DUDE Wipes
Became the first startup to disrupt national toilet paper retail.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | investor | €0.0 | round |
* | N/A | Growth Equity VC | |
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
DUDE Wipes emerged from a Chicago apartment in 2011, founded by lifelong friends Sean Riley, Ryan Meegan, Jeff Klimkowski, and Brian Wilkin. The founders, recent college graduates, identified a gap in the personal care market after realizing that the baby wipes they were using weren't designed or marketed for men. This realization, fueled by a diet of burritos and beer, led them to create a product specifically for on-the-go situations. Riley's background was in construction management, Meegan's in marketing, and Klimkowski's in investment banking, experiences that contributed to the company's development.
The company operates in the consumer packaged goods sector, targeting the multi-billion dollar toilet paper industry with flushable wipes designed for men. Its business model is direct-to-consumer through its website and major online retailers like Amazon, as well as B2B by selling through national retail chains such as Kroger, Walmart, and Target. Revenue is generated from the sale of its products, which include individually wrapped travel packets, larger dispenser packs for home use, and variations like Mint Chill and Medicated wipes. The company has since expanded its product line to include full-body wipes, deodorants, and body powders.
A significant milestone occurred in 2015 when the founders appeared on ABC's "Shark Tank." They secured a $300,000 investment from Mark Cuban for a 25% stake in the company, which remains the only outside funding they have raised. This appearance dramatically increased brand visibility and sales, which leaped to $3.2 million the following year. The company has leveraged viral marketing stunts and partnerships, including sponsorships with MMA fighters and NASCAR drivers, to build its brand identity. By 2018, Walmart selected DUDE Products for nationwide distribution. The company has experienced substantial growth, with annual revenues surpassing $200 million.
Keywords: flushable wipes, men's hygiene, personal care products, CPG, e-commerce, direct-to-consumer, retail distribution, Shark Tank, Mark Cuban, male grooming, toilet paper alternative, body wipes, consumer goods, Chicago startup, hygiene products, personal wipes, butt wipes, men's grooming, travel wipes, bathroom products