television appearance can, in fact, be a massive catalyst for small businesses. They saw a big increase in website traffic, sales figures, and social media engagement. This sudden surge in interest showed just how much impact a national platform like Shark Tank can have on a product's visibility and consumer demand. It was, basically, like lighting a fire under their growth.
The deal with Lori Greiner helped propel the company to new heights. Her involvement meant access to new retail channels and strategic advice, which is pretty important for a growing business. This partnership was a clear sign that the company was on a path to even greater success.
The Financial Ascent: Revenue and Valuation
Early Growth and First Milestones
After the Shark Tank deal, the Bug Bite Thing's financial trajectory took off. The company quickly moved beyond its initial sales figures, reaching impressive milestones. As of 2025, the Bug Bite Thing boasts an impressive $25 million in annual revenue, which is, frankly, a substantial amount for a single product. Their net worth at that time was also reported at $21 million, showing a healthy financial standing.
Lori Greiner herself, during an episode of Shark Tank season 14, episode 11, told the founder of another company, Kinfield, that the Bug Bite Thing would reach $25 million in annual revenue. This prediction from an experienced investor really highlighted the potential she saw in the product and the company's ability to grow. It seems, in fact, her foresight was spot on.
The journey to these financial achievements has been marked by steady expansion and smart business choices. From being a top item on Amazon to securing a deal with a Shark, every step contributed to building a robust and valuable company.
Current Financial Picture
The growth of the Bug Bite Thing hasn't stopped there. As per a rough estimate, the current net worth of the Bug Bite Thing is around $30 million. This shows continued upward momentum, reflecting the company's expanding market presence and product reach. With an estimated 10% yearly growth rate, which is typical for many successful businesses, this valuation seems quite reasonable.
The company is still very much in business and has expanded its distribution significantly. After Lori's deal, the Bug Bite Thing is now available in over 25,000 stores, which is, you know, a massive retail footprint. This widespread availability has undoubtedly contributed to its impressive annual revenue, which has reportedly reached $30 million.
This valuation positions the Bug Bite Thing favorably within the competitive landscape of consumer products. The company's consistent growth and ability to maintain relevance in the market demonstrate its strength. It was also revealed that the Bug Bite Thing ranked No. 1775 on the 2023 Inc. 5000 list, which recognizes the fastest-growing private companies in America. This recognition further solidifies its standing as a significant player. You can find more about such rankings on the Inc. 5000 list.
Recent Financial Moves
The company isn't resting on its laurels; it's actively pursuing further expansion. Recent financial changes for the Bug Bite Thing include securing new licensing deals with major retailers. These deals help them reach even more customers and broaden their brand's appeal. It's almost like they're constantly finding new ways to get their product into people's hands.
They have also been expanding their product line to include additional bug bite relief solutions. This strategy of diversifying their offerings can help them capture a larger share of the market and cater to a wider range of needs. This kind of strategic move often helps a company maintain its growth trajectory and, you know, stay relevant.
What's Next for Bug Bite Thing?
The Bug Bite Thing continues to set ambitious goals for its future. The company is aiming to grow its business to $30 million by next year, building on its current successes. This target shows their confidence in their product and their ability to keep expanding their market reach. This ongoing ambition is, frankly, what keeps businesses thriving.
The partnership with Lori Greiner remains a key component of their growth strategy. Her experience and connections continue to be invaluable as the company explores new opportunities and expands its presence. With a strong product, smart leadership, and a powerful ally, the Bug Bite Thing seems well-positioned for continued financial success. You can explore more amazing business stories on our site to see how other companies have achieved similar feats.
Their focus on innovation and market expansion suggests that we can expect to see even more from this company in the years to come. They are, essentially, building on a solid foundation and looking to the future with clear objectives. It's pretty exciting to watch a simple idea grow into something so substantial.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bug Bite Thing
What happened to Bug Bite Thing after Shark Tank?
After its appearance on Shark Tank, the Bug Bite Thing experienced a significant surge in popularity and sales. The company secured a deal with Lori Greiner, which helped them expand their distribution network dramatically. They are now available in over 25,000 stores and have achieved annual revenues of up to $30 million. The exposure from the show led to a big increase in website traffic and social media engagement, propelling the brand into a household name for bug bite relief. It's almost, in a way, like the show gave them a super boost.
What is Bug Bite Thing's current net worth?
As of recent estimates, the current net worth of the Bug Bite Thing is around $30 million. This figure reflects the company's continued growth, increased annual revenues, and expanded market presence since its initial success. In 2025, it was reported to have an annual revenue of $25 million and a net worth of $21 million, so you can see the steady climb.
Who are the founders of Bug Bite Thing?
The Bug Bite Thing was created by a mother-daughter team, Kelley Higney and Ellen McAlister. They developed the device to provide instant relief from bug bites and stings without using chemicals. Their personal net worth as founders was estimated at $16.2 million USD as of 2022, which really shows their personal success tied to the company's growth.
The story of the Bug Bite Thing is a wonderful example of how a simple, effective product, combined with smart business strategy and a bit of television magic, can achieve remarkable financial success. From its humble beginnings to its current multi-million-dollar valuation, this company has certainly made its mark. It serves as a great reminder that even the smallest ideas can grow into something truly big, especially with the right support and vision. To discover other Shark Tank triumphs here, you can link to this page.
