TLDR;
Cassidy Crowley and her mom, Lori, pitched Baby Toon, a baby spoon designed to prevent choking hazards, on Shark Tank. Cassidy, who invented the product at age seven, sought $50,000 for 50% equity. Despite her young age, Cassidy impressed the Sharks with her poise, business acumen, and the fact that the product is made in the USA and patented. Although some Sharks dropped out due to not understanding the baby space or feeling it wasn't the right fit, one Shark was impressed by Cassidy's entrepreneurial spirit and offered her the deal she asked for.
- Cassidy invented Baby Toon to solve the problem of traditional spoons being a choking hazard for babies.
- Despite her young age, Cassidy demonstrated impressive business knowledge and poise.
- One Shark was impressed by Cassidy's entrepreneurial spirit and offered her the deal she asked for.
Introduction [0:00]
Cassidy Crowley and her mom, Lori Crowley, from Honolulu, Hawaii, are seeking $50,000 in exchange for 50% of their company. Cassidy explains that she invented the Baby Toon when she was seven years old because her baby sister Emily would always plant her spoon, and her mom would worry she might poke or snap her throat. She wanted to create a product that eliminated the long and sharp design of a traditional spoon.
Product Details and Features [0:44]
The Baby Toon is a combination of a baby spoon and teether all in one. Its rectangular body makes it easy for babies to grasp and self-feed. Made of 100% soft silicone with no sharp edges, it's gentle on babies' gums and works great for teething. To prevent babies from throwing the spoon on the floor, a pacifier clip can be attached to the Baby Toon and then to the baby's shirt. The Baby Toon is made in the USA and was designed and created by Cassidy.
Inspiration and Sales [2:09]
Cassidy shares that she came up with the design for the Baby Toon when she entered a local science fair in first grade at age seven. She hopes to inspire other kids to be open to opportunities to create and invent. Since September 2018, they have had $5,000 in sales. Their total cost per unit is $6.60, and they sell it for $15.
Shark's Questions and Concerns [3:11]
One of the Sharks questions why Cassidy is offering 50% equity. Cassidy explains that she is only 10 years old and needs a partner, as she still has to go to high school. Another Shark is impressed with Cassidy's knowledge of manufacturing, specifically mentioning the recent change in the durometer of the silicone they use. Durometer is the measure of the firmness of silicone; a higher durometer means the silicone is stiffer and harder, while a lower durometer means it is more flexible. Cassidy confirms they have a patent for the Baby Toon.
Sharks Out and Offers [3:42]
One Shark states that the business is not a fit for him and goes out. Another Shark is impressed but doesn't understand the baby space and goes out. A third Shark doesn't want Cassidy to quit school and goes out. One Shark is impressed by Cassidy's entrepreneurial spirit and offers her $50,000 for 50% equity.
Deal Accepted [5:47]
Cassidy and Lori accept the deal.