McKay Winkel had an idea for a unique swimwear design during a fun competition at Lake Powell. He and his friends were participating in a Speedo contest, and McKay wanted to stand out. He thought, “Why not add a hole to the back of the swimwear to show off part of your bum?” This idea led him to create Moonies, a fun swimwear brand for men, with his wife Karisa Winkel. Moonies aims to bring humor and personality to men’s swimwear.
The Winkels appeared on Shark Tank Season 16, asking for $150,000 in exchange for 35% of their company, which they valued at $428,000. Kevin O’Leary was interested in buying the patent for their design, but McKay wasn’t willing to sell it for $150,000. Since then, Moonies has launched several new designs with open windows on the back.
| Company Name | Moonies | |
| Founder | Mckay Winkel and Karisa Winkel | |
| Founded | 2022 | |
| Product | Swimwear for men | |
| Asked For | $150K for 35% equity | |
| Final Deal | No Deals | |
| Sharks | No Sharks | |
| Episode (Shark Tank USA) | S16 E4 | |
| Air Date | Nov 8th, 2024 | |
| Business Status | In Business | |
| Website | Visit Website | |
| Headquarters | Salt Lake City, Utah, USA | |
| Lifetime Worth (Sales) | $100k *estimated | |
| Valuation | $428k | |
Who Is The Founder Of Moonies?
Moonies Swimwear was founded in 2022 by husband-and-wife team McKay Winkel and Karisa Winkel. McKay completed his MBA at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and later worked as a real estate agent, while Karisa built her career in advertising.
She worked as an Art Director at Young & Rubicam and served as Creative Director at Pretty Handsome Paper for several years.
Currently, the couple runs Moonies, a men’s swimwear brand known for its bold designs featuring a unique “viewing window” on the back.
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of Moonies?
During their Shark Tank pitch, McKay and Karisa Winkel showcased their product, Moonies Swimwear, explaining how it brings a unique and fun twist to the men’s swimwear market. McKay highlighted the features of their swimwear, including the patented back cutout design, which adds humor and personality.
Lori Greiner asked about sales figures, and McKay revealed that Moonies was initially a side project, with total sales of just over $1,000. Each swimsuit costs $12.50 to produce and is sold on their website for $40–$45.
While Mark Cuban acknowledged the product’s market potential, he felt the business wasn’t a good fit for him as an investment and opted out. Daniel Lubetzky also believed the business wasn’t ready for investment yet, and Robert Herjavec declined to invest as well.
Kevin O’Leary showed interest in acquiring the patent and offered $150,000 for 100% ownership of it. McKay countered with $150,000 for the patent plus $5 royalty per unit sold. Unfortunately, they couldn’t reach an agreement, and no deal was made.
Breakdown Sharks Offer
Note: Here’s a quick summary of the offers and counteroffers between the Sharks and Mckay Winkel and Karisa Winkel:
| Sharks | Offers |
| Kevin O’Leary | No Offer |
| Daniel Lubetzky | No Offer |
| Mark Cuban | No Offer |
| Robert Herjavec | No Offer |
| Lori Greiner | No Offer |
| Founder’s (Countered) | No Counter |
| Final Deals | No Deal |
Moonies Shark Tank Update
After the Shark Tank episode aired, Moonies Swimwear gained significant attention, likely leading many curious viewers to purchase their products. It’s possible that the company’s sales could have exceeded $5,000 within a week following the episode.
Moonies has introduced a variety of colorful designs, which could appeal to the gay community. The brand continues to focus on creating fun and memorable swimwear experiences while promoting sustainability and supporting LGBTQ+ causes. We are tracking this business for further updates.
What Is Moonies Net Worth?
Moonies Swimwear has an estimated net worth of around $200,000. The company’s mission is to use eco-friendly materials and donate to environmental and LGBTQ+ organizations. Although the market size is currently limited, Moonies can increase sales by leveraging social media.
