When The Pop Pacifier appeared on Shark Tank in Season 9 it didn’t just introduce another baby product it offered a smart much-needed solution to a universal parenting problem. The pacifier which self-closes upon hitting the ground was a game-changer for hygiene-conscious parents and instantly intrigued the Sharks.
Today The Pop net worth has grown to an estimated 5 million in 2025. This growth is backed by strong retail partnerships innovative design and founder-led passion. But how did this pacifier transform from a simple idea into one of the smartest consumer products to come out of Shark Tank
Let’s take a deep dive into The Pop’s journey from its high-stakes pitch to its current standing in the baby product industry.
Founder Profile: Who’s Behind The Pop
The Pop was co-created by Nicki Radzely and Janna Badger two moms who saw a problem and dared to fix it. Nicki brought a marketing background from the pharmaceutical industry while Janna offered her expertise as an industrial designer.
Their motivation Simple. Parents were constantly cleaning pacifiers that dropped on dirty floors.
“Every parent knows the pain of a dropped pacifier We didn’t want to just create a new product we wanted to remove a daily stressor.”
Nicki
After their initial success Janna stepped back from the business while Nicki took the reins. Since then Nicki’s personal net worth has grown to approximately 1.5 million largely fueled by The Pop’s rising brand value and retail traction under its umbrella company Doddle & Co.
The Shark Tank Pitch: High Stakes in the Tank
Nicki entered the Tank with confidence pitching The Pop for 250000 in exchange for 5 percent equity valuing the company at 5 million. The pitch centered around the pacifier’s unique design a self-closing nipple that retracts into a protective bubble when dropped.
While several Sharks raised concerns about valuation Kevin O’Leary recognized its potential.
“You’ve got a clever idea but not a 5 million valuation”
Kevin O’Leary
Barbara Corcoran praised Nicki’s charisma and presentation skills noting “You’ve got the grit and grace of a real founder.”
Ultimately it was Kevin O’Leary who sealed the deal investing 250000 for 10 percent equity. The partnership proved to be the catalyst for the company’s national and global expansion.
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What Happened After Shark Tank
The Pop’s appearance on Shark Tank caused an immediate surge in demand. Within 48 hours of the episode airing the company generated over 250000 in sales. Retail giants like Target BuyBuy Baby and Amazon quickly picked up the product.
Soon after The Pop expanded its product line and rebranded under the name Doddle & Co introducing new baby-safe silicone products such as teethers and toddler-friendly accessories. The brand also expanded into more than 20 international markets solidifying its global footprint.
Nicki credited the strategic shift to her investor.
“Kevin’s team helped us clean up our margins and streamline operations. That guidance was priceless”
Nicki
The Pop Reviews: Praise and Common Complaints
The Pop has been praised widely for its innovation and cleanliness. On Amazon the product holds a strong 4.6-star rating based on thousands of verified reviews. Parents particularly appreciate its self-closing design that reduces contamination its soft medical-grade silicone and its chic minimalist design.
However some customers reported minor concerns. The pacifier may close too easily when babies suck firmly and some infants need a short adjustment period to get used to it.
Despite these critiques The Pop remains one of the most trusted and purchased baby products post-Shark Tank. As one parent wrote “Finally a pacifier that stays clean and keeps me sane.”
Did the Sharks’ Investment Pay Off Inside The Pop’s Post-Tank Boom
Since the show The Pop has generated more than 6.5 million in lifetime revenue with 1.2 million in annual revenue by 2024. The company has maintained strong growth largely due to its direct-to-consumer model retail deals and loyal customer base.
Kevin O’Leary played a crucial role in helping the company scale. He advised on licensing cost optimization and expanding into international markets. His experience with other successful Shark Tank consumer brands proved invaluable.
“Having Kevin on board gave us legitimacy. Retailers listened. Buyers trusted us more.”
Nicki
Was This the Sharks’ Best Deal Yet Breaking Down the Profits
Kevin O’Leary’s 10 percent equity stake is now valued at approximately 500000 effectively doubling his original investment. The Pop may not match the revenue of Shark Tank titans like Bombas or Scrub Daddy but it offers something unique stability high margins and evergreen demand.
“Parenting products are evergreen. A new market is born every day.”
Kevin
The Pop continues to be one of his quieter but smarter portfolio plays.
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How Much Has Kevin O’Leary Earned from The Pop
To date Kevin O’Leary is estimated to have earned between 150000 to 200000 from The Pop through a combination of equity growth and profit distributions.
While there hasn’t been an official exit or acquisition yet The Pop generates consistent cash flow. If the company ever sells or licenses its patents Kevin’s return could skyrocket.
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Investor’s Other Businesses Kevin O’Leary’s Baby Brand Empire
Kevin O’Leary has built a solid portfolio of family-focused brands. In addition to The Pop he has invested in Wicked Good Cupcakes Plated Basepaws LovePop and Honeyfund.
The Pop fits well within this ecosystem offering cross-promotional opportunities and benefiting from Kevin’s expertise in scaling lean direct-to-consumer businesses.
Final Thoughts The Pop Net Worth and Brand Legacy in 2025
With a 2025 valuation of 5 million The Pop continues to hold its ground as a leading innovation in the baby product space. It’s a story of smart design genuine need and strategic execution.
The company is not sold not closed and not slowing down.
From its Shark Tank debut to becoming a staple in parenting kits around the world The Pop is proof that even the smallest ideas when executed right can make the biggest impact.
“We didn’t just make a product. We made parents’ lives a little easier. And that’s something worth building a business on.”
Nicki
TL;DR
The Pop net worth in 2025 is $5 million, and the business is still thriving post-Shark Tank with strong sales, global reach, and a smart investment by Kevin O’Leary.