A Luggage Dream That Fell Flat

The seventh season of the popular business show premiered in 2015, and among the hopefuls was a pair who dubbed their suitcase “Trunkster.”
Their pitch promised a high‑tech travel companion: a rolling bag that can be USB‑charged, GPS‑tracked, and self‑weighing. The unit cost roughly $500, but the founders claimed it would simplify life for frequent flyers.

During the televised pitch, two investors seemed poised to back the idea after a tense negotiation. The deal would have granted them $1.4 million for a 5% share, but it never materialised. The company failed to satisfy the due‑diligence checks that investors use to protect their money.

Since then, Trunkster has been quiet.

• The website still shows a pre‑order button promising delivery in the fall of 2015, yet no updates appear.
• Social media links are gone, and the blog section remains empty.
• The product never reached the market.

Backers who funded Trunkster on a popular crowdfunding platform now face frustration. Over 3,500 people pledged more than $1.39 million, but many never received the suitcase or a refund. The platform’s rules state that the creator is responsible for delivering rewards; if they fail, backers may need legal help to recover their money.

Unlike some other products that survived the show’s hype, Trunkster did not. Its niche appeal and lack of a finished business plan left it dormant, leaving customers with disappointment rather than a new travel companion.