In this blog post, we will be discussing the aftermath of the popular ABC show Shark Tank. Recently, a company by the name of Busy Baby Mat appeared on the show and managed to secure a deal with one of the Sharks.
You might be wondering what became of Beth Fynbo’s business after Busy Baby Mat appeared on Shark Tank Season 12 and left without a deal. Here’s what we know about the baby placemat company since appearing on Shark Tank.
In Shark Tank episode 1217, Beth Fynbo wanted a Shark for her Busy Baby mat. Her product is a silicone mat that secures baby items to any surface, keeping them from flinging spoons and toys on the ground. After dining with some pals and their one-year-olds, she came up with the concept. When she couldn’t find a solution to the problem, she created her own [1].
What Is Busy Baby Mat?
They’re dishwasher safe, too. In each corner of the mat is an anchor for specially designed tethers that secure to a toy or utensil. This makes dropping stuff outdated. It also makes meals a little less hectic and more germ-free.
This silicone suction mat prevents little ones from falling on the floor when they toss spoonfuls or toys on the ground.
Not only is this product made of high-quality, FDA-approved silicone that is BPA, BPS, PVC, and Phthalate free – making it safe for your family – but it is also flexible with no risk of fungus or bacteria. Plus, you can easily clean it in the microwave or dishwasher.
This product is great for 5-18 month-old babies but can be used by 3-year-olds as well. The teether and training spoon is meant for babies that are 3 months to 2 years old.
It has suction cups in each corner and comes in a variety of sizes. The dimensions of a tiny mat are 3 x 11 inches. It will fit into travel trays and small high chairs. This mat must be cleaned and deemed safe before being used; for this, boil it in 1/3 vinegar and 2/3 water for five minutes.
The silicone mat comes in various designs and sizes, with “The Ultimate Busy Baby Bundle” costing $65.55 that includes (Busy Baby Mat, Busy Baby Mini Mat, Busy Baby Bottle Bungee, Busy Baby Toy Bungee, Busy Baby 2-in-1). The founder, Beth Fynbo, also sells teethers, rattles, and extra tethers on her website [2].
Busy Baby Mat Benefits
Baby Toys and Stuff Remain Clean!
The key advantage of the Busy Baby Mat is that toys stay clean. The baby’s stuff is kept off the floor to avoid filthy germs that infest every surface. You can keep the mat surface clean if you wash it according to the instructions provided. Germs are responsible for up to 70% of infant illnesses. The mat allows you to maintain hygiene, so that baby does not catch an infection from germs.
Peace of Mind
It’s not merely aggravating to have to pick up toys every 10 seconds. The notion of filthy germs encrusting toys is even more distressing. You’re not alone in grimacing with repulsion as a baby returns unhygienic droppings into its mouth.
Soft and Foldable
The playmat is easy to store in a car or stroller. You no longer have to worry about where your baby will play while you’re out and about.
Take it Wherever You Like
The Busy Baby Mat is perfect for parents on the go. Whether you’re dining out or traveling, you can take your baby mat with you and relax knowing that toys will stay put. Your baby will be happily entertained, freeing up some much-needed time for yourself!
Small children often treat their parents like servants, expecting them to pick up after them without complaint. But you weren’t put on this earth to be a personal assistant. Sadly, they don’t know any better.
With tests of your patience seeming never-ending, you’ll quickly come to regret ever having kids in the first place. However, the Busy Baby Mat is here to save parents from total despair. It’s easily the best invention since sliced bread [3].
Who Is The Founder Of Busy Baby Mat?
Busy Baby LLC was founded in 2017 by Beth Fynbo and her younger brother Eric. Beth is a resident of Oronoco, Minnesota.
Beth graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. In 2006, she quit her position as a broadcast journalist with the US Army after ten years of employment.
Afterward, she became a Public Affairs Outreach Specialist in the National Guard Bureau for ten months before taking a position as a Management Analyst in Alutiiq Company. Finally, she completed her Master of Business degree from Colorado Technical University-Online.
After completing her business degree, she worked at Cardinal Health for 7 years. For the last 5 of those years, she served as Enterprise Account Manager.
Eric Fynbo is the Vice President of Busy Baby LLC and will be working full-time from August 2022 onwards. Before joining Busy Baby, he worked at Target Company for 5 years after studying Secondary Education and Teaching at Minnesota State University, Mankato. He then went on to work as a store manager at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Woodbury, MN but left this job in 2021 to join Busy Baby LLC full-time [4].
Busy Baby Mat Before Shark Tank
The Busy Baby Mat Kickstarter campaign by Beth & Eric was unfortunately unsuccessful, only earning $13,144 from 185 backers despite a goal of $45,000. Although the funding fell short, multiple people have left positive comments on how much they liked this product.
Beth won $3,000 from Bunker Labs in a pitch competition and was also awarded the Mother’s Choice Awards Honoring Excellence for her company is an excellent product in the children’s category.
Beth has invested a lot in marketing and promotion, as well as sales. According to Forbes Magazine, this item is the “Best Gifts for Babies and Toddlers.” This product has been made available on Amazon as well as some other retail outlets to boost sales.
Busy Baby Mat On Shark Tank: The Pitch
In 2017, Beth created the Busy Baby Mat using common household items. To make the product market-ready, she took a 12-week entrepreneurship course from Bunker Labs (a veteran organization) and sought guidance from other entrepreneurs at toy fairs. The Busy Baby Mat started selling on her website in 2019; by 2020, sales had increased 200%.
After her Kickstarter campaign failed, Beth turned to a Shark Tank investor for help with production and inventory. In exchange for $250,000 and a 5% stake in her company (valued at $5 million), Beth joins Shark Tank.
She begins by telling her story and making an argument, then distributes products. She holds two patents and has a proven track record in the business. Each item costs $6 to make and sells for $24.99. Sales to date are $343,000, with profits expected to reach $900,000 in 2020.
After Lori offers $250,000 for a 20% stake in the company, Mark leaves the business. Even though Beth counters with an offer of $250,000 for 10% ownership of her company, Lori is only interested if she gets 20%. After Robert realizes that Lori’s offer is better than his own, he backs out of the deal.
Daymond officially declared that he no longer wishes to invest in baby-themed products. Kevin, who Beth refers to as a ‘rock star’ due to his extensive knowledge and experience with successfully launching different products, stated that he is also not interested. However, Beth counteroffers with $250,000 for 15% equity shares instead.
Lori brings $250,000 in cash for 18% equity shares, and the deal is finalized. Beth is unyielding in her position, and no agreement is reached [5].
Busy Baby Mat Now In 2022
People were taken by this person after the Busy Baby episode aired on Shark Tank, and many wanted to know more about it. It is not only a unique product but also a solution to the problem of parents, who want to keep their children safe.
After Beth’s company was featured on Shark Tank, it received millions of dollars in sales and gained media attention from publications such as Buzz Feed, Forbes, and Pregnant Chicken. The company’s distribution grew rapidly after receiving the Navoba certification, and it is now available in many supermarkets and kid’s toy retail stores.
This product will be available on the handshake platform in August 2022 at the wholesale price. She has published many videos on YouTube, but “Busy Baby Mat – Meal Time, Play Time, Anytime!” became her most viral video with over 256k views.
The Busy Baby Silicone Placemat product is available on Amazon and has received a 5-star rating from 75% of reviewers.
It was also awarded as the best women-led company and another prize from The Carlson Family Foundation. In addition to the $5000 prize from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation for being the best startup in southern Minnesota, Busy Baby Mat also won recognition in the Mom’s Choice Awards Honoring Excellence and was featured on ABC 6 News. Furthermore, Forbes Magazine included Busy Baby Mat as one of their “Best Gifts for Babies and Toddlers”.
They may be purchased by visiting their website or buying on Amazon. They’re available to wholesale buyers on Faire. The mats are now available in white, Busy Baby branded poly mailing envelopes, but retail packaged versions will be supplied from April 2021, according to the site.
The Busy Baby Mat was so successful that Beth and Eric decided to create more products, like the teething spoon, cup catcher, infant toothbrush, and different toys. All of these can be found on the Busy Baby website. Based on the reviews left by customers, it’s safe to say that the Busy Baby line has been a lifesaver for new mothers all around the world [6].
The Net Worth Of Busy Baby Mat
In Shark Tank, this firm was valued at $5 million. The bad news is that this company was unable to obtain funding after the show. This firm performed millions of dollars in sales following Shark Tank. Busy Baby’s net worth today may be as much as $1.5 million [7].
Competitors of Busy Baby Mat
- Bumkins;
- OXO Tot;
- Nuby;
- Munchkin;
- Skip Hop;
The Busy Baby Mat has had a lot of success since it was featured on Shark Tank. It is now available in many stores and has received positive reviews from customers. Although there are other products on the market that serve a similar purpose, the Busy Baby Mat seems to be one of the most popular options.
Great Busy Baby Mat Alternative
The Munchkin Toddler Dining Set is an alternative to the Busy Baby Mat, offering a complete dining set for toddlers beginning to self-feed. This set is durable and perfect for boys and girls 18 months and up. The set features ergonomic handles that are easy for small hands to grip and flatware that picks up food with minimal effort to encourage independence. The thin placemat design rolls up for easy portability, making it great for use in restaurants or on-the-go. The set is also BPA-free, top rack dishwasher safe, and microwave safe for added convenience.
FAQ
Is Busy Baby Mat successful?
With a $25,000 donation, Busy Baby was able to help feed 281 children. In addition to this education-focused gift, the company has also added many new products to its website and is now taking orders.
Although YouTube is a great platform to make sales, the channel has not seen much growth. However, if videos posted on the channel go viral, 100+ sales could result.
The baby industry is quite small, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for competition. If anything, social media marketing will be necessary to grow your business in this field. The founder’s Instagram account has done relatively well because she posts regularly and actively engages with her followers. As of August 2022, the account boasts 27.8k followers [8].
How do you use a Busy Baby Mat?
To use the Busy Baby Mat, first make sure the surface you’re using it on is clean and dry. Then, peel off the protective film from the back of the mat and press it onto the surface. If there are any air bubbles, use a credit card to smooth them out.
Now you’re ready to start using the Busy Baby Mat! Fill the built-in plate with your baby’s favorite food and use the included utensils to feed them. The raised edges will keep food from falling off the mat, and the suction cups will prevent it from sliding around. When you’re finished, simply lift the mat and wash it with soap and water. It’s also dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
The Busy Baby Mat is a great way to make mealtime less messy for both you and your baby. It’s also super convenient because everything you need is right there in one place. If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution for feeding your little one, the Busy Baby Mat is a great option.
How much per one Busy Baby Mat?
Each mat costs $29.99 and comes with four tethers.
How much does Busy Baby Mat cost to ship?
Shipping is free for orders over $50. For orders under $50, shipping is a flat rate of $12.99.
What are the risks of using Busy Baby Mat?
There are a few risks associated with using the Busy Baby Mat:
- First, if not used correctly, the suction cups can come loose and cause the mat to slide around. This could create a choking hazard if small pieces of food fall off the mat and into your baby’s mouth;
- Additionally, if you don’t clean the mat regularly, it could become a breeding ground for bacteria. To avoid these risks, be sure to use the mat as directed and clean it often;
What does the future hold for Busy Baby Mat?
The company’s main product is mats that help parents keep their dwellings neater and babies content. The business does face some risks, however, like if customers want the company to sell additional items such as beds or car seats. Additionally, competitors might introduce similar products at cheaper rates which could quash the organization’s future prosperity.
Useful Video: Is 3% Too Big of a Gap to Make a Deal? – Shark Tank
References
- https://www.sharktankblog.com/business/busy-baby/
- https://sharktanktalks.com/busy-baby-shark-tank-update/
- https://www.sharktanksuccess.com/busy-baby-mat-shark-tank-review/
- https://sharktanktalks.com/busy-baby-shark-tank-update/
- https://biznewske.com/busy-baby-mat-shark-tank-update
- https://thecinemaholic.com/update-on-busy-baby-mats-from-shark-tank/
- https://sharktanktalks.com/busy-baby-shark-tank-update/
- https://sharktanktalks.com/busy-baby-shark-tank-update/
- https://biznewske.com/busy-baby-mat-shark-tank-update