645 Ecommerce Store Success Stories [2024]
An eCommerce business is a company that sells products or services online. Ecommerce businesses have many advantages over brick-and-mortar businesses, including lower overhead costs, increased flexibility and reach, and the ability to reach a wider audience.
eCommerce is booming right now because of the convenience and efficiency it offers consumers. Consumers can buy products from their favorite brands on a platform that makes the whole process easier than ever. They don't have to leave their homes or go out in public, they can just sit down at their computer, tablet or smartphone and browse through all of the options available to them.
To start an ecommerce business, you'll need to set up a website where customers can browse your inventory and purchase items, as well as payment processing software that allows you to accept credit card payments. You'll also need to choose a shopping cart software and manage inventory tracking software.
In this list, you'll find real-world ecommerce store success stories and very profitable examples of starting a ecommerce store that makes money.
1. OWC (Other World Computing, Inc.) ($162M/year)
Lawrence O'Connor, the founder of OWC, came up with the idea for his business when he realized there was a lack of consistent and reliable solutions in the computer technology industry. He started by offering upgrades and support for Apple products, and through word-of-mouth and strategic advertising, OWC grew to become a trusted source for hardware and software solutions with a solid year-over-year growth rate of 18.4% and over $148 million in revenue in 2020.
How much money it makes: $162M/year
How much did it cost to start: $20K
How many people on the team: 250
OWC Larry, founder and CEO of Other World Computing, shares how he started his business at a young age with just a credit card, now experiencing a solid year-over-year growth with a CAGR of 43.78% over the past 33 years.
2. BeatBox Beverages ($132M/year)
Justin Fenchel, co-founder and CEO of BeatBox Beverages, came up with the idea to create a party version of boxed wine with his friend Brad Schultz. They noticed the popularity of boxed wine like Franzia, but realized people weren't buying it for the taste, but for the affordability and convenience. Inspired by flavored malt beverages, they decided to create a fun flavored version of boxed wine for millennials. After testing their product at parties and receiving positive feedback, they knew they were onto something. With no prior alcohol industry experience, they navigated the complex laws and manufacturing process to bring their unique product to market. Since launching, they have grown their sales to $2.4 million in 2018 and hit $2 million in revenue in 2019.
How much money it makes: $132M/year
How much did it cost to start: $150K
How many people on the team: 164
BeatBox Beverages, a wine-based cocktail company, grew sales from $700k in 2016 to $2.4m in 2018 and is on track to hit $6m+ in 2019 through a unique and differentiated product, social media marketing, and an appearance on Shark Tank.
3. SNOW ($60M/year)
Josh Elizetxe, the founder of Snow, came up with the idea for his business after identifying a gap in the oral care market. He wanted to create a company that focused on consumers' cosmetic appearance and offered a range of oral care products. With the goal of providing a luxurious customer experience, Snow has experienced tremendous success, with an estimated $8-10 million in sales expected for December alone.
How much money it makes: $60M/year
How much did it cost to start: $150K
How many people on the team: 25
Josh Elizetxe built Snow, a luxury at-home teeth whitening kit and oral care products brand, from scratch, and is estimating to make $8-10 million in sales this December alone, with plans to expand into retail and launch at Life Time Fitness.
4. Hunt A Killer ($60M/year)
Ryan Hogan, co-founder and CEO of Hunt A Killer, came up with the idea for his subscription-based mystery game business after experiencing success and failure in the live event industry. Recognizing the popularity of escape rooms and interactive theater, he pivoted from live events to a subscription box model, immersing members in interactive stories and shipping thousands of episodes each week. With a diverse approach to customer acquisition and a unique sales funnel, Hunt A Killer has seen massive growth in the immersive entertainment space.
How much money it makes: $60M/year
How much did it cost to start: $2.5K
How many people on the team: 62
Hunt A Killer is a subscription-based entertainment company that delivers monthly immersive, interactive story experiences and has grown from 146 subscribers in October 2016 to shipping one million episodes in August 2019, with acquisition costs ranging from $50-60 and gross margins at/or above 60%.
5. Diesel Laptops ($50.4M/year)
Tyler Robertson, founder and CEO of Diesel Laptops, came up with the idea for his business while working at commercial truck dealerships. After seeing the complexity and cost of truck diagnostics, he found a software program in Canada that could make diagnostics easier, and started selling kits on eBay. This side business eventually became Diesel Laptops, a company that offers bundled kits, technical support, and repair information to the diesel industry.
How much money it makes: $50.4M/year
How many people on the team: 180
Diesel Laptops, a B2B company that sells diesel diagnostic hardware, software, and services, successfully doubled revenue each year to make $20 million annually within three years, grew from its founder's garage and dining room table to a 21,000 square foot facility with over 90 employees by listening to customer pain points and offering the bundled products, technical support and repair information to attract and retain diesel technicians and repair shop owners.
6. Xero Shoes ($48M/year)
Steven Sashen, co-founder and CEO of Xero Shoes, came up with the idea for his business after experiencing the benefits of barefoot running. He designed his own "barefoot sandals" based on ancient designs and started selling DIY sandal making kits. Through online marketing strategies and identifying target customers, Xero Shoes quickly grew into a successful business.
How much money it makes: $48M/year
How many people on the team: 67
Xero Shoes, co-founded by Steven Sashen, is a minimalist shoe company that has grown at a rate of 80-102% per year since 2014, with 2017 sales of $5.53M, and has been repeatedly listed as one of INC. 5000’s fastest-growing companies, and has a projected $15M in sales for 2019.
7. Tediber ($42M/year)
Tediber was founded by the founder and his two co-founders, Juan Pablo and Jean-Christophe, who previously worked on a humanitarian project manufacturing cardboard furniture. After gaining experience in the e-commerce industry, the founders decided to start a high-value product business. They were inspired by Tuft & Needle, an American bed-in-a-box company, and created Tediber, a leading bed-in-box company in France. From their extensive research and prototyping, they developed a mattress that fits the French market's expectation for firm bedding. Since their launch, Tediber has successfully attracted and retained customers through word-of-mouth and a low return rate of 4%.
How much money it makes: $42M/year
How much did it cost to start: $100K
How many people on the team: 40
Tediber is France's leading Bed-in-box company, generating €15 million in revenue in 2018, and offering a range of bedding products sold online in France, Italy, and Spain, with quality products manufactured locally and sold at a good price.
8. Bare Performance Nutrition ($42M/year)
Nick Bare, the founder of Bare Performance Nutrition, came up with the idea for his sports nutrition and health supplement company while studying Nutrition in college and struggling to afford pre-workout supplements. He and his friends decided to make their own, and after realizing the demand for such products, Bare launched his brand while serving in the Army. In its first year, the company made $15,000 in revenue, and now, it is on track to do $6 million in revenue for the year.
How much money it makes: $42M/year
How much did it cost to start: $20K
How many people on the team: 42
A military officer turned entrepreneur built sports nutrition brand Bare Performance Nutrition from $15,000 in year one to on track to generate $6m in revenue this year, leveraging social media platforms and creating interactive, relatable and valuable content to create a community and a brand voice.
9. Renogy ($39.2M/year)
Yi Li, founder of Renogy, came up with the idea for his renewable energy company during his Ph.D. studies in Physics. Through a research project related to alternative energy, he saw the potential of solar power to change the world and make a positive impact. He founded Renogy with the aim of making solar accessible and easy to understand for the average consumer, starting from his apartment and now generating $60 million in annual revenue.
How much money it makes: $39.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $160K
How many people on the team: 45
Renogy, a renewable energy company, founded by Yi Li, specializes in providing DIY solar solutions for everyday life and makes $60 million a year with a growing customer base through e-commerce platforms and partnerships with select social media users.
10. Growers House ($37.2M/year)
Nate Lipton, the founder of GG Growth, a group of cannabis and hemp companies, came up with the idea for his business after working for various cannabis-related companies and recognizing the potential in supplying equipment and services to the industry. With $150k in investments, Nate opened GrowersHouse.com in 2011 and focused on both an e-commerce store and a walk-in store to serve the growing market.
How much money it makes: $37.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $150K
How many people on the team: 50
How Nate Lipton built a $35M plant-growing empire, with an e-commerce store generating $2.9M per month, a cannabis growers forum earning $100k per month, and a YouTube series gaining 100k views per month, all while navigating through regulatory obstacles in the cannabis industry.
11. Love Good Fats ($36M/year)
Suzie Yorke, a CPG marketing executive and fitness enthusiast, came up with the idea for Love Good Fats after shifting to a high-fat, low-carb, low-sugar diet and struggling to find convenient snacks that fit her new lifestyle. Recognizing a gap in the market, she developed a line of delicious, healthy, and keto-friendly bars. Since its launch, Love Good Fats has achieved rapid growth, generating over $120 million in cumulative sales and expanding to over 10,000 stores in North America.
How much money it makes: $36M/year
How much did it cost to start: $400
How many people on the team: 20
Love Good Fats, a Canadian-based family of food products, has already exceeded $120 million in cumulative sales and is one of the fastest-growing bar brands in North America, thanks to founder Suzie Yorke's mission to bring back good fats and say goodbye to sugar.
12. FactoryPure ($36M/year)
Eugene Ravitsky and his brother, Mike, co-founded FactoryPure after their previous venture in eCommerce ran into trouble. They identified air purifiers as a niche category with potential, built relationships with manufacturers, and utilized a drop-ship model to bootstrap the business. Today, FactoryPure generates around $3M per month in revenue and has achieved consistent growth by carefully managing gross margins and ad spend.
How much money it makes: $36M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
How many people on the team: 12
Two brothers co-founded FactoryPure, an online retailer with a focus on generators, which generated around $3M per month in revenue and had cumulative sales of $6.1M in 2018.
13. Underground Printing ($36M/year)
UGP co-founders Rishi Narayan and Ryan Gregg started their business in 2001 as a t-shirt company called A-1 Screenprinting. They focused on providing exceptional customer service to college students and quickly expanded their production capabilities by acquiring another screen printer, which led to a name change to Underground Printing. They opened their first retail storefront in 2008 and have since grown to 35+ locations nationwide, generating over $1 million in revenue in their first year. Their commitment to customer service and investment in manufacturing and technology has propelled their success.
How much money it makes: $36M/year
How many people on the team: 250
National custom printing apparel and promotional products provider, Underground Printing, shares their start-up success story which has led them to be ranked amongst Inc. Magazine’s 5000 fastest-growing companies for three years running, with a customer-centric business model driving strong word-of-mouth promotion.
14. Blindster ($36M/year)
Kyle Cox, Founder and CEO of Blindster, came up with the idea for his business after purchasing blinds for his new home and realizing that the existing online shopping experience was lacking. He saw an opportunity to create a true eCommerce experience for custom window treatments and provide exceptional customer service. With $50k in initial start-up costs, Blindster launched in 2010 and has since achieved tremendous growth, with record sales of $39MM in 2020.
How much money it makes: $36M/year
How much did it cost to start: $50K
How many people on the team: 30
Blindster, a leading custom window treatment eCommerce retailer, achieved record sales of $39MM in 2020, experiencing a 60% increase over 2019, by focusing on over-the-top customer service with a six-week training program for customer service reps and a Fit-or-Free guarantee, among other marketing tactics.
15. ShipHero ($28.8M/year)
Nicholas Daniel-Richards and Aaron Rubin founded ShipHero in 2013 after experiencing frustrations with legacy warehousing software. They saw a market for a more accessible solution that could work on iPhones or tablets, offering features like order management and integration with e-commerce channels. Since then, ShipHero has grown to bootstrapped revenues of $30 million annually, processing over $5 billion of e-commerce gross merchandise volume annually.
How much money it makes: $28.8M/year
How many people on the team: 193
ShipHero co-founders built their successful e-commerce fulfillment business, offering warehouse management software and outsourced eCommerce fulfillment, growing revenues from zero to $30 million annually, processing over $5 billion of e-commerce gross merchandise volume (GMV) annually while only having received $435,000 in outside capital investment.
16. Scribit ($27.6M/year)
Scribit, the team behind the world's first write & erase robot, was founded less than a year ago and has already raised an impressive $2,375,126 from over 6000 backers. The idea for Scribit originated from a concept designed by influential innovator Carlo Ratti in 2015, and the team behind the start-up brought the concept to life through crowdfunding and the use of high-quality components.
How much money it makes: $27.6M/year
How many people on the team: 14
Italian start-up, Scribit, raises over $2.3 million on Indiegogo for their write and erase robot that draws digital content on any wall, with orders mainly from art, tech, and business enthusiasts, as well as the education sector, and plans to expand worldwide after delivering to initial backers.
17. Marshal Group LLC ($27.6M/year)
Marshal Group LLC was founded in 2007 with the idea of exporting vehicles from the U.S. and Canada to destinations abroad. The founder, who had a deep passion for cars and experience in the car sales industry, had a game-changing moment when someone from Iceland won a bid on one of his cars on eBay, leading him to realize the vast market for exporting cars. Since then, the business has grown significantly, with $26 million in revenue in its first two years of operation.
How much money it makes: $27.6M/year
How many people on the team: 5
Learn how one entrepreneur, without a college degree, built a vehicle exporting business from his bedroom to $26 million in gross sales his first year and went on to net an impressive $2.3M per month through agile team management, technology integration, and cultivating relationships with global auto dealers and brokers.
18. TruTech Tools, LTD ($27.5M/year)
Bill Spohn, the founder of TruTech Tools, had a background in the HVAC/R industry and recognized the pain points that technicians faced in finding and purchasing tools and test instruments. Along with his business partner, Jim Bergmann, they envisioned creating a one-stop-shop for these products. They started the business in 2007 and have since experienced significant growth, with projected sales of $16 million in 2020 and recognition on the Inc 5000 list multiple times.
How much money it makes: $27.5M/year
How much did it cost to start: $19.7K
How many people on the team: 27
TruTech Tools, LTD is one of the largest online stores in the niche market of tools and test instruments for HVAC/R Technicians, with $16 million in sales in 2020 and 20% YoY growth thanks to a focus on providing an exceptional customer experience and staying true to their core values.
19. Mattress Depot USA ($24M/year)
growth, it can lead to a quick demise. Therefore, we have always focused on smart and sustainable growth strategies.
One of the most effective tactics that has helped us attract and retain customers is our emphasis on providing exceptional customer service. We believe that the customer experience is crucial, especially in a competitive industry like retail. By hiring knowledgeable and friendly staff, offering personalized sleep consultations, and providing hassle-free returns and exchanges, we have been able to build a loyal customer base.
In terms of marketing, we have utilized a combination of traditional and digital channels. Initially, we relied heavily on classified ads and print media, which helped us reach local customers and create awareness about our low prices. As technology evolved, we adapted our marketing strategies and ventured into online platforms such as Craigslist and eventually launched our own website.
Our website not only serves as an informational resource but also allows customers to conveniently browse and purchase products online. We have integrated e-commerce features and implemented efficient order fulfillment and delivery processes to ensure a seamless shopping experience.
Additionally, we have implemented a referral program to incentivize our satisfied customers to spread the word about our brand. By providing discounts or special offers to customers who refer their friends and family, we have been able to leverage the power of word-of-mouth marketing and generate a steady stream of new customers.
In summary, our focus on exceptional customer service, strategic marketing efforts, and continuous improvement in our online presence have been key factors in attracting and retaining customers for our business.
How much money it makes: $24M/year
How much did it cost to start: $10K
How many people on the team: 70
Learn how Mattress Depot USA went from operating out of a warehouse to becoming a specialty sleep omnichannel retailer with $24M in yearly revenue by offering customers a low-cost, high-quality mattress buying experience.
20. Stuckey’s Corporation ($24M/year)
In 2019, Stephanie Stuckey bought back her family's roadside retail chain, Stuckey's, which had fallen into corporate control and lost many stores. With a focus on brand loyalty and word-of-mouth marketing, Stephanie managed to turn a profit within six months and has since expanded the business by purchasing a pecan shelling and candy-making plant. Stuckey's is now reviving the nostalgic brand by offering a variety of pecan snacks and candies, and they are focused on expanding their online and retail presence.
How much money it makes: $24M/year
How much did it cost to start: $35
How many people on the team: 40
Stuckey's, the first roadside retail chain founded in 1937 by W.S. Stuckey, Sr., went through corporate leadership before Stephanie Stuckey bought the company in 2019 and, within six months, managed to start turning a profit by relying on brand loyalty and word-of-mouth marketing to focus on product sales and re-interest in road-tripping.
21. Fragrancebuy Canada ($24M/year)
Fragrancebuy's founder, with a background in Business and a Bachelor's degree, spotted the rise of warehouse sales and online shopping after graduating from the University of Toronto. Seeing an opportunity to offer low prices and a satisfying online shopping experience, they started Canada's largest online fragrance retailer, using a Five P marketing analysis and adding value at every stage of the customer's purchasing experience. With the help of the Shopify platform, they were able to expand their client base, improve cash flow, and emerge as a stronger company.
How much money it makes: $24M/year
How many people on the team: 10
Canadian fragrance retailer, Fragrancebuy, shares how they became one of the fastest-growing companies in Canada and the USA, by focusing on adding value at every stage of the customer's purchasing experience and using platforms such as Shopify, Google Adwords, and Facebook Ads.
22. Hairstory™ ($24M/year)
Eli Halliwell, the co-founder and CEO of Hairstory, came up with the idea for the business after witnessing the decline of the professional hair care channel due to the rise of eCommerce. He realized that technology could enable hairdressers to participate in eCommerce, leading to the creation of Hairstory. The company generated $30 million in sales in 2021 and has been self-funding since its founding in 2015.
How much money it makes: $24M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5M
How many people on the team: 26
Hairstory, a haircare startup, is on track to generate $30 million in sales this year, profitably, after having been self-funded since its inception in 2015, and implementing a DTC and hairdresser-perpetual-affiliate marketing model.
23. US-Mattress ($24M/year)
Joe Nashif, the founder of US-Mattress.com, came up with the idea while working in the auto industry and feeling frustrated with his lack of advancement. He started his first online business selling appliances before transitioning into the mattress industry, becoming the first to sell mattresses online. Despite facing competition from giants and direct-to-consumer brands, US-Mattress.com now generates an impressive $750,000 per month in revenue.
How much money it makes: $24M/year
How much did it cost to start: $1.5K
How many people on the team: 100
Meet Joe Nashif, the founder of US-Mattress.com, who started his business with just $1,500 and now generates $750,000 a month as an online mattress retailer shipping across the US and also having a number of stores in Michigan, specializing in offering name-brand and lesser-known mattresses.
24. Hush Blankets ($24M/year)
Two young entrepreneurs from Toronto who had backgrounds in software and the restaurant industry came up with the idea for Hush Blankets after one of them experienced the benefits of a weighted blanket while working at a camp for special needs children. They quickly launched their online store using Shopify, funded the production themselves, and have seen rapid growth through advertising on platforms like AdWords and Facebook.
How much money it makes: $24M/year
How much did it cost to start: $200K
How many people on the team: 20
Toronto-based entrepreneurs grow their side hustle into a rapidly expanding business, Hush Blankets, boasting 300% month-over-month growth with sales averaging $15,000 a day, focused on creating the ultimate weighted blankets to help users reduce anxiety, stress, and insomnia.
25. TomboyX ($24M/year)
Fran Dunaway, CEO and Co-Founder of TomboyX, came up with the idea for their gender-neutral underwear and loungewear company when they launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund their button-up shirt production. However, they soon realized that the name "TomboyX" was resonating with a wide audience, leading them to pivot and focus on creating boxer briefs for women, which became their hero product. With consistent revenue growth of over 100% each year, TomboyX has become a successful and inclusive lifestyle brand.
How much money it makes: $24M/year
How much did it cost to start: $40K
How many people on the team: 34
TomboyX, a gender-neutral clothing company, has consistently increased its revenue over 100% each year and expanded from zero employees to 15 in just two years by focusing on quality underwear and listening to customer feedback.
26. QALO ($24M/year)
KC Holiday and Ted Baker, co-founders of QALO, came up with the idea for their functional wedding ring business after getting married and realizing that traditional metal rings didn't fit their active lifestyles. They spent six months developing and manufacturing their silicone rings, and launched their online store in 2013. Their dedication paid off as they now have over 2 million customers and are set to exceed $100 million in total revenue this year.
How much money it makes: $24M/year
How many people on the team: 45
QALO co-founders transformed the jewelry industry with their innovative focus on product evolution, resulting in over 2 million community members and more than $100M in revenue since 2013.
27. iHeartDogs ($22M/year)
Justin Palmer and Marshall Morris came up with the idea for iHeartDogs after building large dog-themed Facebook communities. They realized the potential for a business centered around dog lovers and decided to create a brand that sold physical products and also served as a media property for advertising. The success of their first product, a beaded bracelet that represented meals donated to shelter pets, propelled them forward and they have since raised over $300,000 for various charitable causes. They have been profitable since their first month of operation and continue to grow on their own terms without outside funding.
How much money it makes: $22M/year
How many people on the team: 50
iHeartDogs is a lifestyle store and blog with over 25 million members in its Facebook communities, which sells products for pet dogs and donates to specific programs that rescue animals, totaling over 1.5 million pet heroes served.
28. Pawstruck ($21M/year)
Kyle, the founder and CEO of Pawstruck.com, came up with the idea for his business after struggling to find healthy, all-natural dog treats for his puppy. Frustrated by the lack of options, he decided to start his own e-commerce business to supply other pet owners with high-quality and reasonably priced dog products. With a dedicated team and a strong focus on customer retention, Pawstruck.com has experienced rapid growth, earning a spot on the Inc 500 list and projected revenue in the eight figures.
How much money it makes: $21M/year
How many people on the team: 25
Pawstruck.com founder and CEO Kyle Goguen shares the story of how his all-natural, reasonably-priced pet supply e-commerce business became one of the fastest growing companies in the US, ranking #87 on the Inc 500 in 2018, and is projected to surpass 8 figures in revenue in 2019.
29. ProjectorScreen.com ($20.4M/year)
Brian Gluck, the founder of ProjectorScreen.com, came up with the idea for his business after identifying an opportunity in the projector screen market. After working at a catalog company and growing their B2C channel to a $4 million/year business, he decided to start his own company focusing on projector screens. Despite facing a lawsuit from his previous employer, Gluck successfully launched ProjectorScreen.com, which has experienced tremendous growth and averages over $1 million in sales per month in 2021.
How much money it makes: $20.4M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
How many people on the team: 12
ProjectorScreen.com has experienced an average growth rate of 40%-60%, averaging over $1,000,000 in sales per month in 2021, focusing primarily on the mid-to-premium market, selling projectors, screens, and related audio-visual equipment to both the residential and commercial markets, while distinguishing themselves as an unparalleled source of pre-sales advice and post-sale customer support.
30. Flight Expert Bangladesh ($18M/year)
Salman Rashid, Founder & CEO of Flight Expert, came up with the idea for his business after realizing the potential of online travel agencies in Bangladesh. Seeing the decline in revenue in his family's offline-based travel agency, Salman suggested starting an OTA to his father. Despite initial skepticism, Salman recognized the need for better technology, service culture, and the value of brand trust in the industry, leading to the launch of Flight Expert in 2017.
How much money it makes: $18M/year
How much did it cost to start: $80K
How many people on the team: 60
How a first-time founder grew the first-ever online travel agency in Bangladesh to 700+ airlines and one million-plus hotels worldwide, with a 50% increase in revenue in October 2021 compared to pre-Covid sales and aiming to hit break-even by March 2022.
31. Ekster ($18M/year)
Ekster was founded by Olivier Momma, Rick Scharnigg, and Richard Canneman, who were frustrated by the lack of innovation in everyday carry items like wallets. After validating their idea through market research and raising over $1 million on Kickstarter, they launched their flagship product, the Parliament wallet with a quick card access mechanism. They have since expanded their product line and become the world's "most successful smart wallet brand."
How much money it makes: $18M/year
How many people on the team: 18
Ekster founders discuss how they raised over $1M on Kickstarter, became the world’s “most successful smart wallet brand” according to Forbes, and offer advice for other entrepreneurs on using crowdfunding for market validation and early-stage funding.
32. iCard ($18M/year)
Yavor Petrov, the CEO of iCard, and his co-founder Christo Georgiev, came up with the idea for their digital bank account alternative back in 2007. They wanted to innovate and redefine card payments, making them more accessible and affordable. They built a real-time transaction processing system integrated with major card schemes, and since the launch in 2017, the iCard app has gained around 500,000 downloads and is used by people in over 30 European countries.
How much money it makes: $18M/year
How many people on the team: 200
iCard is a leading e-money institution that offers a unique and 100% digital bank account alternative, with their app and services supporting the daily payments of people in over 30 European countries, and since launch in late 2017, the iCard app has seen around 500,000 downloads.
33. CanvasChamp ($18M/year)
Jainam Shah came up with the idea for CanvasChamp when his father expressed a desire to frame their favorite family photos in a more artistic way. Shah noticed a gap in the market for high-quality but affordable personalized products and decided to focus on delivering premium products at lower prices. Since its launch in 2012, CanvasChamp has expanded its product range and generates over $1.5 million in monthly revenue.
How much money it makes: $18M/year
How much did it cost to start: $10K
How many people on the team: 180
CanvasChamp, a custom photo products company founded in 2012, has grown to offer 60+ personalized photo gift products with revenue of 1.5m$+/mo through SEO and successful digital marketing strategies.
34. NG Apparels ($16M/year)
Arpit Aryan Gupta, the founder of NG Apparels, came up with the idea for his garment export business after his father lost a significant amount of money in the 2008 US market crash. Seeing the potential in Ludhiana's clothing manufacturing ecosystem, Gupta decided to establish a clothing manufacturing unit in 2012. With a turnover of 12cr ($1,581,547), NG Apparels has experienced exponential growth and serves clients in the US, UK, Australia, and other countries.
How much money it makes: $16M/year
How much did it cost to start: $10K
How many people on the team: 42
NG Apparels is a garment export unit based in Ludhiana that caters to the clothing segments worldwide, boasting a turnover of $1,581,547 without loans or credit card limits.
35. Tuft & Paw ($15.6M/year)
Jackson Cunningham, the founder of tuft + paw, came up with the idea for his business when he rescued a cat and realized there were no high-quality cat products available. He started by importing beautiful cat furniture and eventually launched a successful Kickstarter campaign for a modern litter box, raising over $150k. Today, tuft + paw is thriving, with monthly sales exceeding $300k and $2M in funding from investors like Alexis Ohanian.
How much money it makes: $15.6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $1K
How many people on the team: 14
Tuft + Paw, a modern cat brand founded by Jackson Cunningham, started as an importer of exquisite cat furniture and, after raising $150k from Kickstarter, graduated to manufacturing products, seeing sales grow to over $300k per month and now raising $2m from famed investors including Alexis Ohanian.
36. ENVO Drive ($14.4M/year)
Ali Kazemkhani, founder of EBikeBC and ENVO Drive Systems, had a passion for electric mobility since he was young. As an engineer, he developed the idea of using an electric motor to assist uphill biking. After gaining experience in the industry and moving to Canada, he launched his business by selling electric bike conversion kits and providing customized solutions for customers. The company has experienced steady growth, expanded its product offerings, and now has a network of over 120 dealers.
How much money it makes: $14.4M/year
How much did it cost to start: $50K
How many people on the team: 30
ENVO Drive Systems, an e-mobility product development and retail company, has doubled growth year over year, expanded its B2B dealer network from 30 to 120, and has surpassed its consumer base to more than 20k riders, all while designing and building affordable clean mobility solutions for the future.
37. Bells of Steel ($14.4M/year)
Bells of Steel founder, Kaevon Khoozani, came up with the idea for his fitness equipment business after realizing the lack of availability of equipment for his own strength training. He started by ordering equipment from China and selling it directly to his network, eventually growing the business to achieve $15 million in sales in 2021. His focus on creating high-value products and leveraging word-of-mouth marketing has contributed to the company's success.
How much money it makes: $14.4M/year
How much did it cost to start: $3.5K
How many people on the team: 38
Bells of Steel, an e-commerce fitness equipment company, generated $15 million in sales by creating a high-value product line and focusing on word-of-mouth marketing, email marketing, and social media ads.
38. Concrete Countertop Solutions ($13.2M/year)
Ed Baldoni, the founder of Concrete Countertop Solutions, came up with the idea for his business after discovering concrete countertops at a national home show. As a developer with 40 years of experience, Baldoni saw the potential in offering a simpler way to build concrete countertops and created the Z Counterform System. With the help of instructional videos, strategic partnerships, and a focus on attracting the DIY market, the business has grown to generate over $12 million in revenue in just 10 years.
How much money it makes: $13.2M/year
How many people on the team: 10
Concrete Countertop Solutions, a small but dedicated team that has grown from an idea to over $12M in revenue in 10 years, has succeeded by expanding into the swimming pool industry and investing in advertising, with their instructional videos and targeted social media campaigns contributing to their accelerated growth.
39. LacedUp ($13.2M/year)
Andrew Pevzner and his brother, Phillip, started their business journey at a young age with various ventures. Their transition into the world of high-end collectible sneakers came when they opened a retail store called Flowboard, and after realizing the potential in the resale shoe market, they rebranded the store to focus on sneakers and launched Laced Up. With a passion for business and hard work, they successfully grew Laced Up into a chain of four retail stores and a thriving online business, achieving over $5 million in annual sales.
How much money it makes: $13.2M/year
How many people on the team: 40
Two brothers built a $5M annual sales business, Laced Up, from a lawn care service they started at age 10, and have since grown from one store to 4 locations in New York and New Jersey, specializing in high-end collectible sneakers and providing great customer service.
40. Tandoor Morni ($12M/year)
Bitu Aulakh, an MBA graduate and immigrant to North America, saw a gap in the market for high-quality Tandoor Ovens while importing rice and pulses. This sparked his entrepreneurial spirit, leading him to create Tandoor Morni, now generating $1 million in monthly revenue.
How much money it makes: $12M/year
How much did it cost to start: $10M
How many people on the team: 5
Case study: Tandoor Morni, the largest Tandoor Oven manufacturer and supplier in North America, achieves a monthly revenue of $1,000,000 by focusing on understanding customer needs, investing in R&D, and delivering high-quality products.
41. Chibi Dinos ($12M/year)
Sean Kelly, the co-founder of Chibi Dinos NFT, came up with the idea to create a play-to-earn NFT community that combines basketball, collectibles, and dinosaurs. Inspired by his previous experience in the NFT industry and his passion for basketball, Sean partnered with his girlfriend to create Chibi Dinos. The project quickly gained traction, with the presale and public sale selling out in record time and generating $2.4 million in revenue.
How much money it makes: $12M/year
How much did it cost to start: $100K
How many people on the team: 10
Chibi Dinos NFT, a play-to-earn NFT community co-founded by 25-year-old Sean Kelly, earned $2.4M in revenue during its initial sale, reinvesting 60% of its earnings into staffing and marketing while earning $2,005.0453th in secondary sales on OpenSea, thanks to tapping into Twitter users as part of its marketing strategy.
42. Yuba Cargo Bikes ($12M/year)
Ben Sarrazin, Founder and CEO of the Yuba Group, came up with the idea for his load-carrying bicycle business after witnessing how bikes could improve the lives of small businesses and families in remote areas. Despite having little money and no industry experience, Sarrazin invested everything he had into Yuba Bicycles and has since built a $15M company that has put over 50,000 cargo bicycles on the road.
How much money it makes: $12M/year
How much did it cost to start: $6K
How many people on the team: 30
Yuba Group has pioneered the field of an entirely new segment in the cargo bicycle industry, with a 15-year-old company that has put over 50,000 cargo bicycles on the road, becoming a $15M company.
43. Supplies For Candles ($12M/year)
Nicky Story, the CEO of Supplies For Candles, came up with the idea for her business after selling soap-making supplies and receiving suggestions from customers to sell candle supplies as well. With just £10,000 as startup capital, she carefully selected stock, developed a website, and focused on marketing to make her business a success. Today, her multi-million-pound business empire serves over 100,000 customers across Europe and is predicted to turn over £18m this year.
How much money it makes: $12M/year
How much did it cost to start: $10K
How many people on the team: 100
Learn how 30-year-old Nicky Story went from having a side hustle business in her garage to a multi-million-pound business empire, employing over 100 people, and predicted to turn over £18m this year through selling candle and soap making ingredients and products while targeting both B2C and B2B.
44. Mobile Pixels ($12M/year)
Jack Yao, the founder of Mobile Pixels Inc, came up with the idea for their business while interning at Amazon and working in a co-working space. Frustrated with the limited screen space on his laptop, he wished for a portable monitor that could expand from the back of the main display. Yao and his roommate Stephen prototyped the idea and successfully raised $1.5 million in presales through a Kickstarter/IndieGoGo campaign. Their product, the Duex monitor, generated $4.3 million in sales in 2019 and is projected to reach $12 million in sales for 2020.
How much money it makes: $12M/year
How much did it cost to start: $100K
How many people on the team: 4
Mobile Pixels Inc developed a portable monitor for laptops, the Duex, which raised $1.5m in pre-sales on Kickstarter/IndieGoGo and generated $4.3m in 2019 and is on track to bring in $12m in 2020, by pivoting to adjacent verticals based on the market and attracting attention through word-of-mouth branding.
45. Annmarie ($12M/year)
Kevin Gianni, the founder of Annmarie Skin Care, stumbled upon the idea for his business while researching natural health therapies. After traveling the world and discovering a line of skincare products that aligned with his values, he partnered with the owner to bring the line to the wider public. With a platform already established through their YouTube channel, the business was able to launch successfully and continues to grow.
How much money it makes: $12M/year
How many people on the team: 26
Kevin Gianni, CEO and founder of Annmarie Skin Care reveals how he and his wife went from being youtubers to having the ability to run their seven-figure, natural, organic skincare and beauty company, with over 105k subscribers, using their existing platform.
46. Overgear ($12M/year)
Tony Doronin, along with his partners Dmitriy Beseda and Alex Karetin, founded Overgear, a gaming marketplace that offers gaming assistance and training services. Alex, who had experience in investment projects and a passion for gaming, saw the lack of competition in the gaming services market and the potential for a project that provided a higher level of user experience. They launched Overgear in 2017 and have since expanded their services to different gaming disciplines, generating $1 million in monthly revenue.
How much money it makes: $12M/year
How much did it cost to start: $50K
How many people on the team: 36
Overgear, a gaming marketplace offering assistance and training in WoW, Path of Exile, Destiny, Call of Duty, and Valorant, saw over $8 million in revenue and a 6x increase in clients in the past year by prioritizing user experience and customer retention through SEO and Google Ads, reinvesting profits, and creating a user-friendly product, amongst other things.
47. State Bicycle Co. ($12M/year)
Mehdi Farsi and his brother Reza noticed a gap in the market for affordable and attractive complete bicycles. With their background in cycling and business, they decided to start State Bicycle Co. in 2009. Since then, the company has grown to over $50 million in annual sales and has become a trusted and well-known brand in the industry through strategies such as sponsoring talented riders and building a strong social media presence.
How much money it makes: $12M/year
How much did it cost to start: $30K
How many people on the team: 15
"Co-founders of State Bicycle Co. reveal how they bootstrapped their company to over $50M in annual sales and produced over 100,000 bikes by creating a trusted brand through word-of-mouth and social media, sponsoring talented riders, limited-edition releases, and focusing on product quality."
48. Jigsaw Health ($12M/year)
Patrick Sullivan Jr., along with his father, founded Jigsaw Health in 2005 after his dad struggled with health challenges for years. The idea for their dietary supplement business came when they realized the need for a magnesium supplement that didn't act as a laxative, and they created MagSRT. Now, Jigsaw Health has grown 181% in the past 5 years, with over 80% of revenue coming from direct-to-consumer sales.
How much money it makes: $12M/year
How many people on the team: 24
This case study follows the journey of Jigsaw Health, a dietary supplement company that grew 181% in the past 5 years, with 80% of revenue coming direct-to-consumer, bridging the gap between health and entertainment.
49. CROSSNET ($12M/year)
Chris Meade, co-founder of CROSSNET, came up with the idea for their four-way volleyball game during a brainstorming session with his brother and co-founder. After realizing that no one had ever invented a four-way volleyball game, they quickly created a prototype and received positive feedback from beachgoers, which led them to make multiple product improvements before officially launching the business.
How much money it makes: $12M/year
How many people on the team: 2
CROSSNET, the world's first four-way volleyball game, went from $74,000 in revenue in 2018 to $2,250,000 in sales in just one year by attracting customers through social media, email marketing, and exclusive distribution agreements with retailers like Target.
50. Shark Wheel ($12M/year)
proven to be effective in raising funds and generating buzz for our products. Through strategic marketing and advertising campaigns, we were able to attract a large number of backers and customers to our crowdfunding campaigns.
Media Exposure Appearances on popular TV shows like Shark Tank and features in major publications helped us gain widespread exposure and reach a larger audience. The credibility and visibility that came from these media appearances played a significant role in attracting and retaining customers.
Partnerships and Collaborations By partnering with well-known brands and influencers in the skateboarding and outdoor industries, we were able to tap into their existing customer base and leverage their influence to promote our products. Collaborations helped us reach new customers and build brand awareness.
Quality and Unique Product The unique and scientifically proven advantages of Shark Wheel gave us a competitive edge in the market. We focused on producing high-quality products that exceeded customer expectations. By consistently delivering a superior product, we were able to retain customers and build a loyal customer base.
Customer Service and Engagement We prioritized customer satisfaction and provided exceptional customer service. Responding promptly to inquiries, addressing concerns, and going above and beyond to meet customer needs helped us foster strong relationships with our customers and retain their loyalty.
Overall, a combination of effective marketing strategies, media exposure, partnerships, and a quality product with excellent customer service contributed to attracting and retaining customers for Shark Wheel.
How much money it makes: $12M/year
How much did it cost to start: $100K
How many people on the team: 4
Shark Wheel reinvented the wheel, starting in the skateboard industry with a highly successful Kickstarter campaign and going on to secure issued patents in over 33 countries, with plans to expand into the industrial market.
51. Down4SoundShop.Com ($12M/year)
Johnathan Price, owner of Down4soundshop.com, came up with the idea for his car audio distribution business after receiving compliments for his impressive car audio system at various car shows. Realizing there was a demand for the equipment he used, Price decided to start selling it himself. Despite having no prior knowledge about running a business, he took the leap and is now projected to break $10 million in sales.
How much money it makes: $12M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
How many people on the team: 5
This case study follows the success story of a car audio enthusiast who started a business selling audio products, projecting to break 10 million dollars in sales this year, using word of mouth, social media and streamlined team members to build the business.
52. Trunki ($12M/year)
Rob Law, founder of Trunki, came up with the idea for a ride-on suitcase for kids while browsing through a department store during his time as a product design student. He realized that ride-on toys wasted a lot of space and decided to create a suitcase that maximized internal space while also entertaining kids. After facing setbacks, such as a failed licensing deal and a humiliating experience on Dragons' Den, Law persevered and turned Trunki into a global brand, selling over 4 million suitcases in over 100 countries.
How much money it makes: $12M/year
How much did it cost to start: $15K
How many people on the team: 80
Trunki CEO and Founder Rob Law turned his innovative ride-on kids suitcase design into a global lifestyle brand, selling over 4 million suitcases in over 100 countries and earning £9.5 million in 2019, by understanding his customers and prioritizing customer service and reviews.
53. The Wine Spies ($12M/year)
Red, the founder of The Wine Spies, came up with the idea for his business after working in high-tech and eCommerce. He partnered with a friend from a previous project and realized that there was a need for a trusted online source for fine wines. Red went door to door, convincing wineries to join their flash sale business model, and eventually earned their trust and built a loyal customer base. The Wine Spies became profitable within six months and continues to grow today.
How much money it makes: $12M/year
How many people on the team: 6
The Wine Spies is an online wine marketplace, founded in 2007, that only sells wines it loves and has a fiercely loyal customer base that has kept the company profitable and growing steadily with over a decade of exceptional service and value.
54. INFINITE DISCS ($12M/year)
Alan Barker, the founder of Infinite Discs, started the business as a side project after playing disc golf in 2012. It began as a hobby to test new disc golf products, but quickly grew into the largest direct-to-consumer disc golf retailer in the world. Barker capitalized on the growing popularity of disc golf and created the most user-friendly website with informative content, a wide range of inventory, and unique disc artwork. The business now generates $12 million annually and employs over 50 people.
How much money it makes: $12M/year
How much did it cost to start: $50K
How many people on the team: 30
Infinite Discs is the largest direct-to-consumer disc golf retailer in the world, generating $12m annually by starting as a side project and adapting to become the most user-friendly website with unique disc artwork, as well as creating their own products and expanding to wholesale, all while dealing with the challenges of managing growth.
55. Wyze Cam ($12M/year)
Yun Zhang and his team at Wyze Labs, all former Amazon employees, identified the lack of affordable and user-friendly smart home products in the market. With their extensive knowledge of retail operations, they decided to create Wyze, offering high-quality smart home cameras and other products at disruptive prices. Since their launch in 2017, they have sold over 300,000 units and have fostered a thriving user community.
How much money it makes: $12M/year
How many people on the team: 30
Wyze Labs' CEO and founding members, who met while working at Amazon, have successfully launched their first product, a smart home camera, in October 2017, selling over 300k units within the first six months, using a direct-to-consumer low margin, high volume model along with their strong relationships with suppliers in China.
56. BombTech Golf ($12M/year)
Sully, the founder of BombTech Golf, came up with the idea for his business after realizing the need for premium golf clubs designed specifically for "regular" golfers. He started by wholesaling and building custom golf drivers, and after receiving his first sale notification while on a boat, he knew that he had found his calling. Sully then collaborated with engineering students at the University of Vermont to design his first product, the GRENADE, and launched his online store by involving his small audience in the design and production process. With a focus on Facebook marketing and building a loyal customer base, BombTech Golf has enjoyed success, and Sully now works only 2-4 hours a week on the business, allowing him to pursue other ventures like his consulting business, EcomGrowers.com.
How much money it makes: $12M/year
How many people on the team: 2
BombTech Golf is an ecommerce business that sells premium golf clubs direct-to-consumer; the BombTech Driver, which was the company's flagship product, was launched in 2017 and contributed to $6.3 million in sales that year, with the founder having designed the club with the help of engineering students at a local college before using Facebook to engage his audience in the design and production process.
57. B2C Furniture ($12M/year)
surged to $1.3 million, a 66% increase compared to the previous year, while online sales reached $2.6 million, a staggering 171% increase. The future looks bright for B2C Furniture as they continue to expand their product range, open new showrooms, and further establish themselves as a leader in sustainable e-commerce furniture.
How much money it makes: $12M/year
How many people on the team: 15
Anesley Clarke, the founder and CEO of B2C Furniture, achieved a 132% increase in revenue that primarily focuses on selling directly to end-users with their sustainable e-commerce furniture business that offers an extensive range of carefully crafted furniture which is constructed with hardwood and environmentally conscious design.
58. Manta Sleep ($9.6M/year)
with innovative sleep solutions, we believe Manta Sleep has a bright future ahead.
How much money it makes: $9.6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $50K
How many people on the team: 18
Manta Sleep has successfully raised $700,000+ through crowdfunding campaigns for their unique, 100% blackout sleep mask designed for light sleepers and aims to empower people to sleep better so they can do more.
59. Project Repat ($9.6M/year)
Ross Lohr, the co-founder of Project Repat, came up with the idea after seeing the incredible t-shirts that were being sold off and sent overseas by nonprofit and for-profit companies in America. He decided to work with Kenyan artisans to design new products out of these t-shirts, but soon discovered that customers were more interested in affordable t-shirt quilts. This led to the creation of Project Repat, which now makes 2,000 quilts per week and is projected to make $10MM in sales this year.
How much money it makes: $9.6M/year
How many people on the team: 2
Project Repat turned their customers' memorable t-shirts into 2,000 custom quilts per week backed with cozy fleece, generating $10MM in sales per year from fine-tuning the production process making textile jobs more affordable and eco-friendly in the United States, with grown revenue of 70% over last year.
60. SendAFriend ($9.6M/year)
Tyler Macke, the 21-year-old founder of SendAFriend, came up with the idea for his business after realizing that many of his favorite e-commerce brands lacked a philanthropic purpose. He wanted to create something different and decided to launch SendAFriend, an e-commerce brand that sells stuffed animal care packages. The business has seen significant growth, with projected revenue of $5 million for 2020, and has already donated over $250,000 to children's hospitals.
How much money it makes: $9.6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $1K
How many people on the team: 20
Meet Tyler Macke, the 21-year-old founder of SendAFriend, an e-commerce brand that sells stuffed animal care packages, which began with $50k in revenue in 2019 and is now on track to make $5M in revenue this year, while donating 10% of revenue to children's hospitals throughout the United States.
61. Ironmaster ($9.25M/year)
Ironmaster was initially a part-time venture started by Matt Dawson's father in the Bay Area of California. Matt grew up working in the business and had a passion for building things. After working his way up in the company, Matt took over the business when his father planned to close it down. He relocated the business, redesigned the adjustable dumbbells, and started manufacturing overseas. With perseverance and smart marketing strategies, Ironmaster became a multi-million dollar company with a solid reputation in the fitness equipment industry.
How much money it makes: $9.25M/year
How many people on the team: 13
Ironmaster, a multi-million dollar company, manufactures and sells their brand of home gym fitness equipment domestically and in over 20 international markets, with their top-selling product being a patented adjustable dumbbell system called Quick-Lock Dumbbells, providing quality strength training gear for individuals who want to have their gym at home.
62. Pro Bike Tool ($9M/year)
Chris Parr, an active runner and cyclist, recognized a gap in the market for affordable and high-quality bike tools. With his expertise in ecommerce, Chris launched PRO BIKE TOOL, initially selling a Mini Bike Pump with an in-line gauge. Within two weeks, the product became the number two best-seller on Amazon USA, and the business has since grown to retail 32 products across 10 marketplaces with a monthly turnover of $750K.
How much money it makes: $9M/year
How many people on the team: 2
UK-based PRO BIKE TOOL, an online retailer of affordable bike tools and accessories, sells 32 products across 10 marketplaces, making a monthly turnover of $750k, and has grown from its initial $5k investment.
63. Bailey's Blossoms ($9M/year)
Erin E. Hooley, founder and CEO of Bailey's Blossoms and Peyton Bre, started her e-commerce children's clothing line from her kitchen table in Arizona. With no formal training or sewing skills, she began selling hair accessories on Etsy to financially support her family. Through listening to customer feedback and constantly evolving, Bailey's Blossoms has now become a multi-million dollar business.
How much money it makes: $9M/year
How many people on the team: 35
This case study is about the founder and CEO of multi-million dollar e-commerce children's clothing brands Bailey's Blossoms and Peyton Bre, who started selling hair accessories on Etsy from her kitchen table and grew her businesses into a total customer base of around 750,000 with a goal of surpassing 1 million by the end of 2020.
64. Matcha.com ($8.5M/year)
Andre Fasciola and Dr. Andrew Weil founded matcha.com after experiencing the high-quality matcha tea in Japan. They saw an opportunity to bring the same level of quality to the US market and educate consumers about matcha. They have become the largest supplier of ceremonial grade matcha in the US, with a monthly revenue of $100K.
How much money it makes: $8.5M/year
How much did it cost to start: $60K
How many people on the team: 15
Matcha.com started as a passion project by two founders, now the largest supplier of ceremonial matcha outside of Japan with a monthly revenue of $100k, using podcasts, micro-influencers, and email campaigns to attract and retain customers.
65. BLAQ ($7.9M/year)
Ryan Channing discovered the power of activated charcoal during a trip to Japan and quickly turned a viral peel-off charcoal face mask into an $8 million business in its first year. Sharing hilarious videos of friends using the product, BLAQ's success skyrocketed, bolstered by partnerships with major subscription beauty boxes.
How much money it makes: $7.9M/year
How much did it cost to start: $20K
How many people on the team: 6
The BLAQ Group, an Australian beauty company known for its detoxifying skincare products, was founded in 2016 by Ryan Channing and generated over $8 million in sales in its first year, and now the company is working to expand into brick-and-mortar distribution and partnerships in the US market.
66. BAKblade ($7.8M/year)
After experiencing the embarrassing reality of having back hair, Matt and Angelina realized they weren't the only ones dealing with this problem and decided to develop their own solution. They launched BAKblade and gained massive exposure after a campaign video featuring an 800lb gorilla ranting and raving about back hair went viral, generating over 240 million views on Facebook. Since then, they have focused on attracting and retaining customers through PR efforts and creating relevant content for their brand.
How much money it makes: $7.8M/year
How many people on the team: 10
BAKblade, LLC's co-founders made over $1 million in sales revenue by offering a pain-free solution to back and body hair management, with their product BAKblade 2.0 being recognized as the most economical and easy-to-use product of its kind for millennials.
67. Private Label Extensions ($7.8M/year)
Mikey Moran, one of the owners of Private Label Extensions, came up with the idea for the hair distribution and technology company when he learned about the high prices women were paying for hair extensions. With a background in e-commerce and a commitment to providing the best quality products at the lowest cost, Moran and his team have seen significant growth, with over $650,000 in monthly sales and a ranking on Inc Magazine's list of the fastest-growing companies. Despite initial challenges and mistakes, Moran's dedication to listening to customers and investing back into the business has been key to its success.
How much money it makes: $7.8M/year
How much did it cost to start: $14K
How many people on the team: 20
Private Label Extensions is a hair distribution and technology company that builds hair brands from A to Z for entrepreneurs, achieving over $650,000 in monthly sales and ranked #278 of the fastest-growing companies by Inc Magazine for 2018.
68. Beautiful Disaster ($7.2M/year)
Founded by Christina DuVarney, Beautiful Disaster Clothing is a successful women's clothing brand that empowers women to embrace their imperfections. With over 4 million in revenue per year, Beautiful Disaster offers a wide range of products, including hoodies, tees, tanks, leggings, and jewelry. Through relentless determination and a commitment to exceptional customer service, Christina has built a brand that inspires women to embrace their inner strength and find confidence in their wardrobe.
How much money it makes: $7.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $20K
How many people on the team: 10
Women's clothing line Beautiful Disaster generates over 4M in revenue per year and has grown its tribe to over 230K followers due to its personalized approach and commitment to exceptional customer service.
69. Nourishing Brands ($7.2M/year)
Jeremy Hendon, co-founder of Nourishing Brands, came up with the idea for the business after experiencing the benefits of a low carb Paleo diet. He noticed the rising popularity of the keto diet and decided to create the Keto Summit, a digital event featuring top experts. The success of the summit led to the company's shift towards cookbooks, courses, and meal plans, and they have since sold over 300,000 cookbooks in 2020 alone.
How much money it makes: $7.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $500
How many people on the team: 10
Nourishing Brands is a direct-to-consumer media company that generates more than $600k per month and sold over 300,000 cookbooks in 2020 through their popular health websites like KetoSummit.com by transitioning from digital events to cookbooks, evergreen courses, and paid media.
70. Jimmy Joy ($7.2M/year)
Joey van Koningsbruggen, founder of Jimmy Joy, came up with the idea for his business after getting frustrated with having to choose between healthy or fast food. He set out to create healthy fast food and partnered with a large manufacturer of baby food to create his first recipe, which was as close to health recommendations from the World Health Organisation as possible. Despite being initially validated by friends and media outlets, he faced challenges such as rebranding and manufacturing difficulties before growing his company to make $440,000 per month.
How much money it makes: $7.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $500
How many people on the team: 30
This case study features a 29-year-old founder who started a meal replacement company offering nutritionally complete meals targeting high-earning and sustainability-conscious individuals, generating a staggering $440k per month, with plans to expand globally and launch new products.
71. DetraPel ($7.2M/year)
David Zamarin, founder of DetraPel, came up with the idea for his business when he wanted to create a spray to protect his new Jordan shoes. However, lacking the chemistry knowledge, he started a shoe cleaning business instead. After discovering a harmful competitor's product, he sold his first business and invested the money into developing his own non-toxic and eco-friendly protective coatings, which has led to over $512,000 in sales in the last year.
How much money it makes: $7.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $60K
How many people on the team: 24
DetraPel is a company that manufactures and distributes eco-friendly liquid repellent sprays designed to protect fabric and leather belongings, which has made over $512,000 in sales last year and has successfully partnered with Shark Tank.
72. TAB Performance ($7.2M/year)
Justin Pflanz and his brother Casey started TAB Performance after recognizing a demand for louder motorcycle exhaust systems. Their best-selling product, the Zombie baffle, was created in response to customers asking for louder options. Since then, their annual sales have been doubling, reaching an impressive $4.8 million.
How much money it makes: $7.2M/year
How many people on the team: 9
TAB Performance doubles annual sales with introduction of Zombie baffle, from manufacturing Harley-Davidson motorcycle exhausts, with founders attributing growth to constant evolution and listening to customers.
73. Equity Residences ($7.2M/year)
Equity Platinum Fund with a goal of raising $50 million to acquire a portfolio of twenty luxury vacation homes. Currently, we have over 200 investors and $40 million under management. Our focus is on providing investors with access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for personal use and as an investment, while also generating income through rentals and appreciation over time.
How much money it makes: $7.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $2.5M
How many people on the team: 4
Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.
74. Pete & Pedro ($7.2M/year)
Aaron Marino, the founder of Pete & Pedro, came up with the idea for his men's grooming brand after his image consulting business struggled to make money. He started making YouTube videos to help guys with their style, and as his audience grew, he saw an opportunity to create and sell his own haircare products. With his existing YouTube channel as a marketing platform, Marino was able to successfully launch and grow Pete & Pedro into a multi-million-dollar business.
How much money it makes: $7.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
How many people on the team: 8
Learn how one man went from bankruptcy and driving a beer cart to launching a successful men's grooming brand, Pete & Pedro, featured on Shark Tank, by leveraging the power of YouTube and a slowly growing audience.
75. Clean Energy Solutions ($7.2M/year)
David Gomez, the founder of Clean Energy Solutions, came up with the idea for his solar energy business after experiencing setbacks in the real estate industry during the recession. He recognized the potential of solar energy as a cheaper and cleaner source of power and saw it as a great business opportunity. With a clever direct mail marketing campaign and a strong focus on selling lower-cost energy, Gomez was able to quickly attract customers and grow his business by over 6700% from 2014 to 2019.
How much money it makes: $7.2M/year
How many people on the team: 20
Clean Energy Solutions, a solar-energy provider based in LA, has grown over 6700% from 2014 to 2019, with monthly revenue around $600,000 and plans to expand its energy-efficient affordable housing division, thanks to its unique solar program allowing clients to save money using solar energy at a lower price than their utility would charge.
76. Upcart ($7M/year)
Michael Reznik, the Co-Founder and CEO of TriFold LLC, came up with the idea for the UpCart while at his Dad's birthday party. A family friend showed him a rough prototype of a cart that could easily go up and down stairs, and Reznik immediately saw the potential. After conducting research and convincing his wife to invest, Reznik started TriFold and the company has since seen impressive sales growth, with projections to exceed $7 million this year.
How much money it makes: $7M/year
How many people on the team: 4
UpCart LLC, the company behind the patented line of all-terrain folding carts and hand trucks, has seen tremendous growth over the past few years, with sales increasing from $3.2M in 2016 to a projected $7M in 2018, thanks in part to its QVC Sprouts live-sell success and viral Facebook marketing efforts.
77. Origen RV Accessories LTD. ($6.96M/year)
Gord Wilson, the founder of Origen RV Accessories, came up with the idea for the world's only permanent jack pad after being diluted out of a majority ownership position in his previous successful RV accessory company. In 2015, Gord approached his three grown sons with the concept for the permanent jack pad, and they used their combined industry experience and digital marketing expertise to launch the company with just three SKUs. Since then, Origen RV Accessories has experienced impressive growth, grossing over $130,000 in its first year and achieving an average year-over-year growth of 124%.
How much money it makes: $6.96M/year
How much did it cost to start: $50K
How many people on the team: 17
Origen RV Accessories has grown by an average of 124% YoY, grossing over USD 130,000 in the first year, and now carries over 40 SKUs, with six major distributors, and more than 300 RV dealerships, recently recording a NPS of 88 with their unique RV SnapPads.
78. Flute Center of New York ($6.6M/year)
Phil Unger founded the Flute Center of New York after pivoting from his Radio-TV degree to musical instrument repair, influenced by his musician father. By specializing in professional flute repair and building personal relationships, he grew the business to $7M in sales by 2019.
How much money it makes: $6.6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
How many people on the team: 16
Flute Center of New York is the largest flute-centric company in the world, servicing musicians globally with an impressive retail level sales of over 7 million USD in 2019 by selling flutes and piccolos ranging from $500 to an astonishing $75,000.
79. The Hygiene Company ($6.25M/year)
Jonathan Bradford came up with the idea for his hygiene solutions business, Wipepod, when he was at a local gym and realized there was no convenient way to access disinfectant wipes to clean the equipment. He believed that providing a nice-looking dispenser that held a good number of antibacterial wipes would enhance cleanliness in organizations and improve compliance with hygiene practices. Since then, Wipepod has grown and expanded its manufacturing capabilities, supplying gyms, offices, universities, and more with their product worldwide.
How much money it makes: $6.25M/year
How much did it cost to start: $65K
How many people on the team: 6
A hygiene solutions company founded by Jonathan Bradford now earns £500k/month, after years of developing a wall-mounted antibacterial wipe dispenser that is used in health clubs, workplaces, and in over 100 locations worldwide, and also developing an electronic washroom hygiene monitor.
80. OXO Packaging ($6M/year)
Salman Shahid, a digital marketing expert, came up with the idea for OXO Packaging after realizing the demand for sustainable custom packaging. With the global packaging industry predicted to reach $1.3 trillion in the next 10 years, Shahid saw an opportunity for success. Now, OXO Packaging brings in an average revenue of $500,000 per month with the goal of becoming the best custom packaging manufacturer in their target markets.
How much money it makes: $6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $1K
How many people on the team: 0
OXO Packaging is a successful custom packaging manufacturer generating an impressive $500,000 per month in revenue with around 40-50 orders per month, and aims to become the top packaging manufacturer in the USA and Australia.
81. Panda Paper Roll ($6M/year)
to start my business is "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries. It taught me the importance of testing and iterating ideas quickly to build a successful business. Another influential resource for me has been podcasts, particularly "How I Built This" by Guy Raz, which features interviews with successful entrepreneurs and their stories of building their businesses from scratch.
How much money it makes: $6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $400K
How many people on the team: 5
Learn how Frank Ouyang founded Panda Paper Roll Company, a China-based paper roll manufacturing company that exports products worldwide, bringing in an annual sales revenue of $10M.
82. All Things Commerce Helsinki Ltd. ($6M/year)
Jonas Forth, managing director at All Things Commerce Helsinki Ltd., came up with the idea for the business after seeing similar brands struggle with their online presence. With a background in journalism and online content production, Forth saw an opportunity to combine content and commerce to help Nordic brands reach a global audience. With a monthly turnover of €75,000 and annual growth of 20%, the company is now owned by parent company Moomin Characters and is looking to expand its operations with an on-demand model.
How much money it makes: $6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $100K
How many people on the team: 30
All Things Commerce Helsinki Ltd has achieved a monthly turnover of €75k and annual growth of 20%, shipping to over 50 countries with over 700 items, by focusing on creating search engine optimized content for their global brand Moomin.
83. Matboard & More ($6M/year)
Mehdi Kajbaf, Co-Founder of Matboard and More, had a realization that picture framing was an industry lacking flexibility and customization options. With a $50,000 initial investment and a fully custom-built website, Mehdi and his partner were able to create a thriving business that offers unlimited choice for framing artwork, providing customers with the freedom to create their desired look.
How much money it makes: $6M/year
How many people on the team: 10
Matboard and More is a picture framing company that allows for unlimited choices and customization when it comes to framing supplies for any type of art, and is self-funded with an initial investment of $50,000 that led to a successful AdWords campaign and a massive focus on quality, service, and the customer experience.
84. Remi ($6M/year)
Oscar Adelman, a former VC, came up with the idea for his business, Remi, after experiencing frustration with the high cost of custom night guards for teeth grinding. Through conversations with dentists and research, he identified the opportunity to eliminate the middleman and create a more affordable and convenient option for customers to take their own teeth impressions at home. After a year in business, Remi has achieved success, serving thousands of customers and expanding to offer custom teeth whitening kits as well.
How much money it makes: $6M/year
How many people on the team: 18
Remi, a direct-to-consumer Sleep and Wellness company, founded by VC-turned-founder Oscar Adelman, has had a successful first year, going from idea to $1.5m+ in revenue, serving thousands of happy customers, with a lifetime retention above 90%, proving that offering the best solution to a real pain point is key to attracting and retaining customers.
85. Quieton ($6M/year)
Janne Kyllönen, the founder of QuietOn, came up with the idea for his business after experiencing the benefits of active noise-canceling headphones at an airport. He realized that there was a need for a smaller and more convenient solution, particularly for people who struggle to sleep in noisy environments. With 80,000 happy customers and over $500k in monthly revenue, QuietOn is on a mission to be the go-to brand for sleep earbuds.
How much money it makes: $6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $500K
How many people on the team: 15
Founded by a former Nokia product manager, QuietOn has grown to become a leading manufacturer of active noise-cancelling earbuds for better sleep, with over 80,000 happy customers worldwide and monthly revenues of over $500k, having launched after a successful Indiegogo campaign that raised $1.3m.
86. Herbal Goodness ($6M/year)
Dr. Unoma Okorafor, founder and CEO of Herbal Goodness, came up with the idea for her business while pregnant with her third child. She wanted to eat healthier and was advised to consume papaya for its health benefits. However, she realized that the papayas available in stores were genetically modified and lacked the quality she experienced in Nigeria. This sparked her passion to provide organic superfood products, starting with papaya leaf tea, and has since expanded to a wide range of nutrient-dense herbs and supplements.
How much money it makes: $6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $0
How many people on the team: 10
Aspiring founders can learn from how Herbal Goodness grew from a single product to a six-figure superfood brand by leveraging organic ingredients like papaya leaves and seeds, utilizing strategic partnerships, and maintaining patience and persistence, achieving impressive revenue growth from $300 in their first year to over $30,000 in the second year.
87. MyFBAPrep ($6M/year)
Tom Wicky, Bart Boughton, and Taylor Smits came up with the idea for MyFBAPrep after realizing there was a lack of a scalable FBA Prep and DTC fulfillment service for Amazon sellers. By leveraging their collective experience in eCommerce, they built an asset-light network of 40 warehouses with 2 million square feet of space, powered by their proprietary SaaS platform Preptopia™. Since its launch in 2018, MyFBAPrep has grown to a $5 million+ annual run rate with no outside capital investment.
How much money it makes: $6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $200K
How many people on the team: 15
Entrepreneur Tom Wicky founded MyFBAPrep, a nationwide network of third-party logistics warehouses, in 2018 with partners Bart Boughton and Taylor Smits and self-funded/bootstrapped it into a $5 million+ run rate annually, growing 1000%+ annually year/year since inception, with no outside capital investment, since its inception and processing over 4 million products through the network with a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of over $1 billion.
88. Rayna Tours ($6M/year)
Manoj Tulsani and Kamlesh Ramchandani, founders of Rayna Tours and Travels, started their business a decade ago with no experience in the travel industry. Despite the challenges, they grew their venture into one of the UAE's leading destination management companies, earning over $40 million per year. Their success is attributed to their focus on exceptional customer experience, strategic investments in their own infrastructure, and the use of advanced technology to provide convenient travel services.
How much money it makes: $6M/year
How many people on the team: 670
Rayna Tours and Travels, founded by Kamlesh Ramchandani and Manoj Tulsani, began its journey as a small travel counter inside a Dubai hotel, and has now grown into one of the UAE’s leading destination management companies with earnings exceeding $40 million per year.
89. Moonglow Jewelry ($6M/year)
Julien Plouffe, the risk-taking entrepreneur behind Moonglow Jewelry, came up with the idea after experiencing success selling the jewelry featuring phases of the moon at a fair in Springfield, MA. Recognizing the potential for growth, he decided to scale the business by working with boutiques and stores, leading to exponential revenue growth from $200,000 to a projected $7,000,000 this year.
How much money it makes: $6M/year
How many people on the team: 11
Moonglow Jewelry experienced tremendous growth to achieve an anticipated revenue of $7 million this year after starting off with $200,000; they credit it mainly to their focus on marketing and reinvesting early profits into improving their brand.
90. WorthPoint ($6M/year)
Will Seippel, the founder of WorthPoint Corp, came up with the idea for his business when he realized the laborious process of researching items of unknown value while selling on eBay. Inspired by his mother's experience of being taken advantage of during a garage sale, he wanted to create a way for people to avoid costly mistakes when selling or buying items. With a focus on efficiency and democratizing pricing information, Seippel set out to create the Bloomberg of the collectibles and antiques industry.
How much money it makes: $6M/year
How many people on the team: 8
WorthPoint is a steadily growing online subscription platform, specializing in antique, art, and collectible price guides, which has seen a rate of five percent or more user growth per month and is predicted to ride the wave of the largest period of wealth migration in US history predicted to be worth over $30tn.
91. Magnus Home Products ($6M/year)
Howard Law, co-founder of Magnus Home Products, had over 20 years of experience in sourcing, marketing, and purchasing kitchen and bath products. Alongside his partner who had a background in IT, they started Magnus to provide unique, high-end kitchen and bath products that are not typically found in big box stores. With their expertise and a team of key players, they have been able to double their sales each year, projecting $5 million in sales this year.
How much money it makes: $6M/year
How many people on the team: 14
Magnus Home Products, an e-commerce business specializing in unique high-end kitchen and bath products, has doubled their sales each year since starting in August 2017 and is projected to reach sales of $5,000,000 this year.
92. BBQGrills.com ($6M/year)
relying on word-of-mouth would be our strategy. We focused on providing exceptional customer service and offering high-quality products that would stand the test of time. With just $600 in our bank account, we took a chance and worked tirelessly to build our business. And now, just 11 months later, we have achieved $2 million in overall sales without any advertising or remarketing ads.
How much money it makes: $6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $600
How many people on the team: 2
BBQGrills.com is an online retailer of outdoor kitchen equipment, BBQ grills, and patio heaters that earned $2 million in sales within its first year of business through a focus on quality, performance, and customer service.
93. zapato FEROZ ($6M/year)
In this case study, Lau García, a shoemaker by trade, came up with the idea for Zapato FEROZ when she couldn't find suitable footwear for her baby. She wanted to create comfortable, natural shoes that would promote healthy foot development. With the brand's focus on quality and customer satisfaction, Zapato FEROZ has experienced incredible growth, increasing their monthly revenue from $900-1000 to $60k in just two years.
How much money it makes: $6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $10K
How many people on the team: 6
Zapato FEROZ is a thriving children's footwear company whose sales have grown exponentially to reach $60,000 per month in the last 12 months, with 80% of sales made directly through their website, due to their dedication to producing the highest quality, healthy shoes for babies and children.
94. Chargeasap ($6M/year)
Chargeasap, a consumer electronics startup, was founded by a serial entrepreneur who had previous experience in the fashion accessories industry. Frustrated with the limitations of current power banks and cables, he saw an opportunity to develop innovative mobile phone accessories. Through the magic of crowdfunding, Chargeasap has successfully raised over $3.7 million and delivered products to more than 130 countries.
How much money it makes: $6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $40K
How many people on the team: 4
Chargeasap, a Sydney-based startup, has raised over $3.7 million and delivered to more than 130 countries, and now generates over $500,000 per month selling a range of portable batteries and charging accessories.
95. Parker Baby Co. ($6M/year)
Sam and Kirsten, a husband and wife team, founded Parker Baby Co. after struggling to find a diaper bag that met their needs. They designed a large, stylish, gender-neutral, and affordable diaper backpack, which became their most well-known product. With rapid sales growth of 300%, 87%, and 48% from 2017 to 2019, they have positioned themselves as a successful practical baby products brand.
How much money it makes: $6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $1.5K
How many people on the team: 2
Husband and wife team from Colorado started Parker Baby Co. in 2015, specializing in practical baby products that experienced rapid sales growth of 300%, 87%, and 48% in 2017-2019 and is expecting more than 65% growth in 2020, with $325k monthly earnings.
96. Combat Flip Flops ($6M/year)
Combat Flip Flops is the brainchild of CEO Matt Griffin, an army veteran who witnessed the futility of armed conflict and wanted to make a positive impact. The idea came to him during a trip to Kabul, where he visited a combat boot factory that employed local workers. Inspired by their resilience, Griffin decided to repurpose the factory to produce footwear in order to create sustainable business and job opportunities in Afghanistan.
How much money it makes: $6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $2K
How many people on the team: 2
Combat Flip Flops is an e-commerce business that employs artisans and entrepreneurs in conflict zones and has funded 217 years of school for Afghan girls and cleared 2814 square meters of landmines in Laos through direct-to-consumer sales and social media distribution.
97. SexyModest ($6M/year)
Jason, the co-owner of SexyModest.com, came up with the idea for his 7-figure business when his wife, Brig, struggled to find clothing that was both modest and stylish. After hosting clothing sales in their home, they opened a retail store and eventually transitioned to an online-only business, attracting customers through face-to-face interactions, social media, and a podcast. They have since closed deals with big retailers like Costco and are experiencing continued success.
How much money it makes: $6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
How many people on the team: 15
SexyModest.com is a 7-figure business producing around 250k and selling 150k pieces a year, which began as a side hustle in the founder's basement and designs modest women's clothing available online and in Costco.
98. VADE Nutrition ($6M/year)
Joe Johnson, a former athlete and entrepreneur, came up with the idea for VADE Nutrition while sitting beside his wife Megan's hospital bed. They wanted to create a convenient solution for consuming protein powder on the go, which led to the development of Dissolvable Protein Scoops. After facing challenges with manufacturing and finding the right partners, VADE Nutrition has grown to be sold on various e-commerce platforms and has even landed a deal on Shark Tank. The company continues to attract and retain customers through engaging on social media and offering high-quality, convenient products.
How much money it makes: $6M/year
How many people on the team: 7
VADE Nutrition provides on-the-go consumers with convenient and portable Dissolvable Protein Scoops featuring 20 grams of protein, 4.4 grams of branch chain amino acids and only 90 calories, which has expanded from selling only through the website to retail stores and e-commerce sites such as Amazon, BodyBuilding.com, Groupon and GNC.com, culminating in a successful Shark Tank pitching to get a deal with Mark Cuban and A-Rod.
99. 24/7 Golf ($6M/year)
In his early years, Igor displayed his entrepreneurial spirit by selling drinking water at a school camp, only to be scolded by bureaucrats. After years of corporate and consulting jobs, he found his passion in golf and decided to start a business selling affordable golf simulators. By leveraging his industry expertise and becoming known as a thought leader in the golf simulator community, Igor was able to attract customers and drive sales through word of mouth and online marketing tactics.
How much money it makes: $6M/year
How many people on the team: 3
Australian startup founder Igor built a virtual golf empire selling affordable golf simulators for personal and commercial use, leading to the growth of his e-commerce platform and establishment of an event hire business, all through the power of online networking.
100. Photobooth Supply Co. ($6M/year)
Brandon Wong, CEO of Photobooth Supply Co., came up with the idea for his business when he and his wife, who were wedding photographers, noticed a surge in popularity for photo booths at weddings. They saw an opportunity to improve upon the existing photo booth designs and created a sleek and portable photobooth with high-quality picture capabilities. After selling over 10 booths at a wedding photography expo, they realized they had tapped into a market with huge potential for growth.
How much money it makes: $6M/year
How many people on the team: 10
Photobooth Supply Co. offers a profitable business opportunity through their sleek and portable photo booths, with up to 97% satisfaction rate and a focus on customer experience, in a fast-growing event industry where photo booths are exploding.
101. Branch Furniture ($6M/year)
Greg Hayes, the CEO and co-founder of Branch Office Furniture, came up with the idea for the business while working at a fast-growing company called Breather. He saw firsthand the pains of procuring office furniture and realized there was an opportunity to produce high-quality furniture and sell it directly to businesses, eliminating the need for expensive dealers or cheaply made options. Since launching in Q1 of 2019, Branch has done over $1M in sales, including nearly $400k last month.
How much money it makes: $6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $350K
How many people on the team: 20
Branch Office Furniture offers a new approach to the office furniture industry, selling high-quality furniture directly to businesses with space design, delivery, and installation included at one-third to one-half of the price of comparable quality products, resulting in over $1M in sales since launching in Q1 of 2019.
102. Tree To Tub ($6M/year)
Tree To Tub founder, Michael Koh, came up with the idea for his natural skincare company after experiencing the benefits of Soapberries for his sensitive skin. Immigrating to the U.S. and realizing the lack of options for people with sensitive skin, Koh saw an opportunity to create a product that could help many people feel good. Through crowdfunding and a focus on product market fit, Tree To Tub has achieved significant success, reaching $3 million in revenue on its third year.
How much money it makes: $6M/year
How many people on the team: 23
Tree To Tub, a natural skincare company, solves the painful problem of people with delicate skin, resulting in $3M revenue on their third year; their signature products include shampoo, body wash, and facial cleanser made from the gentle Soapberry, and they have since grown to $4M and plan to reach $10M in 2020.
103. Neuro ($6M/year)
In October 2015, Ryan Chen and his college friend Kent Yoshimura co-founded Neuro, a functional gum and mint company. The idea for Neuro came to fruition during a scuba diving trip when they realized the need for a portable, healthy, and effective alternative to energy drinks and supplements. With over 12 million pieces sold and $500k in monthly revenue, Neuro has become a popular choice among a wide range of customers.
How much money it makes: $6M/year
How many people on the team: 12
Neuro co-founders Kent Yoshimura and Ryan Chen developed their functional gum and mint products to offer a portable, healthy, and efficient alternative to energy drinks and supplements, hitting 12M pieces sold and generating ~$500k in monthly revenue with over 25% repeat customer rate and retail presence in over 6,500 locations including 5,000 CVS stores.
104. The Clunker Junker ($5.89M/year)
Eric and Valerie Mitz, founders of The Clunker Junker, initially started off as an affiliate website generating leads for junk car removal companies. However, after facing challenges and setbacks, they decided to provide the service themselves and built a custom software platform connecting junk car buyers and sellers. The Clunker Junker has since grown into a successful business, generating close to $6 million in revenue in 2020.
How much money it makes: $5.89M/year
How much did it cost to start: $20
How many people on the team: 4
The Clunker Junker founders built a modern platform that has enabled the purchase of hundreds of thousands of cars across the US, generating almost $6 million in revenue in 2020 and changing their lives forever.
105. Chronoexpert ($5.76M/year)
Pablo, the founder of Chronoexpert, came up with the idea for his luxury watches marketplace after seeing a gap in the market. With the pre-loved luxury goods industry growing at +20% annually, Pablo saw an opportunity to create a platform that focused on pre-owned luxury watches. Since launching almost 3 years ago, Chronoexpert has generated over 2.5 million euros in revenue and is looking to continue growing and exploring new opportunities in the luxury watches industry.
How much money it makes: $5.76M/year
How much did it cost to start: $180K
How many people on the team: 8
Chronoexpert, a luxury watches marketplace, has seen revenue exceeding 2.5M Euros in less than three years, with a growth potential of more than 20% YoY in the pre-owned market, highlighting the viability and potential of a pre-loved focus.
106. Ice Shaker ($5.4M/year)
Chris Gronkowski came up with the idea for Ice Shaker after realizing the need for a shaker bottle that would keep drinks cold all day. He saw the success of other bottles on the market but noticed they were difficult to fill and clean, so he created a vacuum-insulated shaker bottle that was easy to use. The company exploded after appearing on Shark Tank, going from $80,000 in sales to over $3 million within a year.
How much money it makes: $5.4M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5.2K
How many people on the team: 9
Chris Gronkowski, former NFL player, launched Ice Shaker just one year ago, but has since exploded into the drinkware scene with over 65 variations, $3 million in sales, and shelf placement in big retail locations such as GNC.
107. Eye Love ($5.4M/year)
Drs. Jenna and Travis Zigler started Eye Love as a way to generate extra cash for their eye care mission trips. Within two years, the company was thriving and they sold their optometry practices to focus on Eye Love full-time. Their flagship product, Heyedrate Lid and Lash Cleanser, has helped them grow the business from making $1000 per month to over $300,000 per month, while also giving back to their foundation, the Eye Love Cares Foundation.
How much money it makes: $5.4M/year
How much did it cost to start: $1K
How many people on the team: 5
Eye Love and Heyedrate, founded by optometrists Drs. Jenna and Travis Zigler, sells natural dry eye products and has grown from making $1000 per month to generating at least $300,000 per month through Amazon advertising, with a 75% point of purchase on Amazon and a 52.55% repeat customer rate, while also allocating company earnings through the Profit First system.
108. Dock and Bay ($5.4M/year)
Andy, the co-founder of Dock & Bay, came up with the idea for their travel towel business after experiencing the inconvenience of using bulky, odorous towels while traveling. Together with his co-founder Ben, they took a risk, quit their finance jobs, and started researching manufacturers to create their dream towel. In their first year of business, they had a turnover of $92K and are projected to make $5.4 million this year.
How much money it makes: $5.4M/year
How many people on the team: 12
Dock & Bay co-founders started their lifestyle brand by reinventing the towel to be sand-free, quick dry and super absorbent while staying compact, generating a turnover of $5.4 million within a few years through Amazon and social media marketing.
109. Baloo Living ($4.99M/year)
Elizabeth, the founder of Baloo Living, had a life-changing experience after she quit her marketing job and traveled to Bali. Feeling unfulfilled and burned out, she discovered a sense of wholeness and happiness within herself. Inspired by her journey, she launched Baloo Living, a company that sells premium weighted blankets to help people improve their sleep and reduce anxiety. The business quickly took off, reaching six-figure and seven-figure revenues in just a few months. Today, Baloo Living stands for highest product quality, customer service, and thoughtful design.
How much money it makes: $4.99M/year
How much did it cost to start: $20K
How many people on the team: 5
Baloo Living, a Bali-based wellness company founded in 2018, saw incredible success in its first year, reaching six and seven-figure sales figures within just three and 12 months respectively by offering a high-quality, thoughtfully-designed weighted blanket.
110. Hoagard.com ($4.98M/year)
In 2014, Ali Bedrettin Boz and Cagri Ayten started designing steel samples as a hobby. They realized the potential for their designs in the interior design market and established Hoagard as an e-commerce brand. Despite facing challenges and initially low sales, Hoagard experienced a significant leap in 2016, reaching an average annual turnover of 4.5 - 5.5 million Euros.
How much money it makes: $4.98M/year
How many people on the team: 43
Hoagard is a profitable metal wall decor brand with an average annual turnover of 4.5-5.5 million Euros, which started out as a new hobby and transformed into a successful e-commerce business with 85% of sales coming from the brand's own website.
111. Bibado.co.uk ($4.8M/year)
Rachel founded Bibado in 2016 after experiencing frustration feeding her twin daughters. She invented the Bibado Coverall by cutting up an old umbrella at her kitchen table, solving the problem of mealtime mess. The business has since grown to become an international brand stocked in over 25 countries.
How much money it makes: $4.8M/year
How much did it cost to start: $30K
How many people on the team: 11
Bibado founder Rachel invented an award-winning bib product as a result of her frustrated experience feeding her twin daughters, and grew her business from a kitchen table start-up to a global brand which is loved by 1 in 7 parents of babies at weaning age in the UK, with global sales of over 500,000 bibs distributed in over 25 countries emphasising curiosity and learning at mealtimes with further expansion through new products, micro-influencers, and customer referrals.
112. Panther RV Products ($4.8M/year)
Ethan and Jacob Sweet started Panther RV Products with the guidance and financing of their father Richard Sweet, who was already running an RV repair shop. They initially sold RV parts on eBay and gradually transitioned to selling hard-to-find RV products from Europe, setting themselves apart from competitors. After years of growth, they now generate an average monthly revenue of $400K and plan to manufacture their own campervan-specific parts.
How much money it makes: $4.8M/year
How much did it cost to start: $10K
How many people on the team: 12
Panther RV Products generates an average monthly revenue of $400K by selling a variety of campervan parts to outdoor enthusiasts and small businesses outfitting cargo vans, with a focus on hard-to-find parts for campervans, while providing technical knowledge to customers that their competitors lack and using Google Ads and SEO to drive sales, and the company has plans to start manufacturing their own products for campervan customers.
113. Igloohome ($4.8M/year)
The founders of igloohome came up with the idea for their business while facing the frustrations of physical key exchanges as Airbnb hosts. They wanted to enhance the experience for both hosts and guests by eliminating these problems. After receiving positive feedback from customers and realizing that access management was a common issue for many property owners, they further developed their products and app to cater to different market segments. They have since sold over 30,000 devices and have a pipeline of B2B customers in multiple countries, with plans to expand to new markets and release new products.
How much money it makes: $4.8M/year
How many people on the team: 35
Igloohome, the partner of Airbnb, creates smart locks and lockboxes that enable property owners to grant access to their properties remotely, via a mobile app in over 80 countries to great reviews.
114. Oru Kayak ($4.8M/year)
Anton Willis came up with the idea for Oru Kayak while in graduate school for architecture. After reading a magazine article about origami, he had the crazy idea to make a kayak that could fold up like a piece of paper. He started with prototypes made out of printer paper and eventually launched a Kickstarter campaign that raised almost half a million dollars, making it the most successful outdoor product in the crowdfunding space.
How much money it makes: $4.8M/year
How many people on the team: 10
Oru Kayak's founder Anton Willis discusses how he turned a passion for kayaking and design into a $5 million per year business selling origami folding kayaks, discussing their launch on Kickstarter, and how they have built and retained a passionate customer base.
115. Merci Maman ($4.8M/year)
Arnaud de Montille and his wife Beatrice founded Merci Maman in 2007 after Beatrice struggled to find quality personalized jewelry at affordable prices for their daughter's first birthday. Since then, the company has grown significantly, and their signature "Duchess Necklace" worn by Kate Middleton in 2014 has become a best-seller. Today, Merci Maman generates over $5 million in annual sales, ships 75,000 orders globally, and continues to expand its product offering and improve its customer experience.
How much money it makes: $4.8M/year
How much did it cost to start: $7.5K
How many people on the team: 42
Merci Maman is a personalized jewelry brand founded in 2007 by Arnaud and Béatrice de Montille, generating over $5m in sales annually with flagship product 'Duchess Necklace' still a best-seller, shipping 75k orders a year worldwide with profits completely reinvested back into the business.
116. PenaltyBox Sports ($4.8M/year)
Drew Laine, Founder and CEO of PenaltyBox Sports, came up with the idea for his business while living in his in-law's basement. With no infrastructure or logistics, he decided to start a subscription box company for ice hockey players just two days before Black Friday. Despite the challenges, the idea took off and now the company has a thriving community of 45,000 passionate hockey parents, players, and fans.
How much money it makes: $4.8M/year
How much did it cost to start: $15K
How many people on the team: 8
A subscription box business for ice hockey players turned into a thriving e-commerce and sporting goods manufacturer that generated $275k in a month due to leveraging Facebook groups and community building.
117. Glo® ($4.8M/year)
Hagan Walker, co-founder of Glo, came up with the idea for liquid-activated products, including light-up drink cubes and sensory toys for children, during a classroom project. After winning a competition and receiving funding, Walker and his team worked tirelessly to refine their prototypes and secure major accounts to keep the business afloat. Now, they sell over 3 million products to customers in 37 countries, generating a revenue of $1.2 million per year.
How much money it makes: $4.8M/year
How much did it cost to start: $15K
How many people on the team: 27
Learn how a team from Mississippi State University turned a classroom project into a $1.2 million year business selling liquid-activated, light-up drink cubes and sensory toys for kids, which are now sold in 37 countries.
118. Inspiranza Designs ($4.8M/year)
Diane and her business partner started Inspiranza Designs with just $500 and a dream. After experiencing a downturn in sales, they changed their business model and reinvented their jewelry line, eventually turning their company into a multi-million dollar business with annual sales of over $4.7 million. They have been recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in America by Inc. Magazine.
How much money it makes: $4.8M/year
How much did it cost to start: $500
How many people on the team: 8
Inspiranza Designs' Diane and Dawn started their sterling silver and gemstone jewelry business with just $500 and a big dream; revenue has grown from a mere $100,000 to approximately $400,000 per month, and generated over $4.7 million in sales in 2018.
119. The Party People ($4.8M/year)
Dean Salakas, Chief Party Dude at The Party People, initially got involved in the party business at a young age, working with his mother and grandfather in their small party store. He later launched Australia's first online party store in 1999 and has since grown the business into Australia's largest party store with a multimillion-dollar turnover and a market-leading online presence. Dean's expertise in technology and his passion for parties have been key factors in the success and growth of The Party People.
How much money it makes: $4.8M/year
How much did it cost to start: $500
How many people on the team: 40
The Party People, Australia's largest party store with a multimillion-dollar turnover, shares insights on how they've grown from a small clown hire business to an online and brick-and-mortar party supply retailer by focusing on customer service and innovating in marketing and technology.
120. Machinery Partner ($4.8M/year)
Ciaran, the founder of Machinery Partner, came up with the idea after realizing the large service gap between machinery dealers and customers in the heavy equipment industry. He saw an opportunity to digitize the industry and started reaching out to end-users to recruit more dealers, boosting revenue by 47% in just 18 months. Inspired by active Facebook groups and the trust-building power of content, Ciaran launched Machinery Partner and has since sold nearly half a million dollars worth of machinery per month, with plans to raise financing for rapid growth.
How much money it makes: $4.8M/year
How much did it cost to start: $25K
How many people on the team: 6
Machinery Partner's founder Ciaran made almost $500k in machinery sales last month targeting small to medium-sized contracting businesses in the US and aims to become the go-to digital dealership for heavy equipment, with its standout quality being accessible remotely, delivered directly from manufacturers.
121. Vertellis ($4.8M/year)
Bart and his partner came up with the idea for Vertellis after creating a handwritten question card game to connect with their families during the holiday season. The game sparked meaningful conversations and brought them closer together. They decided to launch the game through crowdfunding on Facebook, and it quickly gained traction, resulting in 25,000 pre-orders and the birth of their business.
How much money it makes: $4.8M/year
How much did it cost to start: $0
How many people on the team: 10
Co-founders of Vertellis, a mindfulness brand that sells card games, journals, and an online course, discuss their mission to bring people closer together and their business model which involves around 30% of sales on Amazon and a Facebook ad spend of $2.5 million in 2019, bringing in an average of $400K per month with peaks during Q4.
122. GloFX ($4.8M/year)
Dan Watkins, the founder and CEO of GloFX, initially started the business as a side project in his garage selling basic glow products. With only $400 in capital, Dan watched the business grow and eventually expand into a 15,000 square foot production warehouse. The success of GloFX can be attributed to their focus on the EDM music festival demographic and their willingness to take chances on new products and ideas.
How much money it makes: $4.8M/year
How many people on the team: 25
GloFX sold millions of pairs of "raver glasses" and expanded into various markets including arts and science museums, educational institutions, and EDM subculture fashion. One of the fastest-growing companies in America, and generates $400K in revenue per month.
123. True Leaf Market ($4.8M/year)
Parker Garlitz, one of the Co-Founders of True Leaf Market, started the business in 2000 with his sister Kaitlin to sell wheatgrass growing kits and juicers online. Initially, they thought the niche market would only generate $5,000 per month, but they quickly surpassed their expectations and expanded their product line. Over the years, they merged with other seed companies and focused on consolidating their websites, leading to profitability and growth.
How much money it makes: $4.8M/year
How many people on the team: 150
True Leaf Market, an independent seed company offering heirloom, non-GMO, and organic seeds, growing supplies, and starter kits, has grown to a profitable $400k/month business, with revenue diversified across their website, 3rd party online sellers, Amazon, eBay, brick and mortar health food stores, and fulfillment services, and plans to continue growth through acquisitions and onboarding 50 to 100 new SKUs monthly.
124. Taylor & Hart ($4.62M/year)
Nikolay Piriankov, the founder of Taylor & Hart, had a personal frustration when searching for an ethically sourced engagement ring online. Teamed up with his friend David Sutton, who had experience in the wholesale diamond trade, they decided to create Rare Pink (now Taylor & Hart) in 2013 to offer bespoke and affordable engagement rings. Their first customer, Piers, requested a custom-designed ring, and the impact of this experience led them to focus on custom designs and storytelling in their brand evolution.
How much money it makes: $4.62M/year
How many people on the team: 27
Taylor & Hart CEO Nikolay Piriankov tells the story of the company's journey from a diamond trading business to an award-winning, disruptive e-tailer of custom-designed, ethical engagement rings and fine jewelry, offering a bespoke design service through specifically developed technology online and instore, and growing to £4-6M in annual revenue.
125. Outlaw ($4.56M/year)
Danielle, the founder of Outlaw Soaps, started the business out of a desire for adventure and escape from the corporate world. On her honeymoon, she discovered a bar of soap that reminded her of the joy and excitement of her adventures. Realizing she could make her own soap with unique scents, she and her husband Russ launched Outlaw Soaps in 2013 with just $13.72 worth of supplies. Since then, they have built a loyal customer base and expanded their product line to include body wash, cologne, lotion, and more. With an average monthly revenue of $23,000 and a strong emphasis on customer service, Outlaw Soaps has found success by tapping into their customers' love for adventure and their desire to break free from the mundane.
How much money it makes: $4.56M/year
How much did it cost to start: $200
How many people on the team: 13
Outlaw Soaps, a soap company that started with just $13.72 of supplies, now makes an average of $23,000/month, with 46% of website orders from repeat customers who are loyal to the company's unique products and top-notch customer service.
126. Total Home Supply ($4.5M/year)
Mike Luongo and his team at Total Home Supply came up with the idea for their business after becoming unhappy with the direction of other Internet companies they worked for. They wanted to create a company that prioritized customer service and treated customers the way they would like to be treated. By focusing on offering superior customer service and knowledge of products, Total Home Supply has achieved double-digit growth, averaging 20% per year, and has experienced a 28% growth in their customer base.
How much money it makes: $4.5M/year
How many people on the team: 5
Total Home Supply, a heating and cooling products retailer, has achieved double-digit growth, averaging 20% per year with its biggest year almost doubling, thanks to focusing on offering superior customer service both before and after sales.
127. Scarpetta Shoes ($4.2M/year)
Adam Dwidari, founder of Scarpetta Shoes, pivoted from a MetLife internship to eCommerce, starting with just $2,000. By identifying a high-demand market in women’s shoes, he grew revenue to $10 million in a decade.
How much money it makes: $4.2M/year
How many people on the team: 25
Scarpetta Shoes saw sales increase over 200% in 2018-2019, achieving a revenue of $3.6 million annually. They now ship to over 60 countries, have an inventory of over 40,000 pairs of shoes, and plan to expand their brick and mortar presence to account for 80% of profits by 2020.
128. Area 13 Ebikes ($4.2M/year)
Kyle Chittock, the owner of Bolton Ebikes, came up with the idea for his business through his passion for riding bikes and tinkering with electronics. He realized that he could combine his hobbies by adding an electric motor to bicycles, and thus began his journey with Bolton Ebikes. The business has seen incredible growth, with a 500% year-over-year increase, all without any paid advertising. Kyle attributes much of his success to serving his customers and building trust through platforms like YouTube.
How much money it makes: $4.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $200
How many people on the team: 6
Bolton Ebikes has experienced 500% YoY growth, bringing in $350k per month in revenue, all without any paid advertising and primarily driven by YouTube videos; the founder emphasizes the importance of finding out who your customers are and serving them what they want.
129. Marketplace SuperHeroes ($4.2M/year)
After getting scammed multiple times while searching for a way to make money online, Stephen realized that selling physical products was the easiest way to get started. He partnered with Robert and built a multi-7-figure business selling branded products on Amazon. This success led to the creation of Marketplace SuperHeroes, an 8-figure online education company that helps people learn how to sell their own products on Amazon.
How much money it makes: $4.2M/year
How many people on the team: 0
Marketplace SuperHeroes co-founder Stephen Somers shares how he started an online education company that helps people sell their products on Amazon globally from scratch, built an 8-figure coaching and services business, and created a consolidated freight company.
130. Cannabox ($4.2M/year)
Michael Berk came up with the idea for Cannabox when he saw a gap in the market for a subscription box for cannabis accessories. As a daily cannabis user, he wanted a convenient solution to purchasing the items he needed. With an initial investment of $1,000, Berk launched Cannabox in 2013 and has since grown it into a successful business with an MRR of $350,000 and 11,000 subscribers.
How much money it makes: $4.2M/year
How many people on the team: 3
Learn how Michael Berk founded and grew Cannabox, a monthly cannabis subscription box, to have an MRR of $350,000 and 11,000 subscribers, by being a pioneer in the industry, hiring the right people, staying humble, and using SEO, email marketing, and social media.
131. Techovant Solutions ($4.2M/year)
Boniface Kuria's lightbulb moment came when he saw a gap in the market for pre-installed OS on new computers. He launched Techovant Solutions in 2019, turning a side-hustle into a $350,000 monthly revenue machine.
How much money it makes: $4.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $300K
How many people on the team: 5
Learn how Boniface Kuria's e-commerce retail store, Techovant Solutions, went from startup to $350,000 monthly revenue in the electronics niche through strategic supplier partnerships and targeted online marketing efforts, with lessons on delegating tasks and timely product launches.
132. Cave Tools ($4M/year)
Michael "Medium Rare" O'Donnell, the founder of Cave Tools and Grill Master University, initially started his journey as an entrepreneur after taking an unpaid internship with a serial entrepreneur in college. He saw the potential for creating his own successful business and started Cave Tools as a side project to test his own marketing skills. By leveraging his experience and expertise, O'Donnell was able to scale Cave Tools into a $2 million per year brand while also traveling to nearly 40 different countries.
How much money it makes: $4M/year
How many people on the team: 1
Learn how Michael "Medium Rare" O'Donnell built Cave Tools into a $2 million per year brand selling high-quality barbecue tools and accessories, and expanded his business by launching Grill Master University, an online barbecue masterclass platform, all while traveling to and living in almost 40 different countries in just the last 3 years.
133. Scrubblade Inc. ($3.9M/year)
Billy Westbrook, the founder of Scrubblade, came up with the idea for his business when a bug hit his windshield and he couldn't remove the smear with regular wiper blades. He sketched out the design for Scrubblade the next morning and eventually got a prototype made. Through personal connections and networking, he secured an investor and launched the business, focusing on the HD trucking industry. Scrubblade is now the #1 blade sold at retail in that industry.
How much money it makes: $3.9M/year
How much did it cost to start: $75K
How many people on the team: 6
Scrubbleblade is a windshield wiper company that sells #1 in the H.D. trucking industry and was awarded wiper blade of the year by Frost & Sullivan in 2018; they focus on a specific target customer while offering subscriptions and utilizing social media.
134. Delray Watch Supply ($3.84M/year)
John Pietrasz and Federico Iossa, co-founders of Delray Watch Supply, came up with the idea for their tech-driven luxury watch dealer through their shared passion for watches and their expertise in the industry. They launched the business with $4,000 in their kitchen and now see sales of over $3.3 million annually, attracting and retaining customers through engagement on YouTube.
How much money it makes: $3.84M/year
How many people on the team: 4
Delray Watch Supply, a tech-driven luxury watch dealer, co-founded by John Pietrasz and Federico Iossa 20 months ago with $4,000 in a kitchen, has seen sales of over $3.3M annually, with sales expected to reach close to $4M this year.
135. Lost Empire Herbs ($3.84M/year)
Logan Christopher and his brothers started Lost Empire Herbs after being introduced to the benefits of herbs, particularly Pine Pollen. They began by buying pre-packaged products from Alibaba and re-selling them, learning along the way and eventually growing the business to mid-seven figures in revenue. They focused on email and content marketing, as well as affiliate marketing, to attract and retain customers.
How much money it makes: $3.84M/year
How much did it cost to start: $1K
How many people on the team: 12
Lost Empire Herbs co-founder and CEO Logan Christopher shares how he built an ecommerce business specializing in high-quality, phyto-androgenic herbs that support hormone systems, going from zero to mid-seven figures in revenue, and discusses strategies including affiliate marketing and email-and-content marketing.
136. FireAvert ($3.65M/year)
Peter Thorpe, a full-time firefighter in Provo, Utah, came up with the idea for FireAvert after responding to numerous fires caused by unattended cooking, the #1 cause of fires. He partnered with engineers to design and prototype the product, which plugs into the oven and automatically cuts power if the smoke alarm goes off. FireAvert did over $2 million in revenue in 2018 and is expected to double that in 2019, primarily through B2B sales to multi-family property owners and senior living properties.
How much money it makes: $3.65M/year
How many people on the team: 7
Firefighter turned entrepreneur Peter Thorpe invented FireAvert, a product that plugs into an oven and automatically cuts power to the stove and range if a synced smoke detector goes off, resulting in over $2 million in revenue in 2018 alone, with projections for double that in 2019 and the creation of a FireAvert outlet and smart home integration in the upcoming future.
137. STOCK ($3.6M/year)
Jim Snediker, CEO of Stock Manufacturing Company, pivoted from high-end menswear to B2B uniforms after being approached by a Michelin-star restaurant in 2013. This strategic shift propelled their business to $3.4 million in revenue by 2023.
How much money it makes: $3.6M/year
How many people on the team: 11
Case study on the transformation of a D2C menswear brand into a successful B2B uniform provider for hospitality industry giants, achieving revenue growth from $700k in 2019 to $3.4M in 2023, through strategic collaborations, product expansion, and community-driven initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
138. Healthsols ($3.6M/year)
Founder Bharath M started Healthsols Facilitators Pvt Ltd with the goal of creating affordable healthcare services. Despite initial struggles, the company has experienced steady growth, generating revenue and recruiting employees in multiple cities. They now offer a range of services including medical equipment supply, online consultations, nursing services, and Ayurveda services, and have plans to expand their offerings with a manufacturing unit for N95 masks and other medical devices.
How much money it makes: $3.6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
How many people on the team: 18
Healthsols Facilitators Pvt Ltd is a medical equipment and surgical items supplier to B2B entities such as hospitals and clinics that started around 6 months ago with an investment of INR 3000 and have now recruited 18 employees in 11 cities, while planning to establish their own manufacturing unit.
139. OCUSHIELD ($3.6M/year)
Dhruvin Patel, a qualified optometrist, came up with the idea for Ocushield after learning about blue light blocking coatings for prescription glasses while working at a vision clinic. He conducted his own research study on the harmful effects of blue light and set out to create a screen protector that would selectively filter blue light while maintaining a clear image. After winning grant funding and refining the product, Ocushield now serves over 150,000 customers in 80 countries, generating $300k per month in revenue.
How much money it makes: $3.6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $30K
How many people on the team: 12
Ocushield, a brand that develops medically-rated products to eliminate harmful blue light from digital device screens and improve sleep after screen use, serves over 150,000 customers in 80 countries and generates $300k per month with their flagship product being a blue light blocking screen protector and filters, sold in Verizon, BestBuy, HSN & URBN Outfitters and personally recommended by Sir Richard Branson.
140. ShakeSphere ($3.6M/year)
ShakeSphere, an award-winning shaker bottle manufacturer, was founded by elite sprinter Rick Beardsell. After experiencing the limitations and inefficiencies of existing shaker bottles while training as an athlete, he set out to create a better solution. With a focus on innovation and functionality, ShakeSphere's unique design quickly gained popularity, leading to international success and partnerships with major supplement brands.
How much money it makes: $3.6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $75K
How many people on the team: 1
ShakeSphere, an award-winning shaker bottle manufacturer founded by an elite athlete, has generated $4 million in annual revenue globally, and has won awards from Men's Health and Amazon for its innovative design, including no-mesh grid or mixing ball, making cleaning and efficiency better than ever.
141. Beyond Botanicals ($3.6M/year)
Mark Maher, co-founder of Beyond Botanicals, had a background in sales and a passion for health and education. When a client asked if they could make CBD oil products, Mark dove into researching CBD's potential benefits and knew it was a product that could truly make a difference. Alongside his co-founder, Jake Firmender, they started their own CBD business, focusing on providing Private Label CBD services to other startups. Despite facing challenges in payment processing and advertising, they quickly gained traction in the industry and achieved impressive revenue growth, reaching over $3M in annual sales.
How much money it makes: $3.6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $7K
How many people on the team: 8
Beyond Botanicals, a CBD manufacturing company in the USA, focused on private label CBD, wholesale CBD, and retail CBD products, started with a $7,000 loan and rose to over $3M in annual revenue in just three years, largely due to good taste as a competitive advantage and traditional marketing approaches.
142. Soaring Heart Natural Beds ($3.6M/year)
Mike Schaefer, the founder of Soaring Heart Natural Beds, came up with the idea for his business after realizing the importance of building a great mattress using organic materials. With reliable access to high-quality raw materials and a commitment to leaving a positive impact on the planet, Schaefer created a sustainable, green business that offers all organic beds and bedding. The online component of Soaring Heart's business has thrived, with a focus on products like mattresses, free shipping, and personalized customer service through online chat.
How much money it makes: $3.6M/year
How many people on the team: 15
Soaring Heart Natural Beds is a thriving Seattle-based organic bed and bedding company with 25% of their business online, two brick and mortar stores, and a commitment to a healthy planet by producing sustainable, green products that avoid using petroleum derivatives, plastics, synthetics or added flame retardants or fumigants in any of their products.
143. The TouchPoint Solution ($3.6M/year)
Vicki Mayo, the founder of TouchPoint Solution, came up with the idea for her business after using a technology to alleviate her daughter's night terrors. Recognizing the potential of this technology to help people de-stress, she launched TouchPoints, which has been used over 3 million times since its inception in 2016. With a successful Kickstarter campaign and retail launch in the works, TouchPoint is on track to continue its impressive growth.
How much money it makes: $3.6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $250K
How many people on the team: 5
This case study article follows Vicki Mayo, who developed a stress-reducing wearable product for her company TouchPoint, which achieved over $2 million in sales in the first couple of years and has been used for stress relief over 3 million times.
144. Maxwell Scott Bags Ltd ($3.6M/year)
William Scott Forshaw, founder of Maxwell-Scott, noticed professionals carrying plastic bags and poor-quality briefcases while working in corporate London. Recognizing a gap in the market, he launched Maxwell-Scott in 2002 to provide high-quality, functional briefcases for these professionals. The brand, which now offers a range of luxury leather goods, has grown to take in $400,000 a month across multiple countries and has gained recognition in the market, including becoming official suppliers of Saracens Rugby Club.
How much money it makes: $3.6M/year
How many people on the team: 14
Maxwell-Scott is a British-born luxury leather goods company handmade in Tuscany that sells to AB degree-level educated professionals with high disposable income and is now taking $400,000 a month across websites in 7 countries.
145. Vape and Juice ($3.6M/year)
ithin the legal boundaries to creative marketing tactics, we have explored various strategies to attract and retain customers. One effective method has been our content marketing efforts, particularly through blogging. This has allowed us to educate and engage with our target audience while establishing ourselves as industry experts. Additionally, our physical vape shops have played a vital role in attracting local customers and providing a personalized experience. Through exceptional customer service and a wide range of products, we have been able to build a loyal customer base.
How much money it makes: $3.6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
How many people on the team: 20
A former ex-con launched Vape and Juice with just £5,000 and has since built a seven-figure vaping company with online sales increasing 800% during lockdown, by offering exceptional customer service and investing in talent.
146. Auric ($3.6M/year)
After a backbone fracture led him to explore yoga and Ayurveda, the founder of Auric had a lightbulb moment to make Ayurveda more convenient and aspirational for others. With a background in consumer brands from his time at Unilever, he launched Auric as a beauty and wellness brand based on Ayurveda, creating 100% natural and low-calorie beverages that offer visible benefits. With already selling 150k bottles monthly, the future looks bright for Auric as they aim to penetrate more consumers in India, the US, and the UK.
How much money it makes: $3.6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $500K
How many people on the team: 9
A beauty and wellness brand based on Ayurveda, Auric, is making 150,000 sales per month after launching in September 2018 and is currently 95% bootstrapped, with the company focusing on social media and D2C strategies and driving traffic to its website to understand its end consumer.
147. Santafixie ($3.6M/year)
Xavi Claveria came up with the idea for Santafixie.com after falling in love with fixed gear bikes while living in London. He saw an opportunity to bring stylish and high-quality urban bicycles to Barcelona, where people were still using old, uncomfortable mountain bikes for commuting. With a loan and eventually investment from Axon Partners Group, Santafixie grew into a successful e-commerce platform with its own brand of bicycles and components, generating a monthly turnover of €200,000. Xavi credits the growth to a focus on SEO, brand awareness, content creation, and influencer collaborations.
How much money it makes: $3.6M/year
How many people on the team: 20
How Santafixie became a successful fixed-gear bike business with a monthly turnover of €200,000 and its own product line, while focusing on SEO, brand awareness, and reducing marketing costs.
148. 3D Universe, LLC ($3.6M/year)
Jeremy Simon, one of the founders of 3D Universe, discovered the potential of 3D printing when he bought his first printer in 2012. His involvement in the e-NABLE volunteer community, which uses 3D printing to create prosthetic devices, inspired him to start 3D Universe in 2013. With a strong focus on ecommerce, the company now generates $300,000 per month in revenues and has distributed over 8,000 assembly materials kits for e-NABLE devices.
How much money it makes: $3.6M/year
How many people on the team: 4
3D Universe grew their ecommerce business to generate $300,000 per month in revenues, with a growth of around 300% over the last three years, through selling 3D printers and supplies and working with the e-NABLE volunteer community, as well as developing their own e-NABLE Web Central platform and assembly materials kits.
149. Under30Experiences ($3.6M/year)
Matt Wilson, co-founder of Under30Experiences, came up with the travel company idea after going on a life-changing trip to Iceland. He saw the opportunity to bring his community of young entrepreneurs on similar retreats, and after organizing a successful trip to Iceland, the idea caught on and the business took off.
How much money it makes: $3.6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
How many people on the team: 5
Under30Experiences is a travel company for people aged 21-35 that runs small group trips around the world, with over 800 five-star reviews on Facebook, Google, and Yelp combined, and nearly hitting $5M in revenue before the COVID-19 pandemic.
150. Cameron's Seafood ($3.6M/year)
Cameron's Seafood was born out of a family-owned Maryland seafood business, but it was a chance encounter with a crab-loving customer that sparked the idea. The customer, tired of paying high prices for subpar crabs, was willing to drive 6 hours to get authentic Maryland crabs. This inspired Cameron to bring these delicious crabs to people all over the country through a home delivery service, leveraging their existing infrastructure and competitive advantage.
How much money it makes: $3.6M/year
How many people on the team: 10
Cameron's Seafood, the largest Maryland seafood company in the world, has leveraged an existing family-owned seafood business to ship Maryland Crabs and crab cakes to customers in all 50 states, making over $200,000 in July 2018 with an expected $2.4 million in first-year revenue without venture capital.
151. SHEATH LLC ($3.6M/year)
Robert Patton, CEO of SHEATH, came up with the idea for his premium men's pouch underwear company while serving in the Army in Iraq. Frustrated with the discomfort and chafing caused by his issued underwear, he conceived the idea of a pouch that would separate the male anatomy from the inner thighs, keeping everything cool and dry. After hand-stitching prototypes, finding a seamstress, and working with a manufacturer in Pakistan, Patton finally launched his business.
How much money it makes: $3.6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
How many people on the team: 7
Learn how Robert Patton grew a premium men's pouch underwear line to generate over $4K a day in sales with his latest women's line projected to double by the end of summer 2019 through persistence, learning from past mistakes, and keeping things simple.
152. Tortuga ($3.6M/year)
Fred Perrotta, co-founder and CEO of Tortuga, came up with the idea for their business during a backpacking trip to Eastern Europe in 2009. Frustrated with the lack of suitable travel backpacks on the market, Fred and his friend Jeremy decided to create their own. Despite initial challenges in design and manufacturing, they persisted and eventually launched their flagship product, the Outbreaker Backpack, which has become a top recommendation in the industry.
How much money it makes: $3.6M/year
How many people on the team: 9
How Tortuga bootstrapped their way to seven figures in revenue, by solving a problem for travelers with their carry-on sized travel backpacks, after overcoming challenges in design, manufacturing, and advertising.
153. I Love Ugly ($3.6M/year)
Valentin Ozich, the Founder of I Love Ugly, started the men's premium streetwear brand in 2008 with zero experience in business or fashion. He identified a gap in the market for high quality, affordable streetwear catered to men and sold primarily online. Despite setbacks and his lack of skills at the beginning, Ozich was determined to succeed and turned his idea into a multi-million dollar business.
How much money it makes: $3.6M/year
How many people on the team: 20
This case study showcases how Valentin Ozich built an online menswear brand, I Love Ugly, from scratch with a clear vision of creating premium streetwear catered to men that's affordable and sold primarily online, with some products selling upwards of 50,000 units/pieces globally and still remain some of the strongest sellers today.
154. Tower Electric Bikes ($3.6M/year)
Stephan Aarstol, the CEO of Tower Electric Bikes, came up with the idea for his business while observing the growing trend of electric powered vehicles on the beach boardwalk. He saw the potential of electric bikes as the perfect form of transportation and recognized the fragmented market of ill-conceived products and brands. With his experience in the paddleboard industry, Aarstol aimed to create a high-quality, low-cost eBike brand that would fill the void in the market, ultimately building the world's first famous eBike brand.
How much money it makes: $3.6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $30K
How many people on the team: 6
Tower Electric Bikes is a direct-to-consumer eBike brand co-founded by Stephan Aarstol and Mark Cuban, which has done over $36 million in sales since its $150,000 investment in 2012, and produced and sold everything from paddleboards to electric bikes for half the retail price, with the aim of creating the world's first famous eBike brand.
155. Wolf Spirit Distillery ($3.6M/year)
Umberto Luchini, the founder and proprietor of Wolf Spirit Distillery, came up with the idea for his vodka brand, Blood x Sweat x Tears, after leaving his comfortable CMO job with a multi-national liquor company. He wanted to create something different and connect with consumers in a real and honest way. After two years of hard work, the brand is experiencing rapid growth and is set to be available in 40 states by the end of the year, a feat that usually takes four years.
How much money it makes: $3.6M/year
How many people on the team: 5
Wolf Spirit Distillery, founded by Umberto Luchini, has experienced rapid growth by expanding to 23 states in the first six months of the year and aims to reach a total of 40 states by year end, despite initial start-up costs of over $1.5 million for Blood x Sweat x Tears vodka.
156. Desires by Mikolay ($3.44M/year)
Tara Mikolay, co-founder of Desires by Mikolay, came up with the idea to open a designer jewelry showroom when her husband, a classically trained bench jeweler, expressed his dream to start his own business. With Tara's support, they self-funded the venture and worked tirelessly to build the business from the ground up. Today, Desires by Mikolay is thriving and known as one of Westchester County's premier jewelers and design shops, with a brick and mortar store and a successful online presence.
How much money it makes: $3.44M/year
How many people on the team: 7
Desires by Mikolay, a luxury jewelry brand offering a quality selection of custom design and fine jewelry, tripled its brick and mortar since starting in 2005 and now receives orders from all over the US online, after building an authentic brand with passionate owners.
157. ESKUTE ($3.36M/year)
Alan Chen, founder of ESKUTE electric bike, came up with the idea during the COVID-19 pandemic when the demand for electric bikes soared. With a background in the electric bike battery field, Chen saw an opportunity to provide a safe and eco-friendly transportation method and started planning the project. Despite facing challenges and making mistakes along the way, ESKUTE has become profitable, with plans to expand production and open new stores across Europe.
How much money it makes: $3.36M/year
How much did it cost to start: $25K
How many people on the team: 60
ESKUTE started a successful electric bike brand during the pandemic, with a team of nearly 30 staff members, and now makes $280k per month with sales across Europe.
158. Soundbrenner ($3.36M/year)
Florian Simmendinger came up with the idea for Soundbrenner while in Berlin, after meeting other entrepreneurs and realizing there was no reason to wait to start his own business. He teamed up with co-founder Julian Vogels and developed the concept of a vibrating metronome, which eventually led to the creation of their first product, Pulse, a smart wearable device. After successfully launching on Indiegogo and raising $1.6M, Soundbrenner has sold close to 100,000 wearables and become a popular choice among musicians, with their mobile app boasting over 6 million downloads and 600,000 monthly users.
How much money it makes: $3.36M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
How many people on the team: 17
Soundbrenner raised $1.6M on Indiegogo and sold close to 100,000 smart wearables for musicians, featuring a vibration metronome that can be felt, rather than heard, and released a full smartwatch for musicians; the company's mobile app is the world's most popular metronome with over 6 million downloads and over 600,000 musicians that use it every month.
159. Company Folders, Inc ($3.3M/year)
Vladimir Gendelman, the founder of Company Folders, came up with the idea for his business after realizing the lack of variety in presentation folders in the American market. With only two customers showing interest in finding unique "company folders" online, Vladimir saw the opportunity to fill this gap and create a national online business. He started with minimal resources, maxing out his credit cards to launch the company, and focused on offering high-quality products, driving traffic to the website, and providing a personalized design and ordering experience. Despite facing challenges during the pandemic, Company Folders has remained profitable and continues to adapt and grow.
How much money it makes: $3.3M/year
How much did it cost to start: $60K
How many people on the team: 15
Multi-million dollar presentation folder company, Company Folders, offers over 100 million variations of products and has won multiple awards, including making Inc.’s list of 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in America for three consecutive years, due to their focus on quality, variety, and personalized customer service.
160. Boredwalk ($3.3M/year)
Matt Snow and Meredith Erin, the co-founders of Boredwalk, came up with the idea for their lifestyle brand while running their first brand, Ex-Boyfriend, as a hobby. As their order volume grew, they pivoted to focus more on apparel and decided to create their ideal client, thus giving birth to Boredwalk. They conducted extensive research, generated hundreds of designs, and loaded up a new Etsy store with them, eventually expanding to their own space and hiring more employees.
How much money it makes: $3.3M/year
How much did it cost to start: $50K
How many people on the team: 10
Boredwalk, a lifestyle brand selling original art and graphic design on functional goods, grew rapidly in the last 2-3 years with an average MoM growth of 10-12% and YoY growth of 50-100%, offering casual apparel, accessories, and decor products for customers primarily aged 25-55 interested in art, mental health, progressive politics, monster movies, and Satan.
161. Plain Jane ($3.3M/year)
Plain Jane, the ultra smooth and low odor Hemp CBD flower and cigarette company, was started by college roommates Evan and Duane. The idea came from their desire to create less smelly weed products that don't cause coughing. Within 5 months of starting to sell, the company is generating over $20K a month in sales and has customers in 47 states and 12 retail locations.
How much money it makes: $3.3M/year
How many people on the team: 16
Plain Jane, an online CBD company founded by two college roommates, offers unique products and has generated over $20K a month in sales within five months, attracting and retaining customers through social media, authentic stories, and content.
162. Taster’s Club ($3.24M/year)
Mack McConnell, founder of Taster's Club, came up with the idea for his subscription service after becoming fascinated with craft spirits and realizing that the process of discovering them was old and boring. He wanted to create an exciting and convenient way for people to explore different spirits and learn about them. Since launching in 2012, Taster's Club has grown to do $270K/month in revenue and has become a leader in the alcohol-related subscription service category.
How much money it makes: $3.24M/year
How many people on the team: 3
Learn how Taster's Club, a subscription service for craft spirits, went from a side-hustle to a profitable business with $270K/month in revenue, by launching fast and staying focused on providing an outstanding customer experience.
163. Bookblock ($3.12M/year)
Tom Strickland, co-founder of Bookblock, came up with the idea for his gifting business while manufacturing notebooks. He saw the success of Moleskine and decided to launch a real leather notebook brand, Monsieur Notebook, at a similar price point. While the notebook business ultimately failed, it led Tom to discover a market for corporate notebooks, which eventually paved the way for Bookblock's growth and expansion into the consumer market.
How much money it makes: $3.12M/year
How many people on the team: 30
Bookblock co-founder shares how they grew their corporate gifting platform to a £2m annual turnover, and their plans to expand to the consumer market through their new gifting platform.
164. Tini Lux ($3.12M/year)
Jackie Burke, founder of Tini Lux, came up with the idea for her business after struggling to find fashionable earrings that wouldn't cause allergic reactions. After discovering a woman selling basic titanium studs, Burke realized there was a market for skin-friendly earrings and decided to design her own line of titanium earrings. Despite initially launching Tini Lux as a side hustle, Burke has seen steady growth in her business and has gained a loyal following of customers who are finally able to wear earrings again.
How much money it makes: $3.12M/year
How many people on the team: 1
Tini Lux is a profitable e-commerce fashion business that provides a line of fashion earrings specifically for women with metal allergies that has gained a loyal following from its target demographic of women aged 18-45 in 15 months since launching.
165. Vitafive ($3M/year)
Nik Hall, the founder of Vitafive, came up with the idea for a custom vitamin pack business while studying entrepreneurial management and finance at Texas Christian University. Inspired by the success of Dollar Shave Club, Hall and his business partner initially launched a direct-to-consumer custom gummy vitamin pouch business. After overcoming early challenges and refining their marketing strategy, Vitafive has now expanded its product line and secured partnerships with major retailers, projecting to reach $3 million in revenue in 2021.
How much money it makes: $3M/year
How much did it cost to start: $200K
How many people on the team: 3
Vitafive, a direct-to-consumer custom gummy vitamin pouch business founded by 21-year-old Nik Hall and his business partner, Garret, reached a seven-figure business and will earn $3m in revenue in 2021, despite starting with only 31 orders after launch, with a focus on Facebook and Instagram marketing, and expanding into retail with eco-friendly packaging.
166. Continuum Games ($3M/year)
Greg Hughes, the founder of Continuum Games, Inc, came up with the idea for his business when he developed a card game called Discombobulation. Wanting to pursue his passion for games and toys, he quickly expanded his product line and launched a specialty toy distribution network. Today, the company generates $250k per month in the offseason, and up to $600k per month during peak season.
How much money it makes: $3M/year
How much did it cost to start: $15K
How many people on the team: 8
Continuum Games, Inc. President Greg Hughes started his toy and game distribution company with a $5 wholesale card game and today generates an average of $250k per month in revenue, rising to $600k in peak season from a combination of manufacturing and distribution of over 40 games.
167. Countryside Amish Furniture ($3M/year)
Mel Stutzman, the founder of Countryside Amish Furniture, came up with the idea for his business by combining his furniture expertise, Amish business connections, and entrepreneurial ambitions. After experiencing setbacks with previous furniture companies, he realized the importance of being conveniently accessible to target markets and decided to create a digitally-based operation that could sell throughout the country. Today, Countryside Amish Furniture generates millions in sales by partnering with Amish artisans to offer thousands of made-to-order furniture options to buyers across the continental US.
How much money it makes: $3M/year
How much did it cost to start: $120K
How many people on the team: 0
Countryside Amish Furniture is a highly successful e-commerce retailer generating millions in sales annually by partnering with Amish artisans to offer thousands of made-to-order, high-quality wooden furniture options and prioritizing customer communication and SEO strategy.
168. Sole Bicycles ($3M/year)
Jonathan Shriftman, the co-founder of Solé Bicycles, came up with the idea for his business in 2009 when he realized that buying a fixed gear bicycle was expensive and time-consuming. He decided to go straight to the source and connect with bicycle factories globally to create a more affordable and accessible product. Since then, Solé Bicycles has generated over $10M in sales, sold over 40,000 bicycles, and gained notable collaborations with brands like Rag & Bone and Beats by Dre.
How much money it makes: $3M/year
How many people on the team: 14
Solé Bicycles is a direct-to-consumer, lifestyle brand that has sold over 40,000 bicycles, generating over $10M in sales with only $300k of capital raised through collaborations, word-of-mouth marketing, and local community engagement.
169. SEATYLOCK ($3M/year)
Michael Shenkerman, Co-Founder and CEO of Seatylock, came up with the idea for his business after being approached by two young entrepreneurs with the concept for a hybrid product combining a bicycle seat and a lock. With his expertise in manufacturing and importing from China, Shenkerman saw the potential in the idea and decided to turn it into a reality. He launched their first product, the Foldylock Classic, via Kickstarter and raised $44,000, followed by the Seatylock, which raised $137,000 and received significant media attention. Today, Seatylock is a global company generating around $120,000 in monthly sales.
How much money it makes: $3M/year
How much did it cost to start: $3M
How many people on the team: 22
Israeli entrepreneur Michael Shenkerman co-founded Seatylock, developing and manufacturing innovative high-end bike locks including its first-ever product, a hybrid bicycle seat and lock combination that raised $44,000 in a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2013, with sales growing steadily each year to around $120,000 a month today.
170. ATH Organics ($3M/year)
ATH, a sports nutrition company founded by Stuart Kam, was born out of his passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the lack of all-natural supplements in the market. Starting out in his garage, ATH now dominates the niche market of supplements for athletes in martial arts and surfing, generating over $250,000 in monthly revenue as the number one plant-based PRE workout. Kam's dedication to creating high-quality, great-tasting products and his hands-on approach to customer service has led to their success.
How much money it makes: $3M/year
How much did it cost to start: $2K
How many people on the team: 4
A founder built a successful sports nutrition company from scratch, focusing on creating all-natural supplements for martial arts athletes, which now generates over $250,000 a month in revenue by prioritizing customer experience and using tools like Shopify, Klaviyo, Postscript, and Gempages.
171. Luna Wellness ($3M/year)
Robin, the co-founder of Luna weighted blanket, came up with the idea after struggling with anxiety and sleep issues. Inspired by studies showing the effectiveness of weighted blankets, Robin set out to create a higher quality and more affordable option. Now, with tripled revenue from last year and averaging $250K in revenue per month, Luna is helping people sleep better and feel better.
How much money it makes: $3M/year
How many people on the team: 2
Case study on the successful launch and growth of Luna weighted blanket, which tripled its revenue from last year and is averaging $250k in revenue per month by introducing a higher quality and affordable weighted blanket to the market through Amazon and gaining traction through effective advertising strategies.
172. Stonz ($3M/year)
Lisa Will, the founder of Stonz, came up with the idea for her baby and children vegan footwear brand after experiencing difficulties keeping her son's shoes on during outdoor adventures. Recognizing the need for stay-on footwear for kids, she collaborated with a friend to create the Stonz bootie, which quickly gained traction and secured 10 retail accounts after its introduction at a tradeshow in 2004. Determined to expand their reach, Lisa hit the road after work and on weekends to personally pitch the product to retailers.
How much money it makes: $3M/year
How much did it cost to start: $150K
How many people on the team: 7
Stonz is a baby and children vegan footwear and accessories brand founded by Lisa Will, which started in 2004 and became a multimillion-dollar company with over 500 retail accounts, generating $185k in monthly sales.
173. LastObject ($2.88M/year)
Isabel, a co-founder of LastSwab, along with two other independent designers, came up with the idea for their reusable cotton swab after researching harmful single-use items and finding that cotton swabs were a major contributor to pollution. They launched their business through crowdfunding platforms and have since attracted and retained customers through Instagram and newsletters. Their goal is to create a range of LastItems to reduce single-use items and create a more sustainable world.
How much money it makes: $2.88M/year
How many people on the team: 6
Danish start-up LastSwab, co-founded by Isabel, has received €1m ($1.2m) in crowdfunding on platforms including Kickstarter and Indiegogo, exhibiting the appetite for reusable products that reduce environmental pollution.
174. Pulseroll ($2.88M/year)
Founder Paul McCabe came up with the idea for Pulseroll after attending an innovation event in China and seeing a prototype for a vibrating foam roller. Recognizing the benefits of percussion therapy and the market opportunity, he launched the UK's first-ever vibrating foam roller and has since grown Pulseroll into a multi-million pound business with products stocked in over 20 countries.
How much money it makes: $2.88M/year
How much did it cost to start: $10K
How many people on the team: 0
Pulseroll is a multi-million pound business that offers scientifically proven muscle recovery technology and has experienced year-on-year growth of 174%, making it a top competitor in the wellness tech industry.
175. Janus Motorcycles ($2.88M/year)
Richard Worsham, co-founder and lead designer of Janus Motorcycles, was inspired by his experience riding, working on, repairing, and customizing vintage motorcycles. With a background in architecture and a passion for automotive design, Richard and his partner leveraged their knowledge of small-bike culture and local manufacturing resources to create Janus Motorcycles. Since its launch in 2011, Janus has steadily increased sales by around 40% each year, earning $2.8 million annually.
How much money it makes: $2.88M/year
How much did it cost to start: $25K
How many people on the team: 16
Janus Motorcycles, a direct-to-consumer brand building handmade, classically styled motorcycles, has steadily increased sales by around 40% each year, relying on organic marketing, customer surveys, and extensive options for customization with a full menu of colors, upgrades, and add-ons to attract and retain customers, all while striving to offer the best ownership experience with personalized service and down-to-earth Midwestern hospitality.
176. Vizio Makeup Academy ($2.82M/year)
Anastasia Andreani, the founder of Vizio Makeup Academy, had a passion for beauty and a desire to help others feel confident. After years of working as a makeup artist and esthetician, she realized she could reach more people by offering online makeup courses. With very little capital and a lot of hard work, Anastasia and her partner built the academy from the ground up, enrolling over 3,300 students and generating $2.4 million in revenue. Their success led them to design and create their own cosmetic line, including custom vegan makeup brushes and highly pigmented eyeshadows. With plans to double and triple their earnings in the years to come, Anastasia aims to franchise Vizio Makeup Academy and continue making dreams come true.
How much money it makes: $2.82M/year
How much did it cost to start: $4K
How many people on the team: 15
Online makeup academy, Vizio Makeup Academy, founded in 2011 by Anastasia Andreani and her partner, has enrolled over 3,300 students and generated $2.4M in revenue this year, by offering professional makeup courses online and creating their own cosmetic line.
177. CuddlyNest ($2.8M/year)
Ritesh Raj, the co-founder and COO of CuddlyNest, came up with the idea for the accommodation booking platform after years of traveling to over 100 countries and realizing the pain points of finding diverse types of accommodations. Alongside his co-founder, they decided to create a centralized platform that offers all kinds of properties for all types of travelers. Since its launch, CuddlyNest has raised over $14 million in funding and has plans for continued growth and expansion.
How much money it makes: $2.8M/year
How many people on the team: 72
CuddlyNest has become the only online travel agency that offers all types of accommodations in one platform, with inventory currently including over 4 million properties of all types in 80k+ cities, and is expecting to hire more than fifty new employees in the coming months.
178. Hand Held Legend ($2.76M/year)
Founder Kyle Capel came up with the idea for Hand Held Legend while restoring old Game Boys as a hobby during graduate school. He began selling modified consoles on eBay and realized there was a market for DIY upgrades and modifications. After launching the company with a Shopify store and one product, they have experienced consistent revenue growth, with nearly 40% of sales coming from international customers.
How much money it makes: $2.76M/year
How many people on the team: 5
Founder Kyle Capel started Hand Held Legend, a DIY upgrade shop for vintage handheld consoles, which generates an average revenue of $27,000 a month and grew 30% in Q1 of 2020, offering an array of modern LCD upgrades for various consoles and serving an audience of mostly male customers aged between 13 and 45, 40% of which are international.
179. AGood Company ($2.64M/year)
Founder Anders Ankarlid was inspired to start AGood Company after experiencing the cataclysmic environmental effects of the summer of 2018 in Sweden. Realizing the need to address the climate crisis, Ankarlid used his background in entrepreneurship and eCommerce to create a sustainable and social impact startup. AGood Company sells elegant, everyday products made from sustainable materials, with flagship products including mobile cases made from linseed waste and stone paper notebooks made from recycled industrial waste marble. In just over a year, AGood Company has gained a global customer base of 30,000 customers and achieves an average monthly revenue of $220,000.
How much money it makes: $2.64M/year
How many people on the team: 12
A sustainable and social impact startup founded in Stockholm, Sweden, Agood Company sells elegant, everyday products in sustainable materials, and has achieved a global customer base of about thirty thousand customers and average monthly revenue of $220,000 in just over a year, with a mission to inspire people to transform from mindless consumerism towards making more conscious decisions.
180. Populum ($2.64M/year)
Gunhee Park, the founder of Populum, came up with the idea for his direct-to-consumer CBD oil brand after experiencing a poor shopping experience in the CBD oil market. He recognized the opportunity to create a high-quality brand that reframed how people view CBD, offering trustworthy products with stellar customer service. Through manual strategies like word-of-mouth and engaging with individual blogs and forums, Park organically grew his business, which now boasts a monthly sales of $220K and an impressive $3M ARR.
How much money it makes: $2.64M/year
How many people on the team: 7
CBD oil brand Populum grew from $650K to $1.4M in annual revenue in just one year, with monthly sales of $220K and an ARR of $3M, due to investing in high-quality, trustworthy hemp products and stellar customer service.
181. Pain Care Labs a dba of MMJ Labs ($2.5M/year)
As a pediatric emergency doctor, the founder of Pain Care Labs, Amy Baxter, invented a vibrating ice pack bee called Buzzy(r) to block pain from her kids' vaccinations. After receiving positive feedback and realizing the potential impact on patients, she applied for a $1.1 million NIH grant to research and develop Buzzy. With the success of Buzzy, Amy decided to leave medicine and become a full-time CEO, expanding her product range to include VibraCool and DuoTherm devices.
How much money it makes: $2.5M/year
How much did it cost to start: $150K
How many people on the team: 7
Pain Care Labs, founded by a pediatric emergency doctor after inventing a vibrating ice pack bee, Buzzy, has sold over 31 million units while focusing on non-pharmaceutical pain relief, and recently launched a crowdfunding campaign for their latest product, DuoTherm.
182. Custom License Plates ($2.42M/year)
Jerome Bulkan came up with the idea for Licenseplates.tv after struggling to find a German license plate for his own car. He saw a demand for German license plates in South Florida, so he flew to Germany, learned the manufacturing process, and started Euro Sign in 1987. The business eventually expanded to offer license plates from around the world and transitioned to online sales with the launch of Licenseplates.tv in 2003, becoming the first eCommerce store to offer customizable license plates. Today, Licenseplates.tv generates over $200,000 in monthly revenue and is trusted by auto enthusiasts, car collectors, museums, and motion picture studios.
How much money it makes: $2.42M/year
How much did it cost to start: $200K
How many people on the team: 15
Licenseplates.tv, founded by Jerome Bulkan and his brother Andy in 1987, manufactures authentic-look license plates for over 140 countries and over 90 states and provinces, with monthly revenues exceeding $200,000, and went live with their eCommerce store that enabled shoppers to customize their license plates online and review them before adding to the shopping cart back in 2003, serving automotive collectors, museums, high-end automobile auctioneers, and virtually all motion picture studios in Hollywood.
183. Fragrance One ($2.42M/year)
Kamil Banc and his brother Jeremy co-founded Fragrance One to help customers find the perfect scents for different situations. With Jeremy's expertise as a top fragrance influencer and reviewer, they launched their flagship product, OFFICE for Men, through a record-setting crowdfunding campaign, pre-selling almost $940k worth of fragrance. Today, Fragrance One is generating $200k per month in revenue, with a focus on new customer acquisition and expanding their product lineup.
How much money it makes: $2.42M/year
How much did it cost to start: $100K
How many people on the team: 2
Fragrance One co-founder Kamil Banc shares how they created a fragrance line that generates $200,000 per month through a $900,000 Kickstarter campaign and a focus on creating scents designed for specific situations, and offers advice for other entrepreneurs to "adapt and create."
184. Sticker it ($2.4M/year)
David Rubie-Todd, the co-founder of Sticker it, came up with the idea for the business while running Kartdavid, a company that designed and manufactured custom graphics for motorsport. After experiencing the limitations and poor quality of local sticker shops, David and his brother decided to start their own sticker printing business in 2018. They have since grown the company to $125,000/month in revenue, expanding into multiple countries and focusing on providing high-quality, customizable products.
How much money it makes: $2.4M/year
How much did it cost to start: $13K
How many people on the team: 16
Sticker It is a custom sticker business that has grown to $125,000/month in revenue and 4x YoY growth by using technology to enhance the buying experience and expanding into multiple countries, with plans to launch throughout Europe in 2022, offering high-quality custom products for small and large brands worldwide.
185. Plaine Products ($2.4M/year)
Hello! Meet Lindsey McCoy, the CEO of Plaine Products, a hair and body care company that is on a mission to eliminate single-use plastic bottles. After witnessing the environmental impact of plastic pollution during her time in The Bahamas, Lindsey decided to create a solution by offering refillable aluminum bottles. With over 300,000 plastic bottles diverted from landfills and oceans, Plaine Products is making a significant impact in the fight against plastic waste.
How much money it makes: $2.4M/year
How much did it cost to start: $50K
How many people on the team: 6
Plaine Products CEO, Lindsey McCoy, rids the world of single-use plastic bottles and turns her passion for sustainability into a $2.4M/year hair and body care brand, diverting over 300,000 plastic bottles from landfills and oceans.
186. Siren Snacks ($2.4M/year)
Elizabeth Giannuzzi, co-founder and CEO of Siren Snacks, came up with the idea for the business when she switched to a vegan diet and found it challenging to find plant-based protein snacks that tasted good and had clean ingredients. Along with her sister, she started making their own protein bites in their dorm room kitchen and soon realized that others faced the same struggle. They began manufacturing the snacks themselves and eventually expanded to over 7,000 stores across the US.
How much money it makes: $2.4M/year
How much did it cost to start: $40K
How many people on the team: 4
Siren Snacks Co-founder and CEO Elizabeth Giannuzzi started her plant-based snack company by creating protein bites in her dorm room and now has 7,000 retail stores across the US, including Whole Foods, Target, and CVS.
187. Encircled ($2.4M/year)
Kristi, the founder and CEO of Encircled, came up with the idea for her business out of frustration with a lack of versatile and stylish travel clothing while packing for a yoga retreat. She realized that she had brought too much stuff and none of her pieces were versatile, sparking the idea for creating multi-functional garments. Starting with just one product in her 500 sq. foot condo, Encircled has now grown to a team of 10 with over 35 products, experiencing over 300% growth in the past two years.
How much money it makes: $2.4M/year
How many people on the team: 10
Encircled is a sustainable fashion brand that has achieved over 300% growth in the past two years through a direct-to-consumer eCommerce model and a focus on versatile, responsibly-made, and timeless designs, with a marketing strategy that emphasizes content and email.
188. HalalWorldDepot ($2.4M/year)
Mohamad Saad, one of the founders of HalalWorldDepot, launched the business as a side hustle to list Halal products from his father's store online. With an initial investment of $5,000 for the website and shipping materials, the company quickly gained traction and now boasts a customer return rate of 50-60% and steady profitability. The future looks promising as HalalWorldDepot continues to expand and serve the growing community of Muslims in the United States.
How much money it makes: $2.4M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
How many people on the team: 10
HalalWorldDepot is a Halal online marketplace that started three years ago as a meat and grocery delivery service and has now expanded to offer a wide variety of Halal products, with a customer return rate of 50-60%, profitability at 16-25%, and over 10,000 customers, with plans to expand to Canada and the United Kingdom within three to five years.
189. Engravers Guild ($2.4M/year)
Elliot Bishton, the founder of Engravers Guild, came up with the idea for his online personalized gift retailer after witnessing the market split between low-cost providers and expensive designer offers. He aimed to fill the gap by delivering premium products at more affordable prices. Starting with only seven pairs of cufflinks, Engravers Guild has now expanded to over 200 lines and is clearing $30,000 per month in revenue.
How much money it makes: $2.4M/year
How much did it cost to start: $50K
How many people on the team: 7
Engravers Guild, an online personalised gift retailer, has expanded its collection from seven cufflink pairs to over 200 lines and now turns over more than $30,000 per month, a significant increase from its $3,000 turnover 18 months ago.
190. Buckle Me Baby Coats ($2.4M/year)
Dahlia Rizk, a New Hampshire mom of three, came up with the idea for Buckle Me Baby Coats when a Facebook post she shared of her nephew wearing the coat went viral. Realizing the need for a car seat-friendly winter coat, Dahlia designed a coat with shoulder seams that open and a side zipper, eliminating the need to take off the coat before strapping the child in. With a strong demand and impressive sales of $50,000 a month, Buckle Me Baby Coats is set to continue its steady growth.
How much money it makes: $2.4M/year
How many people on the team: 1
A New Hampshire Mom of three founded Buckle Me Baby Coats two years ago, which now makes $50,000 monthly, offering a puffy winter coat designed to safely use in the car seat.
191. Evolue Skincare ($2.4M/year)
Jean Seo, the creator of Evolue x Lue Skincare, came up with the idea for her business after one of her clients expressed interest in natural anti-aging alternatives. As a pioneer in the clean, multifunctional, and non-binary skincare market, Jean used her knowledge of skincare ingredients and formulations to create her hero product, the Super Oil Face Serum, which has sold over 300k units. With a focus on quality, transparency, and exceptional customer service, Evolue has retained a loyal client base and attracted endorsements from A-list celebrities.
How much money it makes: $2.4M/year
How much did it cost to start: $50K
How many people on the team: 10
Evolue x Lue Skincare generated $2.4 million revenue last year, selling 300k units of spot treatment and winning 3 Instyle Beauty awards, while pursuing transparency in ingredients, excellent customer service, and non-binary branding.
192. Love Is Project ($2.4M/year)
Love is Project founder, Chrissie Lam, started her business after leaving a career in corporate fashion. Inspired by the Maasai tribe's vibrant colors, she designed a simple LOVE bracelet with the goal of creating jobs for their community. A viral social media campaign, celebrity endorsements, and partnerships with American Eagle Outfitters and Whole Foods helped the brand gain traction, and they have since generated over $1.2 million in revenue.
How much money it makes: $2.4M/year
How many people on the team: 2
Love Is Project generated over $1.2 million in revenue by utilizing a "Pay It Forward" business model, creating 1,200+ jobs for female artisans around the world, and utilizing storytelling to attract and retain customers.
193. PureFilters ($2.4M/year)
Jay Vasantharajah accidentally stumbled into the business of selling furnace filters online while working at his digital marketing agency. After his initial client decided not to pursue the idea, Jay couldn't resist exploring the e-commerce landscape and decided to create a WooCommerce website as a side project. To his surprise, he started making sales and PureFilters was born.
How much money it makes: $2.4M/year
How much did it cost to start: $1K
How many people on the team: 4
PureFilters is an online supplier of furnace filters in Canada with a focus on customer experience, boasting a wide selection of the best brands and a roster of 300 five-star reviews, all achieved through rigorous process building, investments in automation and use of outsourced help to manage this $60k/mo business with less than 10-12 hours spent per week.
194. Toybox ($2.4M/year)
Ben Baltes, the co-founder and CEO of Toybox, came up with the idea for their 3D printer and creativity platform when he and his friends realized the potential of bringing 3D printing capabilities into kids' homes. They saw that kids could not only print their favorite toys but also have the ability to modify or design their own custom toys. Despite facing setbacks and challenges, Toybox has grown from selling only 2 units in its first 2 months to generating millions of dollars in revenue annually.
How much money it makes: $2.4M/year
How much did it cost to start: $10K
How many people on the team: 3
Toybox Labs co-founder and CEO Ben Baltes shares his journey of creating a 3D printer and creativity platform for kids, including brutal setbacks and incredible successes, resulting in millions of dollars of revenue a year, and offers a discount for those interested in purchasing.
195. KPOP Foods ($2.4M/year)
Theo Lee, co-founder and CEO of KPOP Foods, came up with the idea for the business based on his love for Korean food and the desire to share it with others. Along with his co-founder, Mike Kim, they wanted to create a Korean food brand that not only offered delicious products but also represented the vibrant and energetic atmosphere of Korean culture. They launched their first product, KPOP Sauce, through a successful Kickstarter campaign, which funded within the first eight hours and ended with nearly $40,000 from over 1,200 backers.
How much money it makes: $2.4M/year
How many people on the team: 5
KPOP Foods, a Korean food company, generated nearly $100,000 in revenue since last year through its successful Kickstarter campaign and Amazon's Choice badge; they have entered over 90 specialty stores throughout the west coast and are currently raising an investment round to expand their distribution into major retailers and are launching new sauces later this year.
196. RIPT Apparel ($2.4M/year)
TJ Mapes, along with his friends Matt Ingleby and Paul Friemel, came up with the idea for RIPT Apparel after discovering a website that sold limited edition t-shirts with a countdown timer. Impressed by the FOMO-inducing business model and the opportunity to showcase artists' work, they decided to create their own platform for pop-culture parody artwork. With their combined skills in web design, logistics, and art, they launched the business with just $1,000 each and have since worked with hundreds of artists and paid out hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue.
How much money it makes: $2.4M/year
How many people on the team: 0
Three college friends created a full-fledged business with initial investments of $1,000 each, resulting in RIPT Apparel, a destination for nostalgic, pop-culture parody and limited edition mashup artwork sold on t-shirts, hoodies and more, working with hundreds of artists and paying out hundreds of thousands of dollars to their community of talented artists.
197. Popov Leather ($2.4M/year)
Ryan Popoff, the founder of Popov Leather, started the business as a hobby after graduating from art school. He made a wallet that he was proud of, listed it on Etsy, and to his surprise, someone bought it. From there, sales continued to increase and after two years of working a day job, Ryan was able to quit and focus on Popov Leather full time. Now, 6 years later, the business has grown to employ 10 people full time and has generated over $850,000 in revenue in 2018.
How much money it makes: $2.4M/year
How much did it cost to start: $200
How many people on the team: 21
Popov Leather is a Canadian company that makes and sells small leather goods online, with 2018 generating over $850k in revenue and doubling in revenue year-over-year since 2013 through direct-to-consumer sales, primarily for wallets, and backed by great customer service.
198. Natural Stacks ($2.4M/year)
Benjamin Hebert, co-founder of NaturalStacks.com, came up with the idea for the supplement company after experiencing the lack of transparency and trust in the supplement industry. As a consumer, he realized the need for a brand that would provide honest information about ingredients and formulas. With the launch of their flagship product, CILTEP, Natural Stacks has gained success and built a loyal customer base.
How much money it makes: $2.4M/year
How many people on the team: 10
NaturalStacks.com co-founder Benjamin Hebert shares how the company thrives in the competitive supplement industry with a patented nootropic formula and prioritizes transparency, customer experience, and niche marketing to grow its business, which generated over $100,000 in revenue in its first 100 days.
199. Meowijuana ($2.4M/year)
Chris Glissman, the founder of Meowijuana, came up with the idea for his catnip company while working as a cable guy and using "Meowijuana" as a code word for arranging meetings with his co-workers. The idea stuck with him, and in 2005 he claimed the domain name and eventually acquired the business. Today, Meowijuana is an emerging global brand with a wide range of catnip products available in thousands of pet retailers worldwide, generating $200k in monthly revenue.
How much money it makes: $2.4M/year
How much did it cost to start: $50K
How many people on the team: 11
Meowijuana, a catnip company founded in a one-car garage, has now become an emerging global brand with $200K in monthly revenue, selling catnip products in thousands of pet retailers worldwide, with 90% of sales coming from brick and mortar stores and national retail chains.
200. Flyby ($2.4M/year)
Eddie came up with the idea for Flyby after experiencing the effectiveness of a hangover cure remedy during a trip to Japan, where heavy drinking is a significant part of the culture. Realizing that there was a lack of effective hangover solutions in the US market, Eddie conducted market research and created a landing page to gauge interest. After receiving positive feedback and conducting extensive product testing, he launched Flyby with a successful Product Hunt campaign and leveraged influencer marketing to gain traction.
How much money it makes: $2.4M/year
How many people on the team: 1
Flyby is a health and wellness startup that launched in March 2017 with a flagship product called Flyby Recovery, which has since helped the company hit $1m in sales in under 10 months, and grow to $200k/mo in sales, with plans to do $2.5m this year.
201. Knife Aid ($2.4M/year)
After successfully starting Happy Socks, Mikael Soderlind was motivated to create another business that filled a gap in the market. Inspired by his own love for cooking and realizing the need for a convenient knife sharpening service, he founded Knife Aid. Through smart marketing strategies, PR efforts, and a focus on customer satisfaction, Knife Aid has seen impressive growth, currently trading at $250,000 per month and continuing to increase month over month.
How much money it makes: $2.4M/year
How many people on the team: 20
Knife Aid, a mail-in knife sharpening service, has seen a steady increase in sales month over month since launching in early 2019 and is now trading at $250,000 per month largely due to the service being "something every American home is in need of," gaining huge PR boosts, and offering a unique supply-and-repair service that requires very low investment.
202. Human Tonik ($2.4M/year)
Adam Wright, the founder of SuperGreen TONIK, came up with the idea for his business after struggling with chronic fatigue and a lack of nutritional supplements that met his needs. With his background in web development and digital marketing, he decided to create a greens powder that provided the ingredients he desired and tasted good. Since its launch in August 2019, the brand has seen significant growth and aims to achieve 7-figure revenue in its second year.
How much money it makes: $2.4M/year
How much did it cost to start: $50K
How many people on the team: 1
SuperGreen TONIK's founder developed a greens powder supplement with 38 superfood nutrients, adaptogenic herbs, vitamins, and minerals that achieved $250k in sales in its first year and is looking to hit 7-figures in its second year, thanks to transparency, repeat customers, and focusing on fewer, properly dosed ingredients.
203. Sheets & Giggles ($2.4M/year)
Colin McIntosh, the founder of Sheets & Giggles, came up with the idea for his business after leaving a tech startup in 2017. He wanted to start his own company and decided to launch a crowdfunding campaign for a physical product brand. After validating the product through Facebook ads and collecting over 11,000 interested buyer emails, he launched Sheets & Giggles on Indiegogo with 500 customers on day one and $45,000 in funding.
How much money it makes: $2.4M/year
How many people on the team: 6
Sheets & Giggles, an eco-friendly bedding brand, earned nearly $500,000 and 6,000 orders in the first 6 months of business through Indiegogo, and utilizes pun-based marketing and a DTC model to tap into a fragmented, low brand loyalty market.
204. Woodies ($2.28M/year)
Cory had previously launched a semi-successful watch brand. Due to his watch business, he traveled a couple of times to China, and after one of the trips, he came back with the idea for wood sunglasses. Wood sunglasses seemed awesome so Cody tried to jump on them early. He was able to sell 8,000 glasses in a week with a launch on Groupon.
How much money it makes: $2.28M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
How many people on the team: 1
Woodies, a wood sunglasses brand founded by Cory Stout, reached over $3.5M in revenue in 2018, despite starting with only $15K from a failed business and has succeeded through Amazon sales, spending $50K monthly on PPC and keeping ACOS at 30%.
205. Backstage Rock Shop ($2.22M/year)
Matti Lehtonen, the founder of Backstage Rock Shop, got the idea for his business while playing in a rock band and handling their merchandise. He noticed that existing merchandising companies in Finland were doing things wrong, so he and three friends started Backstage Rock Shop with the goal of being the best, most artist-friendly merchandise company in the country. Since then, they have grown significantly, with annual revenue now reaching over $2 million.
How much money it makes: $2.22M/year
How much did it cost to start: $40K
How many people on the team: 5
Case study on Backstage Rock Shop, which grew from $150k annual revenue in its first year to looking at $2M+ revenue in 2020, selling rock bands' official merchandise in over 80 countries, with a growing roster of artists, exclusive items, and a focus on premium quality and customer service.
206. SmartyPits ($2.2M/year)
Stacia Guzzo, the founder of SmartyPits Deodorant, was inspired to create her aluminum-free deodorant after her mother's battle with aggressive breast cancer. After learning about the links between aluminum and breast cancer, she began experimenting with creating her own skincare products, which eventually led to the creation of SmartyPits. In just 21 months, SmartyPits grew from making under $100,000 in 2016 to over $500,000 by the end of Q3 in 2018.
How much money it makes: $2.2M/year
How many people on the team: 13
SmartyPits is a fast-growing deodorant company that has gone from making under $100,000 in 2016 to making over $500,000 by Q3 2018, after the founder's experience as a breast cancer survivor led to developing an aluminum-free deodorant.
207. Bell & Bone ($2.16M/year)
Frustrated by the lack of regulation and quality in pet food, Arianne launched Bell & Bone to offer superfood dog treats with clinical backing. Since launching their Dental Stick range in March 2020, the business has doubled its revenue annually and expanded to over 450 stores worldwide.
How much money it makes: $2.16M/year
How much did it cost to start: $25K
How many people on the team: 1
Australian dog food brand Bell & Bone has doubled its revenue each year since the launch of its Dental Stick range, which has led to the expansion of its distribution network to over 450 pet specialty stores in Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Hong Kong, with plans to double its store count in the next financial year.
208. Nourish Foods Co. ($2.16M/year)
Mary Drennen and her partner Tiffany Davis started Nourish Foods, a high-quality, healthy meal delivery service. The idea was born out of their experience working in the culinary industry and seeing the need for convenient, nutritious meals. In their first year of launch, they did $250k in sales and relied on grassroots efforts and word of mouth to attract customers.
How much money it makes: $2.16M/year
How many people on the team: 20
Bootstrapped meal delivery startup Nourish Foods, founded by two chefs in 2014, has grown consistently and sustainably to generate $2 million in revenue per year, with no investment and a loyal following thanks to grassroots marketing, partnerships and social media advertising.
209. Just Panela LLC ($2.1M/year)
Scott Unkefer, the founder of Just Panela LLC, came up with the idea for his business when he moved to Medellin, Colombia and discovered Panela, an organic, unprocessed, and natural cane sugar. After experiencing its unique taste and health benefits, Unkefer decided to reposition Panela for the North American and international market. Despite facing challenges in packaging and manufacturing, Just Panela has achieved annual sales of $1.5 million and has gained recognition for its design and product quality.
How much money it makes: $2.1M/year
How many people on the team: 10
Founder and CEO of Just Panela LLC, Scott Unkefer, tells the story of his $1.5M unrefined, artisanal and organic cane sugar business, including how he repositioned the product, designed and manufactured the first product, and launched the business with multi-national operations.
210. Bento&co ($2M/year)
Thomas Bertrand, the founder of Bento&Co, came up with the idea for his business after realizing that there was a demand for bento boxes, a common item in Japan, outside of the country. He saw an opportunity to sell bento boxes online and started his business in 2008.
How much money it makes: $2M/year
How many people on the team: 14
Successful online store owner Thomas Bertrand shares how he started Bento&Co, which sells Japanese lunch boxes and other kitchenware to 100 countries, and how he is using his expertise to manage shipments with Ship&Co, a SaaS he launched in 2016.
211. Art Lovers Australia ($1.92M/year)
Nancy and Jarrod, both with backgrounds in the arts industry, recognized the obstacles that artists faced in gaining visibility. They decided to start Art Lovers Australia, an online gallery, to showcase the talent of Australian artists and make buying art easy for art enthusiasts. Through collaborations with designers and TV shows, their audience has grown, and they now have almost 1000 artists on their platform, with monthly sales averaging $160K.
How much money it makes: $1.92M/year
How much did it cost to start: $100K
How many people on the team: 4
Art Lovers Australia grew from 50 to almost 1000 artists and increased their monthly sales to an average of $160K by collaborating with designers and TV shows, building an audience on social media before launching, prioritizing advertising and marketing, and creating partnerships.
212. Elliot Havok ($1.8M/year)
Steven, the founder of Elliot Havok and Dash Wallets, came up with the idea for his business when he realized that most brands offering quality fashion accessories, such as watches and wallets, were too expensive. He noticed the exorbitant markups by big brands and the lack of socially conscious products in the market, which led him to create high-quality, affordable accessories direct to consumers. With over 250,000 wallets sold in 95 countries and monthly sales of $150,000, Steven's business is on track for more success in the future.
How much money it makes: $1.8M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
How many people on the team: 5
Founder Steven started Elliot Havok and Dash Wallets to make high quality, socially conscious fashion accessories at an affordable price, resulting in over 250,000 wallets sold in 95 different countries and current sales of over 150k a month, and with plans for expansion into new markets in 2019.
213. CoolerSomm Limited ($1.8M/year)
Sarah Newton, a marketer in the travel industry, launched CoolerSomm after her salary was cut due to the pandemic. Utilizing her eCommerce experience, she created an online store selling wine accessories. Within a week of launching, the business was already turning a profit, thanks to effective Google Adwords campaigns.
How much money it makes: $1.8M/year
How much did it cost to start: $2K
How many people on the team: 1
Solo founder Sarah Newton launched online wine accessories business CoolerSomm during the pandemic and was able to turn over $50,000 in its first full month of trading online, with an average margin per sale well in excess of £100, thanks to her eCommerce experience from previous roles and businesses.
214. UnbuckleMe ($1.8M/year)
Becca Davison, co-inventor of UnbuckleMe, came up with the idea for her business when her mother, who had arthritis in her thumb, struggled to open her granddaughter's car seat buckle. Recognizing that many others faced a similar problem, Becca and her mother developed an innovative tool to make it easy to open kids' car seat buckles, leading to the creation of UnbuckleMe. Since launching in 2017, the business has garnered success through avenues such as Kickstarter and Amazon, and even appeared on Shark Tank, attracting a wide customer base and paving the way for future growth opportunities.
How much money it makes: $1.8M/year
How much did it cost to start: $50K
How many people on the team: 2
UnbuckleMe is a profitable business that has created an innovative tool to open kids' car seat buckles, generating a monthly revenue of $60K and attracting a range of customers from grandparents to parents with freshly done nails.
215. The Kewl Shop ($1.8M/year)
After Charles came up with the idea for The Kewl Shop, he and his wife Sasithon focused on building their expertise and consistency within the dress market. They narrowed down their product offering to designer bandage and bodycon dresses and utilized Charles' analytical skills in SEO and PPC to drive traffic to their website. Through their dedication to quality and creating a strong brand, they have attracted and retained customers worldwide. In just three and a half years, they sold 10,000 dresses and reached their first $1 million in revenue. With their continued efforts in SEO and paid advertising, they are on track to sell 10,000 dresses by September 2019.
How much money it makes: $1.8M/year
How many people on the team: 6
How an online dress shop sold 10,000 dresses in 3.5 years to reach their first $1 million in revenue, and now generates an average net gain of 22% with consistent SEO and paid advertising strategies.
216. Riders Share ($1.8M/year)
Guillermo Cornejo, leveraging his background as a data analyst in the auto industry, founded Riders Share after crashing his motorcycle and discovering rentals cost a staggering $200/day. His platform now boasts 22,000 listed motorcycles and has raised $3.5 million in venture capital with over 120,000 registered users.
How much money it makes: $1.8M/year
How much did it cost to start: $1M
How many people on the team: 6
Riders Share, an online marketplace for motorcycle rentals, has generated over $3.5 million in venture capital since February 2018 with over 120,000 registered users and a margin of around 45%, proving it's possible to create successful businesses in niche markets.
217. Pushtak ($1.8M/year)
Adam Tal, a high school dropout and ex-musician, started an online education business in Israel that offers courses on "money hacking" and "equity hacking" to teach people how to build online businesses and assets. Initially planning to teach marketing to SMBs, Tal realized that by breaking traditional small business marketing rules, he could create something bigger. With over 100,000 subscribers, 7,000 students, and generating over 21,000,000 ILS ($6 million) in revenue, Tal's business has become a movement, empowering individuals to have more freedom in their work.
How much money it makes: $1.8M/year
How many people on the team: 10
A high school dropout turned entrepreneur started an online education business teaching "money hacking" and "equity hacking", generating over $6 million in revenue in the past 5 years, and plans to expand globally to revolutionize the way people make a living remotely.
218. Legacy ($1.8M/year)
Khaled Kteily, founder of Legacy, came up with the idea for his male fertility company after a personal experience with a close friend who froze his sperm before cancer treatment. Realizing the lack of accessible and comfortable options for men when it came to fertility testing and sperm storage, Khaled decided to create a solution using technology. He launched Legacy in 2014, but it was not until 2017, when a major study on male fertility decline was released, that he knew the time was right to fully pursue his vision.
How much money it makes: $1.8M/year
How many people on the team: 6
Legacy, a male fertility company founded by Khaled Kteily in 2018, offers a mail-in kit for at-home sperm testing and cryogenic storage of sperm, with its base product at $195 and a $3,995 "For Forever" package, and has reported an average of $150,000 in monthly revenue.
219. Turmerry ($1.8M/year)
Rumana Bai, founder of Turmerry, had a passion for healthy and non-toxic living. During a trip to India, she discovered an all-natural mattress made from latex, sparking the idea for her business. With a focus on sustainability and affordability, Turmerry now sells a range of organic and natural bedding products and has become profitable with a 50% COGS and 25% marketing budget.
How much money it makes: $1.8M/year
How much did it cost to start: $1K
How many people on the team: 3
An aspiring founder shares how they started an online retail store providing natural and non-toxic bedding products, growing their YOY revenue by 6000%, and focusing on sustainability and community impact through partnerships with American Forests and introducing 100% Natural and Organic Hair Oil.
220. Gym and Fitness ($1.8M/year)
Dave Barnes, a former Olympic athlete in archery, came up with the idea for Gym and Fitness after experiencing a disappointing process of setting up his own home gym. Frustrated with the lack of range and steep prices offered by local gym equipment stores, he found a small business that had everything he needed at competitive prices and started selling the equipment on eBay. After realizing the demand, he decided to stock up on more equipment and the early Gym and Fitness business model was born.
How much money it makes: $1.8M/year
How much did it cost to start: $550
How many people on the team: 50
Gym and Fitness is one of the largest online retailers of home gym equipment in Australia and New Zealand, servicing 450 customers a week and generating $150k/month in revenue, and founder Dave Barnes shares tips for aspiring founders.
221. Batch (Now known as Connect Gifting) ($1.8M/year)
Sam Davidson, the co-founder and CEO of Batch, and his co-founders came up with the idea for their business during a conversation about the lack of a one-stop shop for small-batch, handmade gifts in Nashville. They decided to start with a subscription box concept called Batch, offering four Nashville-made items each month. Their goal was to reach 200 monthly subscribers, but they exceeded expectations by hitting that mark in their first month and saw sales increase to 1,000 by month three.
How much money it makes: $1.8M/year
How many people on the team: 6
Regional gift and retail company Batch has grown its annual revenue to almost $1.8m by honing its operating model, targeting other cities such as its home base Nashville, and relying on repeat business by keeping purchase percentages for gifts at approximately 90%.
222. Kitchen Safe ($1.8M/year)
David Krippendorf came up with the idea for the Kitchen Safe after struggling with his own snacking habits. He wanted a way to avoid temptation and enlisted the help of a classmate to design and develop the product. The Kitchen Safe quickly gained popularity and is now sold all over the world, helping people avoid junk food and other temptations.
How much money it makes: $1.8M/year
How many people on the team: 18
The founder of Kitchen Safe, David Krippendorf, invented the world's first time-lock container that has helped customers avoid snacking on junk food along with other temptations, with over half of the users also using it for other non-food related items such as cell phones, cigarettes, and credit cards.
223. Robo 3D ($1.8M/year)
Braydon Moreno and his business partner came up with the idea for Robo 3D when they saw the potential of 3D printing in creating a customized and cost-effective prosthetic leg. They launched a Kickstarter campaign that raised a staggering $650,000 in just 35 days. Today, Robo 3D has sold their 3D printers to over 4,505 cities across 101 countries and continues to inspire creativity and innovation with their technology.
How much money it makes: $1.8M/year
How many people on the team: 30
Robo 3D, a company that designs 3D printers for consumers, launched their first product on Kickstarter which raised $650,000 in just 35 days, and now has sold their products in over 4,505 cities across 101 countries worldwide.
224. Streamloots ($1.8M/year)
Vicent, co-founder and CMO of Streamloots, came up with the idea to help streamers monetize their audience and not rely on third-party platforms like Twitch, Youtube Gaming, or Facebook Gaming. They created a marketplace where viewers can buy real-time interactions with streamers, allowing streamers to sell the gift of interaction in the form of chests. They have since grown to have a community of more than 12K active streamers and earned over $1M in revenue in the last quarter.
How much money it makes: $1.8M/year
How many people on the team: 22
Streamloots is a marketplace where viewers can buy real-time interactions with live streamers, allowing content creators to monetize their audiences and earning over $1M in just the last quarter with a community of more than 12K active streamers.
225. Natura Wellness ($1.8M/year)
Julien, the founder and CEO of Natura Wellness, came up with the idea for his food tech company after realizing the lack of natural and healthy drinks on the French market. After conducting extensive research on ingredients and formulating the perfect recipes, he launched Natura Wellness and quickly gained a following on Instagram. With a strong focus on customer experience and continuous improvement, Natura Wellness has experienced impressive growth, with sales reaching almost $500,000 in its second year of operation.
How much money it makes: $1.8M/year
How many people on the team: 8
French founder builds Natura Wellness, a food tech company offering a range of 12 unique and healthy Superdrinks for specific personal objectives that has experienced 1,200% growth, making nearly $500,000 in sales by the second year.
226. MindJournal ($1.8M/year)
Ollie, the co-founder of MindJournal, came up with the idea for the brand after personally experiencing the power of journaling during therapy to recover from PTSD. After recommending journaling to a friend who struggled with how to use it effectively, Ollie realized he could solve this problem and create a journal that would help men navigate the challenges of everyday life. This led to the creation of MindJournal, which has helped over 3,000 guys improve their emotional well-being and life satisfaction.
How much money it makes: $1.8M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
How many people on the team: 3
MindJournal is a journaling brand for guys that has helped over 3,000 men feel more in control of their emotions and improve their life satisfaction and self-worth.
227. Alitura Naturals ($1.8M/year)
Andy Hnilo, the founder of Alitura Naturals, never intended to start a business. However, a life-changing accident that left him with multiple injuries and scars led him to create his flagship product, The Alitura Clay Mask, during his healing period. With a mission to provide the highest quality skincare, Alitura Naturals now offers a full line of products and has garnered over 1000 reviews with an average rating of 4.9/5.0.
How much money it makes: $1.8M/year
How many people on the team: 6
Andy Hnilo, founder of Alitura Naturals, shares how his life-changing accident led to the creation of a successful all-natural skincare line with over 1000 reviews at an average 4.9/5.0 rating, sold in 76 countries and counting.
228. RinseKit ($1.8M/year)
Chris Crawford, the founder of RinseKit, came up with the idea for the portable pressurized shower system while he was surfing and needed a way to rinse off before work. After creating a prototype out of PVC pipe and receiving a positive response from others, he started selling the shower systems and eventually grew the business to average over $1.5 million in sales each year.
How much money it makes: $1.8M/year
How many people on the team: 3
Founder of RinseKit shares how he designed a portable pressurized shower that generates over $1.5M in sales per year and achieved great success with Kickstarter and appearing on Shark Tank, while providing advice on designing, prototyping, and manufacturing your first product.
229. Theo & Harris ($1.8M/year)
Christian Zeron came up with the idea for Theo & Harris after reading about watches and becoming passionate about them. Despite being unqualified at first, he invested all the money he had into buying $10,000 worth of inexpensive, unsexy watches and started the business by following the existing model in the market but with a focus on social media.
How much money it makes: $1.8M/year
How many people on the team: 3
23-year-old Christian Zeron shares how he launched Theo & Harris, a vintage watch company that now generates over $2 million in sales a year through understanding his audience and using YouTube to develop personal relationships at scale.
230. Dessert Boxes ($1.8M/year)
Samantha, one of the three founders of DessertBoxes.com.au, came up with the idea for their online dessert gift giving store out of frustration with boring gifts. They launched a Nutella-themed Dessert Box and sold over 400 boxes in just five days through social media and influencer marketing. In their first year, they turned over more than one million in sales and now have a presence in Sydney and Melbourne.
How much money it makes: $1.8M/year
How many people on the team: 20
DessertBoxes.com.au turned over more than one million in sales in its first year by disrupting the gift-giving industry with their online dessert gift store, utilizing influencer marketing and Facebook advertising.
231. Dropout SRL ($1.68M/year)
Kola Tytler, the founder of dropout, came up with the idea for his business after learning about the underground sneaker resale market and self-teaching himself to code a sneaker bot. He later teamed up with others to create software that collected data and ran statistical analysis, which led to the creation of HypeAnalyzer. Frustrated with university, Kola decided to bring the ultimate sneaker shopping experience to Italy, leading to the birth of dropout.
How much money it makes: $1.68M/year
How much did it cost to start: $120K
How many people on the team: 8
Founder Kola Tytler managed to build a profitable business, Dropout, worth over $2.5 million by selling limited edition sneakers and streetwear, despite having no prior experience and juggling medical school; the company saw over 50,000 in-store visitors and over $100k in sales in December 2021 alone and raised €750k via equity crowdfunding in 6 days.
232. PlayingCardDecks.com ($1.68M/year)
Will Roya, the founder of PlayingCardDecks.com, came up with the idea for his business after noticing the increasing popularity of playing cards and the potential for selling decks online. After experiencing success selling decks on eBay, Will decided to launch his own website and has since scaled the business to generate an annual revenue run rate of one million within 18 months. With a focus on great customer service and constantly adding new products, the business is currently averaging 100k a month in revenue.
How much money it makes: $1.68M/year
How much did it cost to start: $80K
How many people on the team: 2
How Will Roya built a $100K/month business selling and designing playing cards and decks, using Kickstarter to fund his own decks, and focusing on great customer service, SEO, and new products to retain customers.
233. Southern Elegance Candle Company ($1.68M/year)
D'Shawn Russell started Southern Elegance Candle Company as a side hustle to make extra money and get out of the house. The company quickly grew, and now they average $20,000 in monthly sales through their retail site, wholesale site, and Faire. Russell's authentic love for the South and Southern culture inspired the creation of home fragrance products with a Southern theme.
How much money it makes: $1.68M/year
How many people on the team: 20
Southern Elegance Candle Company, founded by D'Shawn Russell, started as a side hustle making around $200 per weekend at a local Farmers Market, but now averages approximately $20,000 per month in sales across their retail site, wholesale site, and Faire.
234. Battic Door ($1.62M/year)
Mark Tyrol, founder of Battic Door Energy Conservation Products, came up with the idea for his business when he realized that many homes with pull-down attic ladders were experiencing energy loss and drafts. As an engineer, he built an insulated cover for his own ladder and soon discovered that many other homes had the same issue. He designed, manufactured, and distributed the cover, eventually expanding his product line to over 100 products and growing his business into a million-dollar ecommerce venture.
How much money it makes: $1.62M/year
How many people on the team: 2
An ecommerce business, founded with one product in 2003, offering energy conservation products such as insulating covers for pull-down attic ladders that reduce heat and energy loss by sealing the attic, grew into a million-dollar business through a mix of low-cost website design, direct sales, online channels including Ebay and Amazon, word-of-mouth referrals and targeted influencer campaigns aimed at building code officials and architects.
235. Jungle Culture ($1.62M/year)
Jamie Skinner and his business partner, Chris, started Jungle Culture as a way to fund their traveler lifestyles and create positive change. They initially focused on selling bamboo straws and quickly became one of the world's biggest bamboo straw companies. Their success led them to switch their focus to eco-friendly products as a whole, and Jungle Culture now generates over $1 million in revenue.
How much money it makes: $1.62M/year
How much did it cost to start: $1.2K
How many people on the team: 4
Jungle Culture, an e-commerce brand that sells eco-friendly products, started with just one product and turned over just over $1,000,000 in a year by sourcing products directly from farms, small craft workshops, and ethical factories and selling them online worldwide.
236. Tradlands ($1.61M/year)
and through collaborations with other brands and influencers. We also prioritize customer service and building relationships with our customers, which has resulted in a high customer retention rate and word-of-mouth referrals. Additionally, we regularly engage with our audience on social media and use targeted ads to reach new customers.
How much money it makes: $1.61M/year
How much did it cost to start: $15K
How many people on the team: 4
This case study showcases the journey of Tradlands, a women's clothing brand generating $134k in monthly revenue, which was started with just $15k, and grew through email marketing, Instagram, and influencer collaborations.
237. Tribe Skincare ($1.56M/year)
Kayla, the founder of Tribe Skincare, came up with the idea for her business after running a skin clinic specializing in microdermabrasion. She noticed that half of her customers were experiencing adverse reactions to "active" skincare products, which inspired her to create a gentle skincare range specifically for sensitive skin. With a niche target market and a return customer rate of 75%, Tribe Skincare has become a multi-million dollar company in just 2 years.
How much money it makes: $1.56M/year
How much did it cost to start: $20K
How many people on the team: 3
A skincare brand founder identified a gap in the market for sensitive skin and formed an all-natural, vegan-friendly, and cruelty-free range around it, scaling into a multi-million dollar company with 75% return customer rate in just two years.
238. One Life Meals ($1.56M/year)
Andrei Calinescu, the founder and CEO of One Life Meals, came up with the idea for his healthy meal delivery service in 2014. After working in the fitness industry and noticing that his clients struggled with meal preparation and variety, he decided to start preparing meals for them himself. With his background in operations and nutrition, he saw an opportunity to provide a complete solution and launched One Life Meals, which has now grown to make 14,500 meals per month and generate $130k in monthly sales.
How much money it makes: $1.56M/year
How many people on the team: 29
One Life Meals is a Toronto-based healthy meal delivery service that made 14,500 meals per month and generated $130k in monthly sales in 2018 through their one-on-one consultation, lean protein and seasonal veggies-based meals, and their focus on the client experience.
239. Wink & Nod ($1.56M/year)
Sandeep Prasad, the founder of Wink & Nod, got the idea for his sleep-focused business while working as a Venture Capitalist in the US. He noticed a lack of innovation and confusion among consumers in the Indian mattress industry and saw an opportunity to introduce affordable and innovative sleep products. With a focus on customer feedback and an MVP approach, Wink & Nod has grown to offer a range of products and has successfully attracted and retained customers through their affordable pricing and trust-building initiatives like a 100-day trial service and international standard certifications.
How much money it makes: $1.56M/year
How many people on the team: 25
Wink & Nod is a sleep-focused D2C brand that provides premium quality sleep products ranging from mattresses, pillows, comforters, bedsheets to accessories like neck pillows, sleep sprays, among others, and has generated $130k/month in revenue, serving more than 12,000 orders to date.
240. Spinster Sisters Co. ($1.5M/year)
spinsterproducts.com" style="color:blue"> via Amazon, and we sell internationally. We are in natural grocery and mass grocery, we are in spas and boutiques, and we are in gift shops and hotel spas. You almost have to give all channels a shot, to try to drive growth, brand recognition, and new sales. We have a strong social media presence, especially on Instagram, and we engage with our customers through newsletters and promotions. Additionally, we prioritize customer service and aim to provide a personalized and positive experience for each customer.
How much money it makes: $1.5M/year
How much did it cost to start: $1K
How many people on the team: 10
Spinster Sisters Co, a natural skin and personal care company that manufactures premium quality products, went from making soap in a basement to a $1.5 million/year business, boasting 18 employees, 2100 stores across the US and expansion into Canada, seeing massive growth potential in its sales funnel and achieving a record sales week, with a robust direct-to-consumer business (24% of sales) that's grown organically until this year.
241. Be Activewear ($1.5M/year)
Julie New, founder of Be Activewear, came up with the idea for her online retail store after realizing there was a need for a place where women of all sizes could find affordable Australian activewear and swimwear. With only $150, Julie launched the store in October 2014 and now generates over $1.5 million a year in sales, attracting customers through strategic Facebook and Instagram campaigns.
How much money it makes: $1.5M/year
How many people on the team: 1
Australian woman launches affordable activewear store with only $150 and now sees over $1.5 million a year in revenue, using Shopify as the sales platform and Facebook and Instagram campaigns as the best source of advertising.
242. Phone Loops ($1.5M/year)
Jean-Philippe Brousseau, the founder of Phoneloops.com, came up with the idea for his business after repeatedly breaking his phone screen and incurring costly repairs. While at a pub in Montreal, he used a straw to prop up his phone and realized there was a need for a secure grip accessory for smartphones. Since launching in 2014, Phoneloops has sold over one million Loops in 66 countries, experiencing exponential growth every year.
How much money it makes: $1.5M/year
How many people on the team: 5
Phone Loops founder Jean-Philippe Brousseau developed and launched his first product after realizing how often he dropped his phone and caused costly repairs, and to date, the company has sold over one million Loops in 66 countries.
243. Betty's Toy Box ($1.5M/year)
Carolyn Eagle, the co-founder of Betty's Toy Box and Naughty North, came up with the idea for her businesses after realizing that there were few online shopping options for adult pleasure products that were comfortable, non-intimidating, and representative of different demographics. With a focus on education and open discussion, Carolyn aimed to normalize the use of sex toys and remove the stigma surrounding them. The business has seen impressive growth, with sales of approximately $125,000 per month and a 60% increase in revenue last year, driven by the increasing interest in sexual health and pleasure during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How much money it makes: $1.5M/year
How much did it cost to start: $2K
How many people on the team: 14
Betty's Toy Box and Naughty North are a leading eCommerce network focused on adult pleasure products and accessories, growing over 60% last year with sales of approximately $125,000/mth, with sales increasing even further during Covid.
244. U-Lace No-Tie Sneaker Laces ($1.5M/year)
Tim Talley, founder and CEO of U-Lace No-Tie Sneaker Laces, came up with the idea for his business while on a trip to Tokyo. Inspired by a sneaker he saw in a shop window that was laced up in multiple colors, Tim realized he could create a product that allowed consumers to easily lace their sneakers with different colors and patterns. With his background in entrepreneurship and product development, Tim self-funded the development and launch of U-Lace, which now sells about $1.5 million worth of laces every year.
How much money it makes: $1.5M/year
How many people on the team: 2
U-Lace No-Tie Sneaker Laces pioneered the modular No-Tie Sneaker Lace, sells $1.5MM/year globally, and boasts the largest color range of about 60 colors while attracting clients like Learning Express, Pigtails, and Crewcuts, with plans to launch several new products by the end of the year.
245. Glade Optics ($1.5M/year)
Curt Nichols started Glade Optics as a side project while working at a market research company. He saw an opportunity to create a challenger brand in the skiing industry due to a lack of competition and a common marketing approach. With just $5,000 in savings, he launched the business, and it has since grown to close to $1 million in annual sales. Nichols focused on building a strong product-market fit and used tactics like email marketing and targeted advertising to attract and retain customers. Glade Optics is now a profitable business experiencing over 100% YoY growth.
How much money it makes: $1.5M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
How many people on the team: 3
Glade Optics is a premium ski goggles and helmets brand that achieved close to $1M in annual sales with just $5,000 to start, using a favorable price point, streamlined messaging and marketing, and partnering with like-minded brands to lower CACs and get in front of more skiers.
246. Dick At Your Door ($1.5M/year)
Adam Elliot, founder of Dick At Your Door, came up with the idea for his business after a friend found a silicone penis mold at a sex shop. They thought it would be hilarious to send the molds in the mail as pranks to their friends. After putting up a website as a joke, they started receiving inquiries from people who weren't their friends, which led them to realize the potential for a business. Since then, they have grown their e-commerce shop and become professional chocolatiers, experiencing significant success in sales and viral marketing through social media.
How much money it makes: $1.5M/year
How many people on the team: 3
Dick At Your Door is an e-commerce shop that grew almost 10x within the last eight months by selling anonymous pranks such as 5 oz chocolate penises, and its founder shares his journey that started as a joke to becoming a professional chocolatier.
247. Green Fresh Florals + Plants ($1.44M/year)
Carlos Franco, owner and creative director of Green Fresh Florals + Plants, was inspired by his grandmother's love for nature and plants. After working in a flower shop in London and Paris, he opened his own shop in San Diego in 2009. Through providing outstanding customer service, high-quality products, and a seamless shopping experience, Green has become a thriving business with a focus on restoring their event floral business and re-launching their wedding product line.
How much money it makes: $1.44M/year
How much did it cost to start: $75K
How many people on the team: 10
Green Fresh Florals + Plants owner and creative director Carlos Franco explains how he built a unique, authentic, and profitable modern flower and plant shop in San Diego's Hillcrest neighborhood, growing from one employee to a $120k per month business through customer service, a focus on design, and a deep love for his craft.
248. Dexpel ($1.44M/year)
In 2009, Sarim, a programmer and digital marketing expert, started Dexpel with a budget of $2,000 and a small A3 printer, laminator, and cutting system. Frustrated with the limited customization options available when shopping for apparel and merchandise, Sarim researched manufacturing processes and discovered that he could create these items in-house. With the introduction of an online customizer, Dexpel became the first company in Pakistan to offer this feature, leading to rapid growth and expansion into a full-fledged facility with over 30 employees. Their revenue has grown from $2,000 per month to $165,000 per year, but Sarim measures success by the team and product line growth.
How much money it makes: $1.44M/year
How much did it cost to start: $3K
How many people on the team: 10
Dexpel, a Pakistani custom print store, grew from a budget of $2,000 for just a few vinyl customization products to over 200+ unique products and $165,000/year in revenue, by prioritizing online sales and developing in-house technology for order fulfillment.
249. The Design Cart ($1.44M/year)
Apaar, the founder of The Design Cart, came up with the idea for his business after realizing the procurement challenges faced by fashion designers in India. He personally spoke to over 800 designers and identified the need for a tech-enabled solution. After building a website and cataloging thousands of products, he launched the online B2B sourcing portal, which has now serviced over 20,000 designers and achieved a monthly turnover of $80k.
How much money it makes: $1.44M/year
How much did it cost to start: $25K
How many people on the team: 25
The founder of The Design Cart, an Indian online B2B sourcing portal for the fashion industry, shares how he turned his weekend gig into an EBITA positive business, servicing over 20,000 unique designers and brands globally and achieving a monthly turnover of over $80k until COVID-19 hit, by relentlessly running behind supply and demand, optimizing his online marketing strategy and keeping costs low for sustainable profits.
250. Progress Brewing ($1.44M/year)
Diego Benitez, the founder of Progress Brewing, came up with the idea for his craft brewery while working in academia and as a technology analyst. After brewing beer at home with his colleague, Kevin Ogilby, and conducting extensive research on the brewing industry, they decided to open their own brewery. Despite facing challenges with permits and limited capital, they successfully launched the business in August 2013 and saw continuous growth, with a projected revenue of $2 million in 2019.
How much money it makes: $1.44M/year
How many people on the team: 5
Progress Brewing, a craft beer company in South El Monte, saw continuous growth of 12-14% every month for 16 months straight and hopes to break $2M revenue in 2019 with a focus on high-value non-hype beer, excellent customer service, and providing an overall enjoyable experience.
251. Empire Skate ($1.44M/year)
Matt Wells co-founded Empire Skate after the only skate shop in Lower Hutt closed down. With a passion for skateboarding and a desire to serve the local community, Matt and his business partner launched their own skate and streetwear store, which has now grown into a successful online business with a monthly turnover of $120K.
How much money it makes: $1.44M/year
How many people on the team: 10
Empire Skate is an independently run skate and streetwear store that specializes in skateboards, footwear, clothing, and everything in between relating to skate culture; with an average monthly turnover of around $120K and over 150 different brands from around the world, its success is due in part to a strong focus on community and a loyal customer base.
252. Grow Your Agency ($1.44M/year)
Iman Gadzhi, founder of IAG Media and Grow Your Agency, came up with the idea for his social media marketing agency (SMMA) and online course after mastering Facebook ads and personal branding. With over $1.2 million in profit in just two years and multiple successful students, Gadzhi has become a leader in the SMMA industry.
How much money it makes: $1.44M/year
How many people on the team: 2
Iman Gadzhi made over $1.2M in profit within two years with his social media marketing agency and education company, where he teaches entrepreneurs how to start and scale a profitable SMMA, with over 45 of his students making over six figures with their SMMA, and over 300 students having quit their regular jobs.
253. Felony Case ($1.44M/year)
Felony Case founder, Andrew Moore, stumbled upon the idea for his iPhone case business after seeing a photo of a metal studded case on Twitter. He decided to try making one himself and received positive feedback from friends and eventually retailers like Holt Renfrew. After initial success, he sought out a factory in China to manufacture the cases and expand his business.
How much money it makes: $1.44M/year
How many people on the team: 1
Felony Case, a Toronto-based company designing unique iPhone cases, started as a small shop on Etsy and has grown to become an internationally recognized fashion iPhone case brand sold in top tier retailers like Nordstrom, Holt Renfrew, Indigo, Urban Outfitters, Revolve, Free People, and made over half a million dollars in revenue last year.
254. tutiendaenergetica.es ($1.32M/year)
After realizing his unhappiness in his hotel career in the UK, Borja decided to join his father's solar PV business in Spain. Together, they launched tutiendaenergetica.es, an ecommerce site and retail shop selling green tech products such as solar PV components and electric mobility vehicles. With a database of over 7,000 clients and a goal of reaching $1 million in revenue in 2019, their business has seen rapid growth since its inception in 2010.
How much money it makes: $1.32M/year
How much did it cost to start: $50K
How many people on the team: 11
Learn how a Spanish green tech retail business increased revenue year to date by as much as the entire revenue from 2018, with the aim of reaching USD 1 million in 2019, by introducing ad-hoc technical proposals, professional installation services and designing and manufacturing lithium-ion batteries for electric mobility vehicles.
255. Hakuna ($1.32M/year)
Button Watch was founded by three co-founders who believed they could make a mark in the fashion industry through innovation. After brainstorming and experimenting with different ideas, they came up with the idea of creating the first watch with interchangeable fabric straps that fasten with a button. With more than 1,000 combinations available, they have achieved $1.5 million in revenue in just two years.
How much money it makes: $1.32M/year
How many people on the team: 5
Button Watch, founded in 2018 by three co-founders, has grown to $1.5M in revenue and more than 1000 combinations of interchangeable cotton straps with a unique button-fastening system.
256. XO Marshmallow ($1.3M/year)
Lindzi Shanks, co-founder of XO Marshmallow, started the business after her partner Kat Connor created homemade marshmallows as a gift and received overwhelming feedback. Realizing the potential, they decided to launch an online shop and later opened the world's first marshmallow café. They relied on customer feedback and suggestions to develop new flavors and products, using their culinary and branding expertise to create a successful lifestyle brand.
How much money it makes: $1.3M/year
How much did it cost to start: $200
How many people on the team: 7
XO Marshmallow, the premier gourmet marshmallow company and home of the first marshmallow café, discusses how they became the leader in their market by creating a compelling lifestyle brand primarily through social media and organic traffic, leading them to do $1.5 million in sales last year with continued YoY growth ranging from 25-300%.
257. Allbe Canada ($1.2M/year)
Jordan's background is in nutritional science as a lecturer at a medical school, which gave him the foundation to understand the complexity of human health and nutrition. However, the true motivation behind founding Allbe Canada came from something other than his professional background, when his mother was diagnosed with a chronic disease. The reality that her health could be improved by altering her lifestyle habits, including nutrition, was a major wake-up call. He began researching extensively, exploring the potential of dietary supplements in supporting overall health. The idea for Allbe Canada sparked during this time, to create a product that could support people's health naturally and holistically.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How many people on the team: 1
This case study article is about the founder of Allbe Canada, a health supplement venture in Canada, that has achieved annual revenue in the ballpark of 7 figures, exemplifying their commitment to scientifically backed, high-quality supplements and the trust of their health-conscious customers.
258. RedlineGoods ($1.2M/year)
Mike, the founder of RedlineGoods, came up with the idea for his specialty automotive interior accessories business when his girlfriend complained about the drab interior of his Nissan 300ZX. After posting pictures of a new shift boot he had made on a car forum, he received 49 replies from people asking where they could get one. Realizing the potential for a side income, he started the business, which has now grown to over $1 million in annual revenue and offers over 2500 unique products.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $1K
How many people on the team: 4
RedlineGoods, a specialty automotive interior accessories site, went from a small family business of three people to a $1M+ operation with over 2,500 unique products sold to more than 100,000 customers over the past 20 years; their success stems from being obsessed with quality and utilizing digital marketing strategies.
259. Thurso Surf ($1.2M/year)
Childhood friends Shenglong You and Yu Li reconnected over paddleboarding and saw an opportunity to improve the gear and accessories available. They started Thurso Surf in 2017, initially testing their products on Amazon before launching their online store in 2018. With their focus on product quality, customer service, and building their brand, they have become one of the best SUP brands in the mid-range market, selling thousands of boards in dozens of countries.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
Thurso Surf, founded by childhood friends, has quickly grown to become one of the best SUP brands in the highly competitive mid-range market, selling thousands of boards in dozens of countries since its launch in 2018, with traffic increased 16X since their first year in operation.
260. Sinry Advice ($1.2M/year)
Sina originally pursued a degree in International Business Management in Malaysia before returning to Iran to work in the import-export business, where he learned about eCommerce and dropshipping. In 2019, a friend introduced him to a unique product opportunity, prompting the launch of an eCommerce store.
Sina's first sale involved a digital product with no manufacturing costs, marking a significant success. This achievement inspired him to create My EA Academy and launch a third business in October 2021, which now earns six figures.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $388
How many people on the team: 6
Entrepreneur Sina Sinry started an eCommerce business selling the best performing forex robot, generating monthly earnings of over $100,000 from his digital products, which he developed with the help of professional developers and found success through Facebook Ads.
261. biöm ($1.2M/year)
After sharing his dental expertise on Twitter and gaining a following, "Gator" was frequently asked, "when are you going to make a toothpaste?" Leveraging his background and overcoming his own dental issues, he co-founded Biöm, launching a successful toothpaste tablet business with a monthly run rate of $100,000 and 30% returning customer rate.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $38K
How many people on the team: 3
A dentist's journey from twitter educator to toothpaste entrepreneur, creating a successful brand with a unique formula to maintain oral health, all while emphasizing transparency and effective, authentic marketing strategies to attract and retain customers.
262. Shobitam Designs ($1.2M/year)
Aparna Thyagarajan and her sister Ambika, both with engineering and technology backgrounds, came up with the idea for their business, Shobitam, during a casual dinner conversation with their parents. They saw a gap in the market for accessible and affordable Indian ethnic fashion, especially for those living outside of India. After launching on Etsy in 2019, they experienced rapid growth and expanded to their own website in early 2020.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $50K
How many people on the team: 18
Shobitam is a digital-first company that democratizes ethnic fashion globally with 40,000+ social media followers, tens of thousands of customers and shipped to over 30 countries, gaining explosive growth of 300% YoY during COVID times, and is currently a $1.2M/year ethnic fashion brand and the top 1 Etsy store.
263. MazeEngineers ($1.2M/year)
Dr. Shuhan He, a doctor and entrepreneur, came up with the idea for Maze Engineers after realizing the lack of big data and effective mouse mazes for conducting neurological experiments. He worked together with a team of doctors, engineers, and designers to create customized mazes that integrate automation techniques and video integration, making it easier for researchers to gather important information. Since launch, Maze Engineers has attracted new customers through targeted digital marketing efforts and building relationships with other companies in the field.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How many people on the team: 15
Maze Engineers, a Boston-based startup, designs and creates custom mazes for research purposes, providing support for neurological experiments and therapies for patients, with clients ranging from biotech and pharmaceutical companies to public and private universities.
264. Plant Circle ($1.2M/year)
Monika Kalinowska, founder of Plant Circle, came up with the idea for her business after experiencing a burnout in her previous job as a video journalist. She turned to plants as a way to cope with her anxiety and frustration, but struggled to find unique and well-made plants and accessories. Recognizing a market gap, she launched Plant Circle as an online plant store with a focus on sustainability and animal welfare. The business quickly gained traction through social media, workshops, and collaborations, and now generates approximately $100k in revenue per month.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
How many people on the team: 12
Founder Monika Kalinowska turned her passion for plants into a sustainability and animal welfare-focused business, quadrupling revenue each year to reach +/-100k a month in 2021, by focusing on Instagram marketing, good SEO, a strong email list, and running workshops to attract and retain customers.
265. Tactica ($1.2M/year)
Tactica founder Mike Chijoff came up with the idea for his business after years of frustration with innovation stagnating in his industrial design consultancy. Wanting to take ownership and develop his own products, he launched Tactica in 2016 and raised over $570k in a Kickstarter campaign for their founding product, the M100 multitool. They continue to grow, generating around $80,000 in revenue each month through global distribution and investment in research and development.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How many people on the team: 2
Tactica's founder, Mike Chijoff, details his journey of launching a multifunctional lifestyle brand which generates around $80k revenue a month, that uses crowdfunding as a validation tool for innovation, and diversifies its revenue streams while focusing on long-term customer relationships.
266. Discotech ($1.2M/year)
Ian Chen, the Co-Founder and CEO of Discotech, came up with the idea for their business after struggling to find reliable promoters and information about nightlife events and reservations. Realizing there was a gap in the market, Chen and his co-founders created Discotech, an app that simplifies event discovery, VIP table reservations, ticket purchases, and guest list sign-ups. Since surviving the COVID pandemic, Discotech has generated over $1 million per month in gross sales, with a net revenue of 10-15%.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $450K
How many people on the team: 15
Discotech, an OpenTable for Nightlife, has partnered with over 1,200 venues across 50+ cities, generating over $1M in gross sales and netting between 10-15% as net revenue, while thriving after surviving the COVID pandemic.
267. On Air Parking ($1.2M/year)
Patrick Murray, Co-Founder and CEO of NOSON, came up with the idea for his business after leaving his previous job and becoming obsessed with off-airport parking. He flew to different markets, met with parking owners, and deeply dived into their pain points. After months of conversations, the concept of On Air Parking was born, targeting Uber and Lyft as their main competition.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How many people on the team: 1
Learn how the Co-Founder and CEO of NOSON grew their business to $1.2M in revenue in 27 markets using tools like Typeform, Zapier and Google for only $300 a month, and their advice for entrepreneurs just starting out.
268. Stone ($1.2M/year)
Stefan Johnson, co-founder of STONE, came up with the idea for their business while photographing a two-Michelin-star chef using a regular notebook that kept sliding on the kitchen surface. Together with his client Eliot, they brainstormed and came up with the concept for a chefs notebook with unique features, including stone paper, which led to the launch of their successful Kickstarter campaign and the creation of STONE.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How many people on the team: 5
Cookbook designers, Stefan Johnson and Eliot Dudik launched a Kickstarter campaign in 2018 hitting its funding target in 24 hours, thus kickstarting the business that has 6 new products, a monthly revenue of around $40,000, and over 45,000 products sold with plans to double its turnover by 2020 by expanding product line and corporate offering.
269. Bay Sports ($1.2M/year)
Founded by Hamish, Bay Sports started as an idea when his business partner purchased a kayak at a fraction of the price in a retail store. Recognizing the demand for affordable and high-quality water sports products, Hamish and his partner decided to launch an online store, offering a wide range of kayaks, SUP boards, and more. With the growth of online shopping and the use of platforms like Shopify, Bay Sports has become one of the largest online water sports businesses in Australia.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How many people on the team: 1
Bay Sports, an online water sports business, started with just kayaks and now offers a wide range of products, able to offer competitive prices due to being primarily online, with over 70% of customers shopping on mobile devices, emphasizing the importance of a strong online presence.
270. Think Crucial ($1.2M/year)
Chad Rubin, founder of Think Crucial and CEO of Skubana, came up with the idea for Think Crucial after seeing the high prices and limited availability of replacement parts for household items. He started small, selling a single product, and gradually expanded to become a successful seller. He then created Skubana to solve the operational problems he encountered and help other e-commerce businesses run more efficiently.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How many people on the team: 1
Chad Rubin, founder of Think Crucial and CEO of Skubana, shares his experience in building and scaling his e-commerce business from scratch using scrappy tactics and integrated e-commerce management software.
271. KLOS Guitars ($1.2M/year)
Adam Klosowiak came up with the idea for KLOS Guitars when his own wooden travel guitar cracked in cold temperatures. He saw an opportunity to create a durable and portable carbon fiber guitar that would solve the issues of fragility and warping commonly associated with wooden instruments. After conducting extensive research and launching a successful Kickstarter campaign, KLOS Guitars has grown to ship to over 70 countries and generate over $100k per month in sales.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How many people on the team: 13
KLOS Guitars CEO and co-founder Adam Klosowiak created a unique line of carbon fiber guitars and ukuleles, launching with a successful Kickstarter campaign that has since led to over $1 million in funding, with current monthly sales over $100K mainly through Shopify.
272. Auction King ($1.2M/year)
Aaron Varsha, the founder of Auction King, got into the auction business due to his family's longstanding involvement in the industry. However, he faced challenges when the online auction market became saturated. His lightbulb moment came when a marketer suggested he start his own auction website, and despite initial setbacks, Auction King launched in 2016 and has since grown, with Varsha now focused on expanding inventory and selling the software to other auction houses.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How many people on the team: 6
Auction King, a live online auction website for unique items, overcame issues with buggy sites and lost inventory to become a profitable business with plans to expand, as well as packaging and selling their software to other auction houses.
273. CanYouHandlebar ($1.2M/year)
Doug Geiger, founder of Can You Handlebar, came up with the idea for his men's grooming product business when he realized there was a lack of high-quality and transparent beard and moustache products available. After numerous experiments and research, he launched the business with a humble credit card investment, and it has since grown to generate millions in revenue, with products stocked in major retailers like The Art of Shaving.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $400
How many people on the team: 10
Men's grooming product company Can You Handlebar grew from a kitchen countertop with a stolen crockpot to making a million dollars in the first three years, expanding to a 10,000 square foot building and a network of international retail partners, with a focus on quality products and customer service.
274. Hipcooks ($1.2M/year)
Monika Reti, the founder of Hipcooks, came up with the idea for her cooking school after hosting impromptu dinner parties for friends and realizing that many of them felt intimidated by cooking. She wanted to teach people to cook like she does, with delight and a sense of community. Now, with 7 profitable locations and plans to franchise, Reti is ready to scale up her business.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How many people on the team: 8
Hipcooks is a 7-location cooking school business that has grown organically to reach $100k/month in revenue, and attracts and retains customers through their communal approach, vibrant online presence, and updated Google and Yelp business pages.
275. Mirai Clinical ($1.2M/year)
Koko, a Japanese female serial entrepreneur, came up with the idea for her eCommerce business of deodorizing body, hair, and home care products after realizing the lack of solutions for body odor associated with aging. Inspired by her grandmother's experience, she introduced Japanese Persimmon soap to the US market. Now, her business generates $100,000 in monthly sales, primarily through Shopify and Amazon, and focuses on providing senior-friendly products and exceptional customer service.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $15K
How many people on the team: 1
This case study features a Japanese female entrepreneur who started an eCommerce business offering deodorizing body, hair, and home care products, with monthly sales of $100,000 mostly from Shopify eCommerce and Amazon, targeting baby boomers and offering solutions for body odor associated with aging in the USA.
276. Country Outfitter ($1.2M/year)
John James, CEO of Engine, started his previous business, Acumen Brands, during the 2009 financial crisis. With over a decade of ecommerce experience, James and his team built multiple online stores, including Country Outfitter, which grew to become a $100 million retailer of cowboy boots within six months, despite neither founder owning a pair themselves. Using innovative marketing strategies, such as Facebook giveaways and viral loops, Country Outfitter acquired 9 million fans and 11 million email subscribers, resulting in an 8% conversion rate and $100 million annual revenue run rate.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How many people on the team: 20
Former Acumen Brands CEO shares how he acquired nine million Facebook fans in 90 days for one of his brands, leveraged that success to raise $100 million in venture capital, and ultimately failed spectacularly after being acquired, highlighting the importance for ecommerce companies to focus on direct relationships with customers.
277. Shenzhen Shibao Jewelry Co., Ltd ($1.2M/year)
Long Shuai, the founder of Silverbene, came up with the idea for his jewelry wholesale business after realizing the inefficiencies in the production processes of silver jewelry factories in China. He saw an opportunity to use information technology to standardize the manufacturing process and improve efficiency. With a revenue of $450K per month and over 3,500 jewelry store clients worldwide, Silverbene is now a successful business in the industry.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $200K
How many people on the team: 10
Silverbene, a silver jewelry design and manufacturing company, supplies over 3,500 jewelry stores worldwide, sending out over 90,000 items per month with a revenue of $450K USD per month, using information technology to standardize the production process and paying attention to international fashion trends while designing products.
278. Blvck Paris ($1.2M/year)
Julian O'hayon, the co-founder of Blvck Paris, came up with the idea for his business through his passion for minimalistic design and his success on Instagram showcasing black-themed images. After his photos of everyday items edited to be completely black went viral, Julian knew he wanted to create an all-black lifestyle brand, and thus Blvck Paris was born.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $80K
How many people on the team: 2
How a co-founder started an all-black lifestyle brand that grew to over 640k followers on Instagram and reached $100k/month revenue within 2 years.
279. Romans Tide ($1.2M/year)
Nick, the founder of Romans Tide, turned to e-commerce after a tumultuous youth and surviving nine months of homelessness. In 2017, he scaled his Amazon business to over $1 million in revenue, proving skeptics of Retail Arbitrage wrong while generating six figures a month with 20-25% profit margins.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $20
How many people on the team: 5
Founder grows Amazon arbitrage business to over $1 million annual revenue before transitioning to private label products and becoming a distributor for his own and other brands, with a full-scale countrywide retail arbitrage operation generating six figures a month and gross profit margins of 20-27%.
280. Joker Greeting ($1.2M/year)
Travis Peterson, a former investment banker, came up with the idea for Joker Greeting after he and his brother found a musical greeting card at their mom's house and thought it would be hilarious if it didn't stop playing. They launched the hilarious non-stop looping musical card on Kickstarter and raised an impressive $92,073 in just 30 days, propelling Joker Greeting to success.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $1K
How many people on the team: 0
Joker Greeting sells unique prank gifts, including a non-stop musical birthday card, an idea raised by the founders visiting their mom's house, having no website or marketing and yet raising $92,073 on Kickstarter in 30 days due to being picked up by media, enabling them to sell 15,000 units in the first year, owned SEO for their niche, selling almost 40,000 units in 2017 and expected to reach 50,000 to 60,000 in 2018 with a small team, using Shopify and various social media channels with lots of organic traffic.
281. Braxley Bands ($1.2M/year)
Braxton Manley and his dorm-mate Grant Andrews started Braxley Bands as a class project at Texas Tech. With only a $20 investment and no prior business experience, they created an elastic Apple Watch band and scaled the business to $100K a month on Shopify within three years.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $20
How many people on the team: 3
Braxton Manley started Braxley Bands with only $20, creating an elastic Apple Watch band and scaling the business to an impressive $100K a month on Shopify, all without any other capital or investment.
282. FEAT Socks ($1.2M/year)
Taylor Offer, co-founder of FEAT Socks, came up with the idea for his custom sock company after teaming up with fellow entrepreneur Parker Burr during their senior year of college. They started by buying plain white socks in bulk and adding custom designs in their dorm room, eventually selling 20,000 pairs of socks on campus. The business gained traction after forming partnerships with sports agent David Falk and Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman, propelling FEAT Socks to international success.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How many people on the team: 3
FEAT Socks, a custom sock company based out of Los Angeles, went from selling 20,000 pairs of customized socks on a college campus to selling $200,000 a month after Olympic gold-medalists posted pictures on Instagram, proving that focusing on having a kick-ass brand and utilizing social media is key to success.
283. The Longhairs ($1.2M/year)
Chris Healy and Lindsay Barto, founders of The Longhairs, came up with the idea for Hair Ties For Guys after they both started growing their hair long and realized there was a lack of quality hair ties designed for men. They created a funny and punchy commercial for the product, and from there, The Longhairs was born. They built a brand and started publishing weekly content that established them as the go-to source for men with long hair, attracting a loyal community and customers from around the world.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $10K
How many people on the team: 3
The Longhairs started their business in 2014 with no following and over four years they’ve grown their audience to 60K monthly website visitors, 20K email subscribers, and 28K YouTube subscribers, with monthly revenue of $30K by creating original, quality content, building their community, driving email optins and converting subscribers into customers.
284. Bey Moss ($1.2M/year)
Nick Bey, the founder of Bey Moss, came up with the idea for his business after hearing about the health benefits of sea moss from rapper Nipsey Hussle. He decided to sell sea moss products to his wife's large social media following and quickly sold out of his first batch, validating the demand for the product. With his background in computer programming and his wife's sales expertise, they were able to build Bey Moss into a successful e-commerce business, making over $800,000 in revenue to date.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $500
How many people on the team: 10
Bey Moss, an e-commerce platform selling sea moss-infused health and wellness products, made over $800,000 to-date with less than $10,000 overall in ads after validating the product idea through reviews and feedback and leveraging their social media following to build a Bey Moss community.
285. Swoveralls ($1.2M/year)
Kyle Bergman, Founder of The Great Fantastic, came up with the idea for his business when he couldn't find sweatpant overalls online or in stores. After discovering a supplier on Alibaba and using Google's Keyword Search Planner to determine demand, he launched his brand and sold over $300k worth of his hero product, Swoveralls, in just 18 months.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How many people on the team: 10
Founder Kyle Bergman turned a personal problem into a viral apparel brand, generating over $300k in sales within 18 months through Amazon and his own website, and raising $108k through a Kickstarter and Indiegogo campaign.
286. Beardbrand ($1.2M/year)
Eric Bandholz, the founder of Beardbrand, came up with the idea for his business after experiencing the pressures of conforming to corporate grooming standards. He wanted to create a brand that catered to "urban beardsmen" like himself who didn't fit the traditional stereotypes. Through content creation and a strong focus on owning their audience, Beardbrand has grown from a $30 investment to seven figures in a short period of time.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $0
How many people on the team: 11
American men's grooming company Beardbrand has grown from a $30 investment to seven figures and bootstrapped its expansion, thanks to a focus on content creation that allows the firm to control its audience and own its email database. The company originated after founder Eric Bandholz attended a beard enthusiasts' gathering and coined the term "urban beardsman" to describe traditional men who "didn't fit the typical stereotypes," and has benefited from coverage including a New York Times piece and TV appearance on Shark Tank.
287. Ka-Pop! Snacks ($1.2M/year)
Dustin Finkel, the creator and CEO of Ka-Pop! and Awakened Foods, came up with the idea for his snack business after realizing the lack of genuinely authentic and delicious snacks in the market. As a certified personal trainer and nutritionist, Finkel wanted to create snacks that were both healthy and tasty, leading him to develop the Ka-Pop! line using 100% Ancient Grains and natural seasonings. Since its launch, the business has experienced impressive growth, with over 300% annual growth and projected annual sales of nearly $10 million by the end of 2021.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How many people on the team: 50
Ka-Pop! is an Ancient Grain snack company that has grown over 300% per year, reaching nearly $10 million in annual sales by 2021, through innovation, passion, demos, social media, TV appearances, and driving relationships with retailer partners.
288. Empyre Off-Road ($1.2M/year)
Greg Shuey came up with the idea for Empyre Off-Road after purchasing his first Toyota Tacoma and realizing how expensive the aftermarket parts and accessories were. Through research and validation on Tacoma forums, he identified a gap in the market and decided to manufacture and sell his own aluminum grille inserts at a significantly cheaper price than competitors. By utilizing his marketing expertise, Greg was able to grow his business to generate an impressive $100,000 a month in revenue, attracting customers through content marketing strategies and building a strong online presence.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
How many people on the team: 2
Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.
289. Exto.io ($1.15M/year)
market research and validation before launching our product. We assumed that the demand would be there based on our own beliefs and experiences in the industry, but it turned out that we needed to make adjustments and improvements based on customer feedback. This taught us the importance of listening to our customers and constantly iterating on our product to meet their needs.
How much money it makes: $1.15M/year
How much did it cost to start: $80K
How many people on the team: 10
Exto.io's CEO and founder shares how they grew their flagship product, Recom.ai, into a full-fledged marketing tool with a $96K monthly turnover, attracting a diverse range of customers from small mom-and-pop shops to enterprise companies using a performance marketing approach and prioritizing customer feedback.
290. Rydable ($1.14M/year)
Terry McGinnis and Kartik Gurmule, founders of Rydable, identified the growing market of electric vehicles and the environmental need for them. Combining their expertise in fashion, marketing, and e-commerce, they launched Rydable in January 2020, offering electric powered skateboards, scooters, and hoverboards with speeds up to 60 kmph and mileage up to 40km. Since launch, they have seen substantial growth, with an Instagram following of 150k in just 3 months and a thriving Rydable Community with 5,000 active members. The company has been profitable since day one and has plans for expansion in the USA and Europe, as well as expanding their collection to include cost-efficient bicycles and bikes.
How much money it makes: $1.14M/year
How many people on the team: 5
Rydable, an online retailer of electric-powered skateboards, scooters, and hoverboards founded by Terry McGinnis and Kartik Gurmule, achieved break-even within one month of launch and grew their Instagram following from zero to 150k in three months through a smart Instagram strategy and focus on organic sales.
291. Virtual Run Events ($1.14M/year)
Angie Webb, the founder of Virtual Run Events, came up with the idea when she challenged her sister to run 1,000 miles in 2013. Inspired by seeing the moon while driving, they decided to see if they could log enough miles as a group to reach the moon. After attracting over 1,200 participants within three weeks, they realized the potential and started hosting virtual races to raise money for charities. Eight years later, they have hosted hundreds of races, donated over $860,000 to charities, and are on track to reach their goal of $1 million by the end of 2021.
How much money it makes: $1.14M/year
How much did it cost to start: $1K
How many people on the team: 1
Virtual Run Events started as a small community project with just $1,000, but has now raised over $860,000 for charities all over the world through virtual races which have become increasingly popular, with their aim being to raise $1 million by the end of 2021.
292. Tumbleweed TexStyles ($1.12M/year)
Brian Wysong, a high school marketing teacher, teamed up with art teacher Jeb Matulich to create Tumbleweed TexStyles, an apparel brand inspired by Texas. Their unique hand-drawn designs on softstyle unisex t-shirts quickly gained popularity, resulting in $1.2 million in annual sales. They have since expanded their product range and focus on giving back to their community and supporting education.
How much money it makes: $1.12M/year
How many people on the team: 2
Texas-born apparel brand Tumbleweed TexStyles has grown to serve over 150 retailers throughout the southern United States, selling an estimated 90,000+ products yearly and making an annual $1.2m in sales, thanks to the founders' unique designs, focus on giving back to the education community and successful “guerilla marketing” tactics.
293. LoLo Body Care ($1.1M/year)
Kismet Andrews, the founder of LoLo Body Care, came up with the idea for her business after starting it as a fundraiser for a medical center. She formulated solid moisturizing bars as a creative solution to funding holiday decorations, and when the decorations ended, people continued to contact her privately to purchase the products. Now, LoLo Body Care has reached impressive sales of $96,000 per month and plans to increase sales by 50% this year.
How much money it makes: $1.1M/year
How many people on the team: 4
LoLo Body Care, founded by Kismet Andrews, is a sustainable moisturizer brand that reached sales of $96k last month and plans to increase sales by 50% this year, using eco-friendly packaging and creating a healthy future through innovation and inspiration.
294. Superworld Comics ($1.08M/year)
Ted Van Liew, a lifelong comic book enthusiast, started Superworld Comics after selling a collection to pay back a loan and realizing the potential of selling comics as a business. With the help of his wife Lisa and the support of other dealers, friends, and family, they built Superworld Comics into a successful vintage comic book and comic art store, expanding their business online and through live shows on Instagram.
How much money it makes: $1.08M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
How many people on the team: 4
Superworld Comics Inc., a vintage comic book and art store, has been in business for 34 years, and has adapted to the pandemic by increasing web advertising, hosting live Instagram shows, expanding into WordPress, using social media (especially Mailchimp), and continuing to offer exceptional customer service through expert, fast, and inexpensive shipping.
295. Rwanda Bean Coffee ($1.08M/year)
Mike Mwenedata, a Rwandan immigrant, started Rwanda Bean Coffee Company after realizing the potential value of Rwandan coffee and the need to support coffee farmers in his home country. By reinvesting 50% of their profits back into the farming communities, Rwanda Bean has grown rapidly, expanding from 10 lbs of coffee to a container of 40,000 lbs and increasing revenue from under $3,000 to over $45,000 per month in less than a year.
How much money it makes: $1.08M/year
How many people on the team: 20
Rwandan immigrant Mike Mwenedata co-founded Rwanda Bean Coffee Company, which increased revenue from under $3,000 per month to over $45k per month in less than one year, by sourcing and roasting single-origin coffee from Rwanda and investing 50% of the profits back into the farm communities.