Shark Tank company Scrub Daddy was founded in 2012.
Aaron Krause created Scrub Daddy after developing a polymer foam that changes texture depending on water temperature. The material becomes firm in cold water for tougher scrubbing and softer in warm water for gentler cleaning.
Krause presented the smiling sponge on Shark Tank in 2012. Lori Greiner invested in the company, helping Scrub Daddy move from an invention into a widely distributed consumer product. Its distinctive face also functions as part of the design: the eyes hold fingers, while the mouth cleans both sides of utensils.
The founding year and the Shark Tank appearance occurred in the same year, which can make the dates easy to conflate. Scrub Daddy’s growth afterward made it one of the show’s best-known success stories.