Overview
“Shark Tank” success story BenjiLock put its new products on display at CES® 2021, returning once again to the show where it all began. Learn more about the company’s journey since its first CES and how far the team has come.
At the all-digital CES® 2021, BenjiLock — the rechargeable padlock with fingerprint technology known for its Shark Tank success — showed off a new Biometric U-Lock for bicycles.
“With bicycle sales soaring since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and over 100 million electric bicycles expected to be sold over the next two to four years, it’s a perfect time to be innovating in the bike security category,” said Kim Kelley, president and CEO at Hampton Products, of the new innovation.
BenjiLock products have found a home at many major retailers, with founder Robbie Cabral securing deals with brands such as Best Buy, Walmart, ACE Hardware and more. But the startup’s enduring success began at a small booth at CES.
Unlocking Achievements with BenjiLock
Cabral debuted BenjiLock at Eureka Park™ during CES 2017, earning a CES Innovation Award that year and securing a spot during the Shark Tank casting call to pitch the new product on ABC’s hit show.
Cabral saw CES as the perfect opportunity to showcase his passion and his new product.
“Having the platform to introduce our product for the first time to the world is definitely a thrill,” Cabral said of his debut at CES 2017. “But the real highlight for me was the chance to learn and network with a blend of hard-working entrepreneurs, businesses, startups, media and emerging technologies.”
Two of the sharks made an offer, and Cabral accepted a deal from Kevin O’Leary and his team at Hampton Products.
BenjiLock, also a Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® member, has only continued its growth from there.
Cabral returned to CES and Eureka Park in 2018 with a smaller version of his hybrid lock, BenjiLock Mini, and won a second Innovation Award.
BenjiLock has since made its way into homes, garages and businesses with a smart home door lock named after Cabral’s son, Luca. Another Innovation Award winner, the Luca Fingerprint Door Lock stores up to 10 fingerprints and 25 user codes.
Staying True to Roots and Staying Connected
Throughout the successes the company has seen since its introduction at CES half a decade ago, Cabral continues to meet with customers and stays heavily involved in the daily operations of BenjiLock.
“I’m very proactive with the consumer,” he said during a CES 2021 session with CTA. “Sometimes you’ll see me even packaging my own product, putting a little signature — little note — because those things go a long way.”
For hopeful entrepreneurs and startups just at the beginning stages, Cabral recommends staying authentic and personable. “That’s what investors are looking for in startups because [then] they know you can go through all the ups and downs and stay grounded,” he said. “So that’s my message: just be yourself.”