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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Trunkster, the zipperless smart-luggage company that pitched Shark Tank in 2015, is now reported out of business. Founders Jesse Potash and Gaston Blanchet accepted a contingent on-air offer from Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner, but the deal reportedly never closed. Later coverage says the company struggled to fulfill crowdfunding orders and stopped responding to customers; the sources reviewed do not establish exactly when it shut down.
What Trunkster sold
Founded by Jesse Potash and Gaston Blanchet, Trunkster pitched a suitcase that opened with a roll-top or sliding-door mechanism instead of a zipper. Its advertised features included a removable battery with USB charging, a digital scale, GPS, and a TSA-approved combination lock. The product recap described carry-on and checked-bag sizes made from brushed aluminum and polycarbonate. These are historical product details, not evidence that the luggage is still being sold.
A Shark Tank Blog recap listed historical prices of $495 for the carry-on and $535 for the checked bag. It also discussed a separate $395 figure during the founders’ cost and sales conversation. Those figures describe the product at the time, not current prices. Shark Tank Blog’s Trunkster recap
What happened on Shark Tank?
Trunkster appeared in Season 7, Episode 10, which aired December 4, 2015, according to Shark Tank Companies. The founders asked for $1.4 million in exchange for 5% equity.
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#1 Best Overall
- CARRY ON LUGGAGE AIRLINE APPROVED: 20 inch of size and meets most carryon luggage 22 x 14 x 9 airline approved regulations；Overall Dimension：22.64"x15.55"x9.84" (Including wheels and handles)；Weight: 8.18 lbs; Packing Capacity: 40 L
- SPECIAL DESIGN: Stowable cup holder allows you to enjoy your coffee or drinks easily---stay refreshed on-the-go; Bag hooks to secure your bag easily, freeing up your hands
- SECURITY AND EFFORTLESS MOBILITY: VentureVault TSA approved carry on luggage features the TSA dual-lock system to keep your belongings safe on trips； 360° dual spinner wheels for silent and smooth rolling
- PREMIUM MATERIAL: Crafted with premium materials, this zipperless aluminum luggage features an unbreakable hard shell and sturdy aluminum frame, providing excellent durability and scratch resistance
- SERVICE: VentureVault products are tested to ensure that the travel products meet stringent standards. We attach great importance to customers experience, if you face any problems, our professional customer service team will respond quickly within 12 hours and provide 3-year of full support
Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner agreed on air to a contingent offer described in the recap as $1.4 million for 5% each. The reported terms included a 24-month repayment condition: if the money was not repaid, the Sharks’ equity would double. The offer also included a per-unit royalty. These were proposed terms, not a completed investment; the recap says the deal did not close after filming. Shark Tank Blog’s account of the deal
Why did Trunkster go out of business?
Post-show reporting says Trunkster failed to fulfill many crowdfunding orders. Some customers who received luggage criticized its quality, while other customers reportedly could not get a response from the company. Shark Tank Blog also reported that the company’s website went dark and its social accounts were deleted. It said customers had not received refunds as of 2021 and that the situation had not changed as of August 2023. Shark Tank Blog’s post-show update
Rank #2
- Impact Resistant: Durable polypropylene hardshell that’s abrasion-, scratch-, and water-resistant. Expansion gusset provide up to 2" to make packing effortless.
- Smooth & Silent: Spinner wheels offer 360° rolling maneuverability, allowing you to glide smoothly through crowds and busy airports with ease.
- Easy Maneuverability: Navigate with ease using the multi-stage telescopic handle with a push-button lock for adjustable height and smooth control. Top, side, and bottom rubber carry handles ensure effortless lifting and carrying from any angle.
- Travel Sentry TSA Combo Lock: Provides enhanced security by safeguarding your belongings while allowing TSA agents to inspect your luggage without causing damage.
- Space-Saving Interior: Maximize packing efficiency with a spacious main compartment featuring a zippered middle divider and multiple zippered pockets for organized storage. Durable self-mending #10 zippers ensure long-lasting reliability.
Those customer-impact details come from secondary reporting. The reviewed sources do not provide a verified count of affected customers or a primary company statement explaining the failures. Shark Tank Companies currently lists Trunkster as out of business. Dealroom also describes it as defunct, though its company narrative is AI-generated and should be treated only as secondary corroboration. Neither source establishes an exact closure date. Shark Tank Companies’ listing · Dealroom’s Trunkster page
Can you still buy Trunkster luggage?
Shark Tank Companies says Trunkster has no current website and is not listed on Amazon. That supports the conclusion that the original product is not currently shown as available through those channels; it does not rule out secondhand listings. If you are shopping for luggage with charging features, look at current products as alternatives rather than as Trunkster luggage or compatible replacements. Shark Tank Companies’ current status listing · Current smart carry-on luggage listings on Amazon
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- INTERIOR DETAILS: Hard shell luggage, fully lined with mesh zip pockets and compression straps. Carry-on Spinner: 19.25"H x 14"W x 9"D, (+2” expansion) 39-48 liters.
- EXTERIOR DETAILS: Boren hardside luggage suitcases with wheels are made with a durable polycarbonate shell that resists impact and cracks. Includes Carry-on luggage, 22 inches. Dimensions: 22.25"H x 15"W x 9.5"D. Each suitcase is expandable by 2 inches for additional packing space.
- EXTERIOR FEATURES: Lightweight and spacious with 4x 360-degree spinner wheels and telescopic handle for easy maneuverability through the airport. Carry-on features a convenient USB charging port. Puncture-resistant YKK zippers for security and peace of mind. Multiple carry handles are easy on the wrist and arms. Perfect for travelers seeking hassle-free, lightweight mobility.
- LUGGAGE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY: Our Boren collection delivers peace of mind that's easy on the wallet. Our checked and carry-on luggage suitcases are designed for easy organization and durability you can rely on. Perfect for your upcoming summer vacation or weekend holiday travel.
- U.S. TRAVELER: Travel made simple. At U.S. Traveler, we create travel essentials that are simple, reliable, and made for everyday journeys. Designed for the needs of real families, our products focus on what matters most: function, durability, and ease of use.
What became of the founders?
Shark Tank Blog reported that Gaston Blanchet later worked at Storypod and Jesse Potash at Bungalow. The reviewed sources do not verify either founder’s current role, so those reports should not be taken as confirmation of where they work today. Shark Tank Blog’s founder update
Quick Recap
Best Value
- INTERIOR DETAILS: Our carry-on luggage suitcases are fully lined with mesh zip pockets and compression straps. A spacious, organized main compartment makes packing your carry-on essentials easy. 2" expansion provides additional packing space, perfect for last-minute items like souvenirs. Pack heavier items at the bottom to prevent tipping.
- EXTERIOR DETAILS: Rio softside luggage suitcases with wheels are made from dense, tightly woven 1200D polyester with EVA front padding. Includes a 2-Wheel Carry-on luggage, 21 inches. Dimensions: 21"H x 13.5"W x 7.5"D. Each suitcase is expandable by 2 inches for additional packing space.
- EXTERIOR FEATURES: Telescopic locking handles and 2x corner-protected inline wheels provide easy maneuverability through the airport. Multiple carry handles make loading and unloading simple and efficient while being easy on the arms and wrists. Perfect for travelers seeking hassle-free, lightweight mobility.
- LUGGAGE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY: Our Rio collection delivers peace of mind that's easy on the wallet. Designed for easy organization and durability you can rely on. Perfect for your upcoming summer vacation or weekend holiday travel.
- U.S. TRAVELER: Travel made simple. At U.S. Traveler, we create travel essentials that are simple, reliable, and made for everyday journeys. Designed for the needs of real families, our products focus on what matters most: function, durability, and ease of use.
Rank #4
- The Perfect Size: The textured, scratch-resistant exterior of this hardshell carry-on luggage is 15 x 10 x 23 inches" with wheels and meets the cabin size restrictions of most airlines.
- Stay Organized: This small hard-sided carry-on suitcase provides ample packing room with a spacious 20.5" x 14.5" x 10.0" interior. The elastic straps, divider, and pouch ensure everything stays neatly in place
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
