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Sometimes, success demands tough skin, and few embody this truth more than Kevin O’Leary,Shark Tank’s Mr. Wonderful. Since his debut on the American version ofDragons’ Denin 2009, O’Leary has made a name for himself with his sharp tongue, brutal honesty, and uncompromising approach to business.
His no-nonsense approach has made him one of the toughest investors on the show. However, it’s not just his deals that have left a lasting impact—there’s one moment that stands out not for the investment, but for the harsh truth he delivered to a female entrepreneur with big dreams.
Kimberly Cayce, an ambitious entrepreneur, stepped into theShark Tankarena with big dreams—hoping to rival giants like Nike and Adidas with her sports bra company, Kalyx Technologies. When she pitched her business, Cayce likely expected a warm reception—after all, who wouldn’t want to get in on the sportswear game? But Mr. Wonderful wasted no time in offering his blunt assessment of her venture.
Kevin O’Leary’s response on Kalyx Technologies’Shark Tankpitch
They say the truth will set you free, but sometimes it feels more like a punch in the gut. Kimberly Cayce learned this the hard way when she pitched her sports bra business, Kalyx Technologies, onShark Tank(seeYouTube). She had a vision—a design that could revolutionize the sportswear industry by offering support that prevents the chest from moving during intense exercise.
Shark Tank Fans Destroy Robert Herjavec, Kevin O’Leary for Asking an Entrepreneur to Increase the Price of the Perfect Christmas Gift Product
Cayce entered the tank with high hopes, aiming to exchange 20% of her company for $120,000. She spoke passionately about the struggle many women face with ill-fitting sports bras, hoping to change the game for female athletes. However, the sharks weren’t exactly biting. Her biggest issue? Her success wasn’t reflected in sales—only in a long list of potential customers.
When she explained that she needed the money to patent her design, it fell flat. And when she added that it could take five years for any investor to see a return, it was a deal-breaker for most.
One by one, the sharks dropped out. Kevin Harrington was the first to bow out, and Barbara Corcoran quickly followed. Robert Herjavec was blunt in his rejection, but it wasKevin O’Leary’s response that left the biggest mark. Mr. Wonderful, never one to mince words, told her the hard truth:
This is over now. You came here to hear the truth; I just gave it to you. But I cannot put my money in harm’s way here. There is no hope. You’re going to zero with this. I’m out. Thank you… you’re dead. Don’t cry.
While the words were harsh, there was a reason for them. O’Leary wasn’t just trying to crush her dreams; he was trying to keep her grounded in reality.“This is business. Life is hard, then you die. Get over it,”he added, further driving home the point that not every passion project can survive in the competitive world of business.
The harsh truth behind Kalyx Technologies: Kevin O’Leary’s bold prediction came true
Speaking about her experience on ABC’sShark Tank, Kimberly Cayce admitted (viaWomen), “It definitely did not go the way we had planned.” But the negative response didn’t crush her spirit; in fact, it inspired her and her team to push harder. She said:
In a weird way, it motivated and inspired my entire team.
Cayce and her team took matters into their own hands, securing twice the amount of investment she originally sought from the Sharks. With new funds in place, Kalyx Technologies went into production, bringing her vision to life. The company gained traction, and soon after theShark Tankepisode aired, the website saw 6,000 hits, translating to $4,000 in orders.
Shark Tank: 3rd Richest Shark After Mark Cuban, Kevin O’Leary Said Entrepreneurs Must “Fail a Couple of Times” for Him to Be Interested in Them
However, the entrepreneurial journey is rarely a straight line. Despite the early signs of success, Kalyx Technologies eventually fell short. Per Women’s report, in 2012, it was acquired by ActivewearUSA, which had been a major player in the activewear market at the time. But as is often the case in the volatile world of business, ActivewearUSA itself began to falter, ceasing operations by 2016. The website, which once sold Cayce’s sports bras, became a blog, and neither Kalyx Technologies nor its products remain available today.
By 2024, Kalyx Technologies’ online presence had all but disappeared. No social media channels, no official website, and no way to find the product that once seemed poised to take on the big leagues. Kevin O’Leary’s prediction had come true. The company, despite its initial success, couldn’t sustain itself in the long run.
Shark Tankis currently streaming on Hulu.
Siddhika Prajapati
Senior Journalist & Content Head
Articles Published :3310
With over 3,300 articles carved into the digital walls of FandomWire, Siddhika Prajapati excels at creating, curating, and elevating engaging stories. She takes pride in giving these stories a home and, of course, she’s got a Google Knowledge Panel to prove it!Whether it’s reviewing the latest drop on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Apple TV+, or analyzing the cultural echoes of a streaming hit on Paramount+ or Max, Siddhika is always writing three steps ahead of the discourse.
