Fort from Shark Tank

Fort shark tank

Fort is one of the most fun products that Shark Tank has spouted. There’s a lot to be said about the kind of product Connor Lewis brought into the Shark Tank to give it a go. Fort involves magnetic cushions that one can use to build a fort. The great thing about the product is that it’s rooted in play. Connor Lewis also knew the inspiration behind the product, and he’s proud to herald it.

He was one of the success stories that came out of the pandemic as he got to work on the magnetic pillow Fort when he lost his job owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. What sets his invention apart is that it used magnets instead to hold the entire project together. The story seemed to have come out of a dark period in Lewis’s life. However, it turned out to be a great success. Many people believed in Lewis, which is why he can launch a successful Kickstarter Campaign that raised a whopping $3,107,079 all on its own as of February 2021.

The product is like your regular couch cushions, but they have potent magnets that remain inside and prevent things from breaking down. The magnets are super strong, so you don’t have to worry about them holding things together. The product is also made from polyurethane, so you don’t have to worry about your kids getting any stains or water on them.

The company is still active, and much of that would have to do with the fact that the product is super easy for you to procure. Now that we know more about the product, let’s look into how the Shark Tank pitch for the product went.

Connor Lewis entered the Shark Tank by emerging from the Fort that was already set up on stage. It was full of relief and conveyed the theme behind the toy: play. He talked about how he was seeking $500,000 for 10% of the company. He told the sharks all about the inspiration behind the product. He stated that he was watching his wife and son build a fort constantly coming down and thought there had to be a better alternative. He then went on to design a better choice when the pandemic hit.

The Sharks seemed fascinated by his pitch and the heart behind it. He talked about how he was currently selling directly to the customer. He also spoke about how he now had a 5% share and would be given the option to buy 40% of the business if it ever got to that point.

He then talked about how each set cost $499, a hefty price for a toy. The Sharks responded in kind, saying they were shocked by the price. He then took time to talk bout his Kickstarter and the sales that he was doling out. He talked about how he had tried to sell at a lower price but was incurring a loss which is why he decided to sell at a higher price to make up for it.

Connor had used up all the Kickstarter cash, and Robert said he was selling himself out of business. Emma turned down a different route, and she wanted to know about the partner. He said the partner had a relationship with the factory manufacturing and the marketing so that he could adjust those. He then stated that the partner would have the option to buy in when they reached $30 million in sales.

Kevin was the first to speak out and say he couldn’t see the way out of this cost. He was out. Mark felt he didn’t want to be a diluted partner, which is why he was out. Emma wasn’t sure it would work out, so she was out. Lori felt like she didn’t see where she would fit in, and she was out. Robert said he enjoyed the pitch and Connor’s humility, but he’s out. Thus, Connor Lewis left the stage without a deal.

Our Review of Fort

There are many different products that come with pros and cons. We have listed some of these below.

Pros of Fort

  1. It is fun. It’s a pillow fort that is rooted in play. You can hang around with your children in it and have the time of your life. It can be a haven for you where you can relax.
  2. It is durable. The product uses specific material, likely to stand the test of time.
  3. It is innovative. The product uses neodymium magnets to hold everything together, and it shows. The use of innovative materials and techniques makes this product quite popular.

Cons of Fort

  1. It is expensive. The idea of paying $499 for what is essentially a toy seems like a bit of a leap. The product could have a lower price if it had the right expertise.

Who Is Fort for?

Fort is for all those who want to continue being playful even as they grow up. It’s for parents who feel like they don’t get enough time with their children and want to add more to their growth. It is also for those who want to have something fun to do with their children in the backyard or even on their own. Fort could also be great for people who want to bring fun and play into a work environment as it involves bringing things together on their own.

Are There Any Alternatives?

There are other alternatives to Fort. One of the major ones we can mention is a Shark Tank Alum. Fort Magic is also a kind of fort-building kit for kids. Apart from this, there are also many different types of forts out there that you could use to feel better.

Our Final Thoughts

The product is unique because it manages to incorporate play into your life. Your kids can spend time with you, and it’s a safe way for them to build a fort. It is convenient and innovative, so many people will likely enjoy it. However, there are mixed reviews of the product quality offered by the company. Since the Shark Tank pitch, no new news has come out of it.