Bold start: SMART Tire kept rolling after Shark Tank, proving that a great idea can outlive a TV moment and keep evolving beyond a single pitch. But here’s where it gets controversial: was the show a catalyst or just noise for a high-tech concept that needed real-world licensing and scale? Let’s unpack what happened with The SMART Tire Company and its journey since Season 13.
In Shark Tank’s Season 13, which aired in 2021, seasoned entrepreneurs Brian Yennie and Earl Cole aimed to transform bicycle tire technology. They pitched tires that resist punctures and don’t go flat, leveraging Shape Memory Alloy Radial Technology (SMART) to deliver durability and grip. The sharks didn’t bite on an on-air deal, yet SMART Tire persevered and remains active, moving toward an official product launch.
Earl Cole isn’t new to the spotlight—he won Survivor: Fiji in 2007. Along with Yennie, he brings a track record of building and selling innovative products. At the time of Shark Tank, SMART Tire was still in its early stages, with no finished product, and the founders sought investment to accelerate development.
Reality check: Shark Tank outcomes don’t always predict long-term success. Deals can fall through after the show, yet the entrepreneurs may still thrive. For example, the Hopscotch app reportedly secured a deal on air but didn’t finalize it; nonetheless, the company continued to grow. SMART Tire had no on-air agreement to begin with, but that didn’t stop its ongoing progress.
What the pitch proposed
Yennie and Cole hoped to leverage NASA’s tire technology—known for durability and the ability to withstand rough terrain—to create a puncture-proof, airless tire. The benefits they touted included improved traction, easy repairability, and reduced waste compared to conventional tires.
Their ask was straightforward: $500,000 for a 2.5% equity stake. Before appearing on Shark Tank, they had already raised over $1 million via WeFunder. The judges’ concerns centered on three main points: the product seemed better suited for licensing to large tire manufacturers than direct consumer sales, the business strategy lacked clarity, and production costs plus pricing didn’t align with a consumer-ready market. While the tires could be produced for around $200 each, the planned retail price of up to $3,000 appeared prohibitively expensive to the investors.
Post-show momentum
Although the show didn’t grant them a deal, Yennie and Cole didn’t quit. They secured an additional $80,000 through StartEngine, another crowdfunding platform, signaling continued interest and validation from supporters. While not the seven-figure boost they sought on TV, this funding helped sustain the venture.
Current status and milestones
SMART Tire maintains an active online presence with a well-detailed product and roadmap on their website. Social media activity has ebbed and flowed: their X account has not posted since 2024, Instagram last posted in September 2025, and Facebook activity remains limited. LinkedIn shows a small team and a few thousand followers, with no active job openings.
Behind the scenes, SMART Tire has earned recognition that keeps the dream alive. In 2023, the company received TIME’s Best Invention Award and two CES Innovation Awards, underscoring the credibility of their technology. Partnerships highlighted on their site include collaborations with NASA Glenn Research Center, Felt Bicycles, Spin, and Hyundai Motor Group.
Product launch prospects
As of now, SMART Tire has not released a consumer-ready tire. However, their plan is to begin selling bicycle tires later in 2026, with ambitions to expand into rover and automobile tires afterward. Whether they secure a deal through further Shark Tank exposure or licensing remains an open question. History shows that a strong brand story, strategic partnerships, and demonstrated technology can drive progress even without a televised agreement.
Bottom line: SMART Tire’s trajectory demonstrates that inventors can weather a non-deal episode and still push forward toward market reality. The 2026 launch window offers a tangible checkpoint to test their once-pioneering concept in the real world. Will this be the year their puncture-proof dream becomes widely available? What’s your take on licensing versus consumer direct sales for such niche, high-tech tires?
