Create a Castle founders Kevin and Laurie Lane were featured in Shark Tank Season 14. The founders brought a fun product: sand and snow castle-building kits with patented molds. The molds came with a lock-in feature, making the structure more sturdy and the designs more clean and elegant. The founder couples asked for $350k for 10% of their business.
The founders explained how their product differs from the other versions available in the market. The sharks were quite impressed by the founder-couple's 12 patents under the brand name, which provided them with extensive safety from copying. When Kevin O'Leary showed concern about the product being "seasonal," Laurie said it "works on snow" as well.
The sharks were thrilled to learn of the significant sales; however, the negative profit margin was a bummer. At this point, Shark Tank investor Mark Cuban remarked that the founders were too busy dwindling around the sales number while their profit margins were going downhill. He opted out of the deal, saying:
"I think there's too much of an emphasis on sales rather than profits. Every entrepreneur gets really hyped about doing business with big box retailers, but the reality is it's just going to take more and more cash like you found out, and so you know chasing margin and profits is good. Chasing sales in my mind, particularly in these uncertain days, is bad, and so for those reasons, I am out."
Did Create A Castle lock a deal in Season 14 of Shark Tank?
With Shark Tank investor Mark Cuban opting out of the 'Creating A Castle' deal, Kevin O'Leary was next to follow, as he did not find the business model blooming. Lori Greiner, on the other hand, appreciated the business model and remarked that she likes making products for the masses. However, she also claimed that the product was not something she would invest in.
Lori also opted out of the deal, leaving Kendra Scott and Daymond John to vie for the deal. Kendra Scoot disagreed with Mr. Wonderful and said she loved the product. Seeing a great opportunity in the product, Kendra extended an agreement. However, she claimed that she disagreed with the valuation.
Therefore, she offered $350k for 20% of the equity instead of 10% provided by the founders. Daymond John came in with his offer, claiming "licensing was the key" for the brand's growth, and offered $350k for 25% of the equity. The founders tried to negotiate but in vain. So, in the end, they took Shark Tank investor Kendra Scott's offer.
Shark Tank US airs on ABC Network.

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