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No Limbits returns to Shark Tank

April 3, 2023

One year ago, Erica Cole appeared on Shark Tank to showcase a concept that she believed would help an underserved demographic in need.

No Limbits, an adaptive apparel brand looking to increase comfort, confidence, and independence for those who struggle with clothing due to a disability, was created in 2018 after Erica lost her leg in an accident. After presenting her brand to the sharks, Erica was able to close a $1.4M seed round with investors Mark Cuban and Emma Grede.

Since then, the company has worked toward becoming a go-to brand for adaptive apparel via its expanded product offerings.

Last Friday, Cole returned to Shark Tank to discuss the growth of No Limbits and the milestones that the company has achieved since first appearing on the show in 2022, and also debuted new products including:

The Sensory Tee: The new Sensory Tee is ideal for everyday wear or exercising, designed with Drirelease Jersey and moisture wicking fabric so the shirt stays dry, cool, and fresh. Additionally, FRESHGUARD Odor Control technology within the fabric works to reduce odor caused by bacteria in textiles. The shirt does not have a tag and also includes flatlock comfort seams to ensure they are not touching skin or causing discomfort.

Wheelchair Pant: Designed for wheelchair users and those sitting for extended periods of time, the Wheelchair Pant features a hidden catheter loop and side waist zippers to make dressing and self care easy to manage. The pants are also designed with thigh pockets to ensure any personal belongings are easily accessible and stay put throughout the day. To ensure durability, the wheelchair pants are made of 4-way stretch fabric and designed to have a higher back rise, meaning any movement throughout the day does not impact comfort or coverage.

Limited Dexterity Leggings: The Limited Dexterity Leggings are made of 4-way stretch fabric to provide functionality when exercising, running errands, or wearing around the house. Reinforced belt loops provide users with a tool to pull the leggings up without fear of breaking the belt loops. The leggings are also designed with a wider waistband to create more comfort. The magnetic pockets make storing and accessing personal items easy and secure.

No Limbits returns to Shark Tank | Clay & Milk

A central Iowa ag-tech accelerator has secured more backers and finally has a name. The Greater Des Moines Partnership first announced the accelerator last year, naming four initial investors. On Monday, the Partnership said the program will be called the "Iowa AgriTech Accelerator" and named three new investors. The new investors include Grinnell Mutual, Kent Corp. and Sukup Manufacturing, all Iowa companies. They join investors Deere & Co., Peoples Co., Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Co. and DuPont Pioneer. Each investor has agreed to put up $100,000 for the first year of the accelerator. Startups entering the program will receive $40,000 in seed funding in exchange for 6 percent equity. Tej Dhawan, an angel investor and local startup mentor, is serving as interim director until the AgriTech Accelerator names a permanent leader. Dhawan held a similar role with the GIA before Brian Hemesath was named as managing director. As interim director, Dhawan said his main job includes hiring the accelerator's executive director, establishing a business structure and initial recruiting for the first cohort. The accelerator will place few filters, such as location and product, on the applicant pool, Dhawan said. "When you’re seeking innovation, innovation can come from every corner of the world so why restrict ourselves," he said. One area the the AgriTech Accelerator won't recruit from is biotech. For its first cohort, the AgriTech Accelerator will work out of the GIA's space in Des Moines' East Village, Dhawan said. A future, permanent home is still to be decided. The accelerator's program will host startups from mid-July through mid-October, ending with an event connected to the annual World Food Prize. The GIA, which the AgriTech Accelerator is based on, also ends with presentations at an industry event. The accelerator has also started lining up a mentor pool. The Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Soybean Association and the Iowa Pork Producers Association have agreed to provide mentors, as has Iowa State University. While the AgriTech Accelerator is loosely based off of the GIA, it will differ in its business structure, Dhawan said. The GIA runs through a for-profit model for both operations and its investment fund. The AgriTech Accelerator will have a nonprofit model for its operations and a for-profit setup for its fund. Dhawan said the nonprofit model is being used so the accelerator can better work with other nonprofit partners, such as trade associations. "These are all organizations that are nonprofits and can be amazing stakeholders without ever having to be investors in the accelerator," he said. "It becomes easier to work with trade associations in their nonprofit role when we are also a nonprofit." When it's up and running, the AgriTech Accelerator would be one of a handful of ag-focused startup development programs in Iowa. Others include the Ag Startup Engine out of Iowa State University and the Rural Ventures Alliance from Iowa MicroLoan. Matthew Patane is the managing editor and co-founder of Clay & Milk. Send him an email at mpatane@clayandmilk.com.

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