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What is Blackdot?
Blackdot tattoo is the world's first automatic tattooing device paired with an online marketplace for high-end tattoo art. It uses micro-dots to create precise tattoos with less pain than traditional methods.
Blackdot's Shark Tank Pitch Recap
Joel Pennington pitched Blackdot tattoo, a robotic tattooing device paired with an online marketplace for high-end tattoo art. He asked for $1.5 million for 5% equity, valuing the company at $30 million. The Sharks were impressed by the innovative concept but concerned by the lack of a clear business plan, high production costs, and early stage of development. Joel struggled to articulate a path to profitability, particularly after pivoting the business model to leasing the devices. Ultimately, all the Sharks declined to invest.
Who invested in Blackdot?
No sharks invested
Blackdot's Pitch Highlights
The founder, Joel Pennington, claims the tattoo industry is a multi-billion dollar market that hasn't seen much innovation in over 5,000 years.
The Black Dot tattooing device uses dots roughly the size of a human hair to create tattoos.
The company has four issued patents.
One of the sharks, Daymond John, claims to have over $300,000 worth of tattoos on his body.
One of Daymond's tattoos cost $70,000!
The Black Dot device is said to create less painful tattoos, rated 2 out of 10 on a pain scale, compared to traditional tattoos rated 5 to 8.
The company pivoted its business model from creating its own studios to leasing the Black Dot device to existing tattoo studios during the pitch itself
Each tattoo making machine costs $120,000 to $130,000
Blackdot Shark Tank Update
- Partnered with 40 modern studios globally.
- Developed a tattoo font engine for improved precision and design choices.
Key Milestones
2019 - Founded
2023 - First studio
Launched first automated tattoo studio in Austin, Texas
2025 - New innovation
Developed and deployed a tattoo font engine.
2025 - Expanded partnerships
Partnered with 40 studios internationally
