Appearing on Shark Tank, Brent Davidson and Bryan Cantrell showcased their invention of Radiate, a portable campfire system designed for tailgating, camping, or even your own backyard.
Now let’s wait to see if the Sharks are willing to invest $ 50K in exchange for 20% equity before we take a peek into what happened with Radiate following its television debut.
The Sharks seemed to love the product, and it was clear that the Radiate team had a well-developed presentation. They even had an attractive website for potential investors to view.
On the hit show Shark Tank, budding entrepreneurs have the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to a panel of successful investors, also known as “the Sharks”. If the Sharks like what they see, they may invest in the company. Radiate was one such company.
What Is Radiate?
Radiate was founded in September 2017 by Brent Davidson and Bryan Cantrell. The duo had known each other for many years as business partners in a cosmetic product firm that manufactured wax.
According to the founders, Radiate campfires can reliably burn for between three and five hours.
They were frequently left with overages and extras due to the nature of wax manufacture. To put them to good use, they were frequently placed in giant buckets, which were then used to make massive bonfires when camping.
Radiate campfire canisters are simple to light and have a burn period of up to 3-5 hours. Because it is portable and reusable, it may be stopped, restarted, and transported at any moment.
Additionally, it is waterproof, takes no maintenance, consumes no wood, produces no flyaway embers or toxic smoke, and may be used in locations where wood campfires cannot be started.
Who Is The Founder Of Radiate?
Radiate is literally a can of wildfire. Each can is slightly more than 8 inches in diameter. They are made of recycled paper pulp that has been dipped in recycled soy wax.
When ignited, a “campfire” appropriate for toasting marshmallows or hot dogs will burn for around 3 to 5 hours. Simply close the can’s lid to extinguish it. You may even douse it in water and it will quickly relight if you like.
The product was introduced in April 2017 following a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised $ 6,256. This is not their first enterprise together; they co-founded Fleur de Spa, an e-commerce shop selling a proprietary line of beauty care goods.
Radiate was inspired by the extra wax created for several of their skin care products. They were utilizing old wax to create gigantic candles, but they were too dirty and cumbersome to transport.
Bryan placed some wax and paper inside an old cookie tin one day, and so began the notion of a portable campfire.
Radiate is ideal for any location where you’d want to have a campfire without the trouble. It’s also safer and more environmentally friendly. Because it is created entirely of recycled materials, it is completely sustainable.
Additionally, they are manufactured in the United States of America. A two-pack costs $ 49; a four-pack costs $ 95 and an eight-pack costs $ 186.
Radiate Before Shark Tank
Created by Brent Davidson and Bryan Cantrell, Radiate was launched in September 2017. Two successful entrepreneurs, the pair had known each other for many years, as they were business partners of a beauty product company, one that produced wax.
Due to the nature of wax production, they were often left with overages and extras. Put it to good use, they were more often than not put into large buckets, which would then be used to create huge bonfires during camping.
While fun and practical, the fact that they weighed 30 to 40 pounds each, making them highly inconvenient. Regardless, Brent and Bryan always had an inkling that “some sort of business simmering there.” In the end, it wasn’t until many years afterward that they came up with the idea of making portable campfires.
Left with a bunch of Danish cookie tins from Christmas, Bryan had realized that they were the perfect size for a campfire. With that, he and Brent began experimenting with different waxes, wicks, and packaging. Many hours of hard work later, Radiate was born.
To get the necessary funding for the project, the pair launched a Kickstarter in June 2017. To their pleasant surprise, they soon met their goal of $ 5,000 in exactly one month’s time. By the end, they had raised $ 6,200 with the help of 129 backers. Getting to work, they eventually managed to push the product into the market that fall.
Not long afterward, a huge opportunity came their way. In late 2017, it was announced that the founders would be pitching their portable campfire on the ninth season of ABC’s Shark Tank. The episode later aired on January 28, 2018.
Radiate On Shark Tank: The Pitch
Wearing matching T-shirts, Bryant and Brent confidently stride into the tank. With a smile, they introduce themselves, before stating that they looking for $ 50,000 in exchange for 20% of their business [3].
At the beginning of their pitch, Brent states that campfires have been a crucial part of a man’s life, since the beginning of time. While that might be so, however, Bryant subsequently points out that they are difficult to start, maintain, and clean up. Not only that, but it’s a hassle having to fumble around for wood, he adds.
Saying that they’ve solved the problem, Brent subsequently lights what appears to be a tin can beside him with a lighter. Pointing at the fire that he’s just created, he introduces the sharks to the Radiate Portable Campfire – “the most convenient to make a campfire”.
Elaborating about the product, Bryant tells the panel that it’s not only easy to light, store, and carry, but it also leaves no trace. As the camera zooms in on the product, he continues by saying that it’s suitable for the beach, camping, tailgating, and even the backyard. From there, they demonstrate how easy it is to put out the fire by sliding the lid across the top – which effectively blocks off the oxygen supply.
Having demonstrated how the product works, the inventors go on to hand out some samples. Walking towards the sharks, they let them know that each of the different colored tins has its own scent. Having been handed a can each, the panel takes the next several seconds to examine the product. While Barbara comments that it is quite heavy, Lori notes that the inside is made out of wax. Given a lighter, Robert subsequently lights him on fire.
Interested in knowing the numbers behind the portable campfire, Rohan asks the two entrepreneurs what they make it for, to which they reply $ 5.75. Adding to that, they tell them that it retails for $ 25. Asked how long they burn, Bryant states that each of the cans burns for up to 6 hours, which seems to surprise Lori.
Told that they weigh four pounds each, Mark questions whether or not that would pose an issue for shipping. In reply, Brent states that it costs $ 9.50 to ship one and $ 12 to ship two across the U.S. Just as he finishes, Lori raises an issue—that is, she feels that $ 25 is a high price to pay for just six hours burn time. Before the founders can reply, however, the other sharks chime in to say that six hours is in fact, a long time.
Next, the pair is asked how their product compares to Instafire. Addressing the question, Bryant explains that the Instafire is different in that it is designed to create a traditional fire in a fire pit. Gesturing toward the fire that he had created earlier, he adds that in comparison, the Radiate Portable Campfire is much more convenient.
Elaborating, Bryant tells the sharks that their product is geared more toward those “who don’t necessarily want to be outdoors for days at a time.” Despite his best efforts, however, Mark doesn’t seem to go along with the idea.
Just as he finishes talking, Rohan asks them for a numbers breakdown. Stating that they’ve been shipping for 30 days, Brent reveals that they’ve sold 11,000 units within that period, a fact that seems to impress Robert. Continuing to speak, the Radiate founder tells them that they had crowdfunded 400 units, having successfully raised $ 1,000 for a proof of concept.
Confirming that they’ve only been in business for 30 days, the founder goes on to reveal that they’ve also sold a few hundred units through some wholesale retailers. Asked which ones, Bryant tells them surf shops, camp stores, and sporting goods stores. From there, he states that their product had garnered quite a bit of attention when he and his wife used it while on vacation.
Next, Robert asks whether or not the portable campfire can be used in areas where fires are not allowed.
Quick to tackle the question, Brent explains that in most instances, a contained fire such as the Radiate Portable Campfire is allowed. “Easy to turn on and off,” he says, “no one would even know you were there”.
Pointing towards the different cans at the front, Lori subsequently asks whether or not there is a mosquito-repellant one, to which they reply yes. Seconds later, Barbara inquires about the heat of the tin, having noticed that there was no written warning on the product. In response, Bryant says that there is both a warning label and an instruction manual inside.
As soon as he states that, Barbara makes them an offer – she is willing to give them the $ 50,000 for a 25% stake. Instead of replying to her offer, however, the founders decide to talk more about the product, which seems to irk the sharks.
Before they can do so though, Mark tells them that he is out, as he believes that the can is too heavy and “not original enough”. Comparing Radiate to Instafire, the latter of which she’s worked on with Mark, Lori also backs out.
With two sharks out, the attention goes to Rohan. Before he says anything, however, he prompts the founders to reply to Barbara’s offer. Doing just that, Brent tells her that they would love to work with her, despite the fact that she might not be too fond of his engaging personality, which leads to a few chuckles. With that out of the way, Rohan tells them he is willing to make the same offer as her – $ 50,000 for $ 25% equity.
With two offers on the table, the founders look to Robert as he begins to talk about the versatility of the product. Told to make an offer by the other sharks, he eventually gives in and offers them the same thing – $ 50,000 for a 25% stake. With three identical offers, Brent and Bryant are left to decide who they’d rather work with.
As they do, however, Rohan and Robert get into a discussion. By the end of it, the latter decides to change his offer to $ 100,000 for a 25% stake. Noticeably excited about the turn of events, Brent and Bryant quickly accept the deal. As the rest of the sharks are left surprised, he walks up to the creators to give them both a handshake and hug. Congratulated on a job well down, the two say their final thank you before leaving the set.
In the subsequent interview, Brent reveals that they had ultimately chosen to go with Robert as he was “the most passionate about the product, which was made known with his offer.”
Radiate Now
Following the deal’s cheering during the pitch, the deal with Robert was completed. As is sometimes the case, Radiate had a significant increase in sales following its airing.
Additionally, the product was highlighted in a variety of news publications. Additionally, online reviews are overwhelmingly good.
Robert attends an evening celebration to commemorate the company’s success, and as darkness falls, they burn hundreds of candles. The company is still operating as of November 2021.
There are two major direct competitors to Radiate these are Zippo Campfire and Instafire.
The Net Worth Of Radiate
FAQ
- How long does a Radiate campfire last?
A Radiate campfire typically lasts for around 30 minutes, depending on the size and intensity of the fire. The best way to maintain a campfire is by keeping it well-ventilated and continuously adding new fuel. Additionally, it is important to regularly dampen down the flames with water or dirt to prevent them from getting out of control.
While a Radiate campfire can be an incredible experience, it is vital that you take appropriate safety precautions when building and maintaining it. With proper care and attention, you can enjoy many hours of warmth and light from your Radiate campfire.
- Can you cook on a Radiate campfire?
Yes, you can cook on a Radiate campfire by using special cooking tools or placing your food directly onto the flames. Some popular methods for cooking over an open fire include grilling, roasting, and baking.
However, it is important to be careful when handling hot coals or flames, as these can cause serious burns if not handled properly. If you are interested in trying out some different cooking techniques using your Radiate campfire, there are many great recipes and tips available online.
- Can you roast marshmallows on a Radiate portable campfire?
Yes, you can roast marshmallows on a Radiate portable campfire using special roasting sticks or placing them directly onto the flames. The key to ensuring that your marshmallows turn out perfectly roasted is to keep the fire at just the right temperature – not too hot and not too cool [5].
- Can Radiate campfires damage lungs?
There is some debate about whether Radiate campfires can damage lungs. Some research suggests that the smoke from these fires may contain toxic compounds that can cause serious respiratory problems, especially in people with asthma or other pre-existing health conditions.
However, others argue that the small amounts of smoke produced by a Radiate campfire are unlikely to pose significant health risks for most individuals. Ultimately, the best way to protect your lungs when using a Radiate portable fire pit is to practice good safety measures and avoid getting too close to the flames.
- How many users does Radiate have?
- Is Radiate legit?
There is some debate about whether Radiate is a legitimate company or not, as there have been reports of customers encountering various issues with the product or service. However, many people who have purchased and used Radiate portable fire pits seem to be happy with the overall experience, and the company does appear to be growing rapidly and receiving positive reviews from consumers.
- Is Shark Tank canceled?
At this time, it is unclear whether Shark Tank has been canceled or not. The popular business competition show appears to be going through some changes, with reports that several of the show’s longtime hosts and judges have recently left. However, there has been no official announcement from ABC or any of the other major producers involved in the show regarding its status.
Useful Video: Shark Tank’s Radiate Portable Campfire on The View
References:
- https://bizzbucket.co/radiate-shark-tank-update
- https://gazettereview.com/2018/07/radiate-after-shark-tank-update/
- https://biznewske.com/radiate-portable-campfire-shark-tank-update/
- https://www.sharktankblog.com/business/radiate/
- https://sharktankrecap.com/radiate-update-shark-tank-season-9/
- https://radiateportablecampfire.com/pages/radiate-campfire-shark-tank-abc