Trip to ABC's 'Shark Tank' looms for Austin startup Beardbrand

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Beardbrand owners Lindsey Reinders, Eric Bandholz and Jeremy McGee. The company is up for a possible investment on this Friday's episode of "Shark Tank" on ABC.

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Chad Swiatecki

Staff Writer- Austin Business Journal

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Beardbrand, an Austin-based company that sells facial hair grooming products, will be the second Austin company in as many weeks to appear on ABC's "Shark Tank" television show seeking capital to fuel its growth.

Founder and co-owner Eric Bandholz couldn't disclose many details about his appearance on the show, which was taped earlier this year, but said he applied to make a pitch to the show's panel of entrepreneurs with the hope of securing funding to cover the cost of expanding Beardbrand's retail and online presence.

Last week, the Austin-based boxed cocktail company BeatBox Beverages scored a $1 million investment from billionaire Mark Cuban, in exchange for a one-third stake in the company.

Like many other "Shark Tank" veterans, Bandholz said he was also drawn to the opportunity to introduce the 22-month-old company to several million viewers of the popular program.

"It's one of the most-watched shows on the air and the chance to share your vision with that kind of audience, it's a great opportunity for any business," he said.

The company's Instagram account features a humorous photo of Bandholz and the TV show's co-host/mogul Lori Greiner.

Beardbrand was founded by Bandholz and partners Lindsey Reinders and Jeremy McGee with a pooled $8,000 while the three were living in Spokane, Washington. Bandholz and Reinders have since relocated to Austin in the past year and are operating out of home offices, with the company recording $1.1 million in revenue thus far in 2014.

Beardbrand has been featured in national men's publications such as Esquire and Men's Journal. Bandholz said the company's goal regardless of the "Shark Tank" results will be to be known as the leader in beard care and to grow beyond its distribution in 100 retail locations.

Chad Swiatecki covers Austin's creative industries, health care and education.