Where Is NightCap From Shark Tank Today?

Drink spiking is a major issue, especially for college women. Drugs used to spike drinks can cause confusion and incapacitation, leaving victims in a highly vulnerable state. While the exact figures are hard to verify due to under-reporting of sexual assault, a survey conducted by Alcohol.org found that 56% of women and 44% of men say they've had their drinks spiked.

Because drink spiking can have such serious consequences, there is some conflict about how to prevent the issue from occurring. The American Psychological Association states that prevention efforts should be focused on those doing the spiking by highlighting the significant moral issue of removing a person's ability to consent through substantial intoxication. 

However, people should also have the option of protecting themselves from harm when at a bar or attending a party. That was the goal of two entrepreneurs who appeared on "Shark Tank" to promote their anti-drink-spiking device.

According to the NightCap website, inventor Shirah Benarde got the idea for the device, which consists of a piece of fabric hidden in a common hair scrunchie, when she was just 16 years old. She eventually enlisted the help of her brother, Michael Benarde, who'd become aware of the risk of drink spiking while in college. The pair developed a prototype while securing funds via crowdfunding campaigns and entrepreneurial competitions. The early success resulted in their "Shark Tank" appearance, which was met with great interest.

The Benardes requested a $60,000 investment from the Sharks in exchange for 20% of their business (via YouTube). Lori Greiner was particularly impressed with the pitch. After the Benardes revealed their sales figures, as well as their strategy for boosting sales, Greiner proclaimed that the product was "genius" and that it "resonated deeply" with her. 

Accordingly, Greiner agreed to the pair's $60,000 request, albeit for a 25% stake in the company. The Benardes happily accepted Greiner's offer.

NightCap's success is particularly heartening because of the value the product offers the public. The device appears on the product page of Lori Greiner's website, where it's described as a "drink spiking prevention scrunchie." It can also be purchased on Amazon, and its Facebook page appears to be updated regularly. The NightCap also got a boost from singer/songwriter Julia Michaels, as noted by Greiner on Instagram.

The NightCap can be purchased from the website's product page and is available in multiple colors. There are also other items available for sale, including StopTopps, which are stickers that can be affixed to the tops of glasses to deter drink spiking. The company offers items for wholesale and even provides a drink spiking awareness course to help bar staff identify and prevent potential issues. 

While it's a shame that measures like this must be taken at all, it's good to know that there are people making a real effort to protect others from harm.