Busy Baby, the innovative baby product company known for its non-slip silicone placemats, has experienced remarkable growth since its founding in 2017. With an impressive performance on Shark Tank and a surge in sales, many are curious about Busy Baby’s net worth and how this small business has thrived in the competitive baby product industry.
Who is Busy Baby?
Busy Baby is a company that produces a unique silicone placemat designed to keep babies and toddlers entertained during mealtime. The mat features suction cups that adhere to any smooth surface and a patented tether system that secures toys, cups, and utensils, preventing them from being thrown or dropped on the floor. Founded by mom and Army veteran Beth Fynbo, Busy Baby has become a game-changer for parents looking to simplify mealtime with their little ones.
Who is the founder of Busy Baby?
Beth Fynbo, the founder of Busy Baby, is an Army veteran who served for over 10 years before starting a family. The idea for Busy Baby came to her during a lunch outing with friends, when she noticed babies at a nearby table constantly throwing their toys and utensils on the floor. Determined to find a solution, Beth created a prototype silicone mat with a tether system, which quickly gained praise from her friends. This led her to assemble a team of professionals to help bring her product to market.
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of Busy Baby?
In March 2021, Beth Fynbo appeared on Season 12 of Shark Tank, seeking $250,000 for a 5% equity stake in Busy Baby. She impressed the Sharks with her story, product, and sales figures. At the time of the pitch, Busy Baby had generated $343,000 in sales, with projections to reach $900,000 by the end of the year. Although Beth received an offer from Lori Greiner, she ultimately decided not to accept the deal, valuing her company at a higher percentage than Lori was willing to offer.
| Entrepreneur | Beth Fynbo |
|---|---|
| Business | Busy Baby Mat |
| Ask | $250,000 for 5% equity |
| Result | No Deal |
| Shark | None |
Busy Baby Shark Tank Update:
Since appearing on Shark Tank, Busy Baby has continued to thrive. In 2021, the company reached nearly $4 million in sales, a significant increase from the previous year. By 2023, Busy Baby will have hit the $5 million mark in annual revenue, solidifying its position as a major player in the baby product industry.
| Update | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Revenue | Over $5 million (2023) |
| New Products | Teether, Training Spoon, Mini Mat, Toddler Mat |
| Expansion | Moved to a 7,000 sq ft warehouse, added products for older children and individuals with disabilities |
| Achievements | $37,000 donated to Feed My Starving Children, positive reviews on Amazon and media features (Forbes, Buzz Feed) |
What Happened to the Busy Baby After Shark Tank?
Following her appearance on Shark Tank, Beth Fynbo’s brother quit his full-time job to join Busy Baby, working alongside her to grow the business. The company has since expanded its product line to include a teething spoon, a mini version of the original mat, and a toddler-sized mat. To accommodate its growth, Busy Baby also moved from Beth’s basement to a 7,000-square-foot warehouse.
Busy Baby Net Worth:
Based on its consistent growth and $5 million annual revenue, Busy Baby’s net worth is estimated to be around $25 million as of 2024. This impressive valuation is a testament to the company’s success in the baby product market and its ability to attract a loyal customer base.
Busy Baby Growth and Operations:
Since its founding, Busy Baby has experienced significant growth, with sales increasing by 900% in 2020 alone. The company has expanded its operations, moving from Beth Fynbo’s basement to a dedicated 7,000-square-foot warehouse. This expansion has allowed Busy Baby to meet the growing demand for its products and streamline its fulfillment process.
| Founder | Beth Fynbo |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 2017 |
| Inspiration | Personal experience dining out with infants |
| Milestones | MN Cup division win in 2020, significant sales growth despite challenges like COVID-19 |
| Sales Growth | $1 million in 2020, projected $4 million in sales for current year |
| Team | The founder’s brother joined full-time, family was involved in product testing and marketing |
Busy Baby Marketing and Sales:
A significant portion of Busy Baby’s success can be attributed to its effective marketing strategies. Beth Fynbo initially invested her travel budget for expos into Facebook marketing, which proved to be a wise decision.
The company has also garnered attention through its appearance on Shark Tank and its recognition as a division winner in the 2020 MN Cup startup competition. Busy Baby’s products are sold directly to consumers through its website and on Amazon, as well as in approximately 25 retail stores nationwide.
| Product | Busy Baby Mat |
|---|---|
| Description | Silicone placemat for babies designed to prevent items from falling or being thrown off surfaces |
| Features | Suction cups, tether system for toys, made from food-grade silicone, dishwasher and microwave-safe |
| Patents | Two patents secured |
| Retail Price | $24.99 |
| Cost to Manufacture | $6 |
| Sales (mid-2020) | $343,000 |
| Expected Sales (2020) | $900,000 |
Busy Baby Social Media Presence:
Busy Baby has a strong presence on social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. The company regularly shares product information, customer testimonials, and engaging content related to parenting and child development. Beth Fynbo has also created YouTube videos showcasing the Busy Baby Mat, which have garnered over 200,000 views, further increasing brand awareness.
Busy Baby Interesting Facts:
- Busy Baby has been featured in prominent media outlets, including Forbes, Pregnant Chicken, and BuzzFeed.
- The company has received more than 1,600 positive reviews on Amazon, with 75% of ratings being 5 stars.
- Beth Fynbo’s sons, Christian and Olyn, serve as inspiration and product testers for Busy Baby, with Olyn even modeling for the retail packaging.
- Despite not securing a deal on Shark Tank, Beth found an unexpected supporter in Mark Cuban, who praised her accomplishments and rooted for her success.
What’s next for the Busy Baby?
Busy Baby has plans to expand its product line further, with new designs and products aimed at older children, even the elderly, and those with disabilities. These new offerings are expected to launch sometime in 2024. As the company continues to grow, Beth Fynbo remains committed to providing innovative solutions to make mealtime and playtime easier for families.
Final Words:
Busy Baby’s success story is a testament to the power of a simple yet innovative idea, as well as the determination of a mother and entrepreneur. Beth Fynbo’s journey from Army veteran to successful business owner has been nothing short of inspiring.
With a net worth of approximately $25 million and a consistently growing customer base, Busy Baby is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory in the baby product industry. As the company expands its product line and reaches new markets, it is clear that Busy Baby is here to stay, making life easier for parents and more enjoyable for little ones, one meal at a time.
Table of Contents