Fort Shark Tank Update
Wouldn’t you love making the perfect fort for your kids that takes only a few minutes to put together? With this unique idea, Conor Lewis went to Shark Tank to get at least one Shark to invest in his company.
Before his appearance, Conor has already raised a huge amount from the Kickstarter campaign and early sales. Hence, he was confident about getting a deal on Shark Tank. So, what happened next? Is Fort still running its business? Let’s dive in and find out all about the latest Fort Shark Tank update.
Fort Shark Tank Profile
Before going into the details, let’s take a quick look at Fort’s Shark Tank profile and its latest updates:
| Company Name | Fort |
| Founders | Conor Lewis |
| Founded In | 2020 |
| Product | Fort magnetic pillow toys |
| Special Features | Magnets for easy assembly, water-proof materials, and comfortable cushioning |
| Shark Tank Appearance | Episode 18 of Season 13 |
| Fort Shark Tank Episode Aired In | April 1, 2022 |
| Investment Asked For | $500,000 for a 10% equity |
| Final Deal | No deal |
| Shark | None |
| Pre-Sale Data | $3.1 million from Kickstarter and presales |
| Business Status | Running |
| Website | getthefort.com |
| Location | St. Louis, Missouri, United States |
| Net Worth | $5 million |
| Sales After Shark Tank | $1 million in a year |
| Lifetime Sales | Around $3 million |
| Available On | Fort Website |
| 2023 Update | Selling products on their website, social media platforms, and e-commerce sites |
| Watch On | Prime Video |
| Buy Product | From the Fort website |
Fort and Its Owner On Shark Tank
First things first, let’s start by knowing when was Fort on Shark Tank. Conor Lewis, the founder of Fort, appeared on Shark Tank in Season 13, Episode 18, in April 2022. Conor pitched Fort to the Sharks as a solution to the mess and hassle of traditional pillow forts.
He said that Fort is made with strong magnets that keep the pieces together but are not so strong that toddlers can’t pull them apart. These magnetic toys are made with durable and low-maintenance fabric. On Shark Tank, he was looking for a $500K investment for 10% equity.
The Sharks were impressed by Fort, but they were concerned about the high price point. The set of 12 blocks retails for $499. Kevin O’Leary and Mark Cuban both made offers, but Conor declined.
He said that he was confident that he could sell Fort without the Sharks’ help. Besides, he pointed out that the sales were going well even after they increased the price.
However, the other Sharks were out, too, showing issues in the company partnership and marketing strategy. In the end, Conor had to step away without making any deal with the Sharks.
What Makes the Fort Magnetic Pillow Unique?
As mentioned, the uniqueness of the Fort magnetic pillow was what impressed the Sharks. Below are the most unique features of Fort pillows that make them a worthy purchase:
Magnets for Easy Assembly
The Fort pillows have magnets in their ends to connect and create sturdy forts. While these magnets are strong enough to hold the forts up, they aren’t so strong that they are difficult for children to manipulate.
Therefore, making forts, playhouses, and other constructions takes only a few minutes with the Fort magnetic pillows.
Durable Materials
As the pillows are made of durable polyurethane foam, they are resistant to tears and stains. Moreover, the pillows are waterproof, so your kids can use them both indoors and outdoors.
Non-Toxic and Easy to Clean
Fort magnetic pillows are made with non-toxic materials to make them safe for kids. The pillows are also free of harmful chemicals. As Fort pillows are pet-safe, your children and pets can play together safely.
Another great thing about the pillows is that you can easily clean them with mild soap and water. To remove a spill mark, all you need to do is wipe the pillow down with a damp cloth.
What Happened to Fort After Shark Tank?
Thanks to the media attention Fort got from its appearance on Shark Tank and the Kickstarter campaigns, Fort continued to grow for a few months. The company’s sales increased about 4 times in the year 2022. Some estimates that the sales revenue was around $1 million.
However, as of 2023, the company is struggling to deliver its current orders due to its supply chain issues. Many users have a common complaint about not getting the product or receiving the wrong color.
Overall, Fort’s reputation has definitely been harmed by its lack of production. Yet, the company is still thriving as the Fort pillows are being sold on its website, social media accounts, and Amazon retailers.
Fort Net Worth
According to the most recent estimations, the net worth of Fort is around $5 million. The company launched in July 2020, and the initial investment came from the Kickstarter campaign.
Later on, it generated a significant amount from its sales and partnership programs.
Fort Sales Data: Year-by-Year
As Fort is a relatively new company, not all of its sales data is available online. However, during his pitch on Shark Tank, Conor provided some data about sales and investments. Here’s what we’ve gathered on the yearly sales of Fort from various reliable sources:
| Year | Sales Data |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Raised $3,107,079 from Kickstarter Campaign, and early sales |
| 2021 | Generated $1 million from sales |
| 2022 | Earned around $1.5 to $2 million by selling Fort pillows online and on various e-commerce sites |
| Lifetime Sales Revenue | $3 million (est.) |
Is Fort Profitable Now?
Although Fort is still in business in 2023, it’s not clear whether the company is making profits. Fort today is facing a number of major supply chain and customer support challenges.
One of the biggest problems that Fort has faced is customer service issues. There have been numerous complaints from customers who haven’t received their orders. Fort’s customer service department has been slow to respond to these complaints which has led to further frustration among customers.
Moreover, the high price point of the pillows has made it difficult for Fort to attract new customers. It has also led to some existing customers canceling their orders. Despite these challenges, Fort might be able to overcome these obstacles. The uniqueness of Fort’s products and their early positive reviews has worked in the company’s favor.
As of July 2023, there is no new news about Fort. The company’s website is still up and running, but there have been no recent updates.
While the Fort innovation impressed many on Shark Tank, there have been a plethora of other standout ideas that have graced the stage. For instance, Plated’s revolutionary approach to delivering gourmet meals directly to consumers resonated with both the sharks and the audience. Delve deeper into their story with our Plated Shark Tank update. Additionally, for those who prioritize home comforts, Better Bedder’s unique take on bedsheet management became an instant hit. You can get the scoop on their success after the show in our Better Bedder Shark Tank update.Wrapping Up!
From our Fort Shark Tank update guide, you’ve now a clear idea of Fort pillows and the company’s success. Thanks to the uniqueness of the product and strong marketing campaigns, the company started great with the largest Kickstarter campaign in 2020.
Although it didn’t have a deal with any of the Sharks, Fort’s sales increased fourfold after its appearance on Shark Tank. However, the company has been facing issues with their supplies recently. The sales have been halted for about three months. Therefore, Fort’s future and its success as a startup is now a big question mark.
