Intro: Let’s be honest: some ideas sound completely ridiculous at first. But with the right funding and a little audacity, those ideas can turn into viral sensations—or even multimillion-dollar brands.
Here are five of the most outlandish business ideas that made millions (and yes, we wish we thought of them first):
In 1975, Gary Dahl came up with the idea of selling smooth stones as "pets" complete with a box and straw bedding. No feeding, no walking, no cleanup. People thought it was a joke—and it was. But that didn’t stop it from selling over a million units in less than a year. Total revenue? An estimated $15 million.
Funding: Dahl launched the Pet Rock with minimal upfront investment, mainly covering packaging and marketing costs. Specific amounts aren’t publicly documented, but startup costs were very low.
Lesson: Simplicity + satire + solid marketing = viral success.
When the Snuggie first aired on TV, people laughed. Was it a robe? A cult uniform? A fleece potato sack? But those infomercials worked. The Snuggie sold over 30 million units and became a meme-worthy marvel.
Funding: The Snuggie was launched by Allstar Products, a company experienced in “As Seen on TV” hits. While exact figures aren’t available, launching such products typically involves a significant investment in manufacturing and infomercial campaigns.
Lesson: Lean into the absurdity. People love comfort and a good laugh.
You pay a few bucks to have a potato mailed to someone, with a message sharpied on it. It started as a joke, but soon got media coverage and appeared on Shark Tank. The business earned over $2 million in revenue.
Funding: In 2016, founders Alex Craig and Riad Bekhit secured a $50,000 investment from Kevin O’Leary on Shark Tank for 10% equity and a $1 royalty per potato until $150,000 was recouped.
Lesson: The weirder the better—especially if it makes someone laugh.
"Murder your thirst." That’s the slogan for this punk rock water brand. What started as a parody of energy drinks became a viral hit, thanks to bold branding and a rebellious attitude. It’s now valued at over $700 million.
Funding: While exact early-stage funding isn’t public, Liquid Death raised significant venture capital in its growth stages. Beverage startups typically need strong funding to cover production, branding, and distribution.
Lesson: Great branding can turn anything—even plain water—into a movement.
Protecting your pup’s eyes from UV rays never looked so stylish. What began as a quirky product idea for dog lovers turned into a niche empire, selling millions and even landing a spot on Time Magazine's "Best Inventions."
Funding: Specific startup funding amounts for Doggles aren’t publicly documented, but it likely started with a modest investment or small business loan given its grassroots product development.
Lesson: Niche markets can be incredibly loyal (and profitable).
So, What’s the Point?
Even the most bizarre ideas can blow up—with the right funding.
That’s where Lendzee comes in. We help small businesses secure capital to turn their dreams (or chaotic genius) into reality. Whether you’re launching the next novelty hit or building a serious brand, we’ve got your back.
Got a crazy idea? Let’s fund it.