The Nubrella story is a classic tale of innovation and entrepreneurial struggle. It features a unique product and a memorable, determined appearance on Shark Tank. Founder Alan Kaufman sought to redefine personal weather protection with his hands-free umbrella.
His journey was marked by media storms, lawsuits, and a constant fight for market acceptance. This article traces the full history of Nubrella, its time on television, and its ultimate outcome. We focus on the E-A-T principles for complete and factual accuracy.
Nubrella Shark Tank Profile Summary
Alan Kaufman, the Nubrella inventor, bravely pitched his product on Shark Tank Season 1. He presented a hands-free umbrella designed to withstand heavy wind and rain. The pitch was dramatic and resulted in a deal with two prominent Sharks.
| Aspect | Detail |
| Entrepreneur | Alan Kaufman |
| Business | Nubrella (Hands-free, wearable umbrella) |
| Season/Episode | Season 1, Episode 14 |
| Original Ask | $200,000 for 25% equity |
| Final Deal | $200,000 for 51% equity |
| Sharks | Daymond John and Kevin Harrington |
| Post-Show Status | The final handshake deal fell through during due diligence. |
| Current Status | The business (last known as Canope) is defunct. Founder Alan Kaufman passed away in November 2022. |
Nubrella Shark Tank Net Worth in 2025
The Nubrella company is unfortunately no longer an active entity in 2025.Founder Alan Kaufman passed away in November 2022, which led to the closure of the business.Therefore, the Nubrella brand itself currently holds no operating net worth.The company last reported annual sales of about $1 million in 2021.
Alan Kaufman had invested over $900,000 of his own money into the business.Any value today is restricted to its patents and the brand’s residual recognition.The initial Shark Tank pitch valued the company at $800,000.The final deal with Daymond John and Kevin Harrington valued it at roughly $392,000.This lower valuation reflected the Sharks demanding a controlling 51% stake.
What Is Nubrella?
Nubrella is a completely unique, hands-free weather shield.It is worn over the user’s head and shoulders, secured with a harness.The device provides an enclosed, aerodynamic canopy for full protection.
It is designed to be completely windproof, eliminating the problem of inversion.It allows the user to perform tasks in the rain with both hands free.The device resists winds up to 40 miles per hour, protecting against rain and wind chill.
The Idea Behind Nubrella
The inspiration came to Alan Kaufman on a particularly stormy day in New York.He watched people struggle helplessly with their traditional, flimsy umbrellas.Alan realized the conventional umbrella was a flawed, outdated design.
He saw a genuine need for a durable, functional, hands-free solution.He dedicated nearly a million dollars of his own savings to its development.Alan was determined to bring a true innovation to the rain gear market.
How Nubrella Works
Nubrella uses a lightweight frame that straps securely onto the user’s body.It attaches via a comfortable back-brace and an adjustable waist belt.The canopy extends and retracts over the head, giving full peripheral vision.
It is made from waterproof nylon and its shape ensures aerodynamic stability.The design protects the head and upper torso from all directions of weather.When not in use, the entire structure folds down flat against the user’s back.
From Shark Tank to the World Stage
Appearing on Shark Tank gave Nubrella massive, immediate exposure.The television exposure created a huge wave of orders from around the globe.Alan received immediate attention and demand from dozens of countries worldwide.
This proved there was a clear global interest in his unique product concept.The media coverage was mixed, leading to both high sales and some public ridicule.Despite the criticism, the show’s effect provided a massive boost in sales.
Nubrella’s Evolution Over Time
The original Nubrella was a large, fully-enclosed “bubble” design.Customers complained this first version hindered their vision and communication.Alan responded by launching a sleeker, open-front design called Version 2.
This improved model offered better visibility and a more comfortable harness system.He later rebranded the product to Canope around the year 2020.The new Canope design was also modified to provide UV protection for sun defense.
Nubrella’s Market Impact
Nubrella successfully carved out a new, functional niche in the gear market.It offered a strong, practical alternative to the traditional umbrella.It became a popular tool for professionals like outdoor photographers and mail carriers.
The device was valued highly by anyone needing both hands free in bad weather.Though it never reached mainstream mass success, it achieved significant sales.Nubrella’s legacy remains a powerful case study in persistence and design thinking.
Personal Life of Alan Kaufman
Alan Kaufman was a passionate, relentless entrepreneur and inventor.He had a background in retail, successfully running AT&T wireless stores.He demonstrated his belief in Nubrella by investing a huge amount of personal wealth.
Alan faced numerous business and legal hurdles with remarkable determination.His life was defined by the singular goal of perfecting his hands-free umbrella.His journey sadly ended when he passed away in November 2022.
Early Life and Nubrella Highlights
Alan’s inventive drive started after observing common frustrations on a rainy street.He decided he must fix the long-standing flaws of the traditional umbrella.He spent many years and resources developing the initial Nubrella model.
Alan poured his focus into securing the necessary patent protection for his design.A major highlight was receiving the U.S. Utility Patent for the design in 2015.This patent served as the official, ultimate validation of his innovative work.
From Retail to Rain Gear
Alan’s career began successfully managing mobile phone retail locations.He developed strong sales and management skills in the wireless industry.His success in retail gave him the funds and experience to launch Nubrella.
He channeled his entrepreneurial spirit from selling phones to designing weather gear.He understood the importance of both a great product and effective marketing.This blend of skills allowed him to take his invention to a global audience.
Version 1 Launch and Media Storm
The initial Nubrella was released in 2008 with a distinct bubble-like enclosure.The product instantly gained media attention, appearing on national TV shows.While media coverage boosted sales, the unusual look drew much negative ridicule.
Alan kept pushing forward despite this highly critical and often mocking press.He sold thousands of the first version across a wide range of countries.This high demand confirmed the core concept had commercial viability and appeal.
Challenges and Slowdown
The Shark Tank deal, accepted on air, failed to close afterward during due diligence.Alan also became involved in legal disputes related to the Shark Tank appearance.He struggled significantly with managing fulfillment for the high volume of orders.
The high production costs and logistical issues created major financial strain.The initial sales momentum eventually slowed down as the media buzz faded.Alan continued to improve the design despite all the significant business setbacks.
Future Plans and Goals
Before his passing, Alan Kaufman had multiple ideas for Nubrella’s future growth.He was investigating ways to create a smaller, more streamlined version for children.He also planned to target sports venues, like football games, with a custom model.
Alan was working on integrating technology, such as Bluetooth communication, into the device.A primary goal was always to fully tap into key user groups like professional dog walkers.Sadly, all these promising plans were halted by the closure of the business in 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the Sharks’ deal with Nubrella actually close?
A: No, the $200,000 deal for 51% equity with Daymond John and Kevin Harrington ultimately fell apart after the show’s taping.
Why did Alan Kaufman sue Shark Tank?
A: He filed two separate lawsuits, claiming issues related to the terms of the deal and the show’s continuous reruns.
What was Nubrella’s revenue before it closed down?
A: Nubrella, later rebranded as Canope, reported annual sales figures of approximately $1 million as of 2021.
What was the name of the Nubrella redesign?
A: Alan Kaufman rebranded the company and the updated product to Canope in the year 2020.
Can I still buy a Nubrella hands-free umbrella today?
A: The company officially ceased all operations after the founder’s death in late 2022, so new inventory is unavailable.
Conclusion
The story of Nubrella is a testament to one man’s relentless commitment to innovation. Alan Kaufman invented a highly functional, truly hands-free solution to a common problem. He turned a difficult Shark Tank pitch into global brand awareness.
Despite the fact that his deal failed and he faced many challenges, he persisted. The company, which achieved $1 million in sales, sadly closed following Alan Kaufman’s death in 2022. Nubrella remains a significant example of the passion required in true entrepreneurial invention.
Joseph is a dedicated content creator and the mind behind WishOnBirthdays.com. With a passion for writing meaningful, heart-touching messages and thoughtful expressions, Bran focuses on helping readers share emotions in the most beautiful and sincere way. His work blends simplicity, creativity, and warmth, making it easy for anyone to find the right words for special moments. Bran believes that even the smallest message can make someone feel valued and loved — and his mission is to help people connect, celebrate, and express their feelings effortlessly.
