Little ones like to use pillows to make forts as a fun activity. And because he thought that was a good business idea, Conor B. Lewis joined the sharks in Season 13, Episode 18, of Shark Tank USA.
The company’s founder said the product was better than traditional cushion-based forts because it was waterproof and could be shaped differently. But did Pillow Fort’s pitch on Shark Tank work? Did it get a deal? Is the company still going? What happened to it after Shark Tank? How much money does Pillow Fort have now?
After the Shark Tank, here is a full update on Pillow Fort. Okay, let’s begin.
Who is the founder of Pillow Fort?
Conor B. Lewis started Pillow Fort in 2016 with help from his home in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. He started this new business after losing his job during the stressful COVID-19 situation.
The person who built Pillow Fort was in school for fine arts.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in graphic design earned at Western Kentucky University in 2012 was his first course. He used the design and art skills he had learned in this new business over the years. With this skill, he could design the look and feel of this product.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | Conor B. Lewis |
| Founded | 2020 |
| Company Name | FORT |
| Location | Greater St. Louis, United States |
| Product | Magnetic pillow |
| Appearance in Shark Tank | Shark Tank Season 13, Episode 18 |
| Asked for Investment | $500,000 for 10% equity |
| Finalized the Deal | No Deal |
| Sharks | No Shark |
| Business Status | Active |
| Net Worth (2024) | Estimated $5 million |
Founder Success Story for Creating Pillow Fort:
Conor B. Lewis’s story of going from being a fine arts student to starting Pillow Fort is genuinely inspiring. Losing his job during the COVID-19 pandemic could have been terrible, but it was what sparked him to start this business. With his design skills and creative ideas, he entered the world of children’s toys and created a product that would change how kids build pillow forts.
Lewis’s determination and ability to solve problems were shown by how he dealt with issues like the initial supply chain problems. His successful Kickstarter campaign, which raised over $3 million, showed what Pillow Fort could be used for. The story shows that creativity and innovation can grow even when challenging.
What is Pillow Fort?
Pillow Fort is a magnetic pillow toy released in 2020 in Greater St. Louis. It was made for kids who like to play with and build pillow forts as a hobby. Safety was the most important consideration since it’s made just for kids. The product does not contain harmful chemicals, and high-quality materials are used simply because they are good.
The Pillow Fort comprises 12 foam pieces that can be assembled to make houses, couches, ramps, story nooks, jumping pads, slides, and more. The pieces are squares, rectangles, triangles, half-moons, and arches. It’s easy to carry and store. The item is also waterproof, so it is easy to clean with soap and water, even if spills or stains occur.
Pillow Fort Before Appearing in Shark Tank:
Pillow Fort had already established itself with a successful Kickstarter campaign before appearing on Shark Tank. The campaign raised an impressive $3,107,079, showing how much people wanted and needed this new product.
Like many new businesses, Pillow Fort had problems at first. Problems with the supply chain made it harder for the company to meet orders quickly. Still, thanks to his marketing skills and work history, Conor B. Lewis was able to find solutions and keep the business moving forward.
What Happened to Pillow Fort in the Shark Tank?
Pillow Fort’s Shark Tank pitch showed that it was different from traditional cushion-based forts because it didn’t have the problems of being expensive or complicated to clean as conventional cushions do. Conor B. Lewis went on Shark Tank to ask for more money after getting $2 million in ten hours through a successful Kickstarter campaign.
Even though Pillow Fort’s pitch got off to a good start, none of the Sharks were interested in buying it. The people in the shark tank were worried about the company’s inefficiency and the product’s cost ($500).
Also, the late delivery of Kickstarter orders made the product’s future even less sure. Ultimately, none of the Sharks decided to invest in Pillow Fort, leaving the founder with no deals.
Pillow Fort Status After Appearing in Shark Tank
Even though Pillow Fort didn’t get a deal on Shark Tank, its sales and popularity went through the roof. The show’s free advertising helped the business quickly acquire more customers.
Sales increased four times after the Shark Tank episode, showing that people are interested in the product. Pillow Fort quickly became a hit with parents who wanted to give their kids a creative and safe way to play.
Even though the company kept having problems with shipping and the supply chain, it could still grow and keep running. Pillow Fort’s website was backlogged for weeks because of all the orders that kept coming in.
Pillow Fort increased the number of products it sold by adding new styles and color combinations. Extras like lights, blankets, and suede covers were added to accompany the main product. Right now, Pillow Fort’s products can only be bought on its website, and orders are shipped within 3 to 4 weeks of being placed.
Pillow Fort Net Worth 2024:
Pillow Fort’s net worth was a massive $5 million, and its sales were over $1 million. Despite initial problems, such as not getting a deal on Shark Tank, the company has become a successful and profitable business.
Who are the competitors of Pillow Fort?
Pillow Fort has a new and different product on the market, but it is not the only one in the kids’ toys and playtime space. Traditional cushion-based forts, other building toys, and creative activities for kids during playtime could all be competitors.
On the other hand, Pillow Fort is different from many of its competitors because it is magnetic and waterproof, giving it a clear edge in the market.
Pillow Fort Latest Updates 2024:
In 2024, Pillow Fort will be doing very well and making even more progress. Conor B. Lewis, who started the company, works hard to earn more money by partnering with other businesses. Pillow Fort has also grown its sales channels by putting its products on several eCommerce websites, which has helped it reach even more people and attract more customers.
Pillow Fort had already made over $3,000,000, which shows it was doing well financially. After the Shark Tank episode, the company made more than $1 million in sales, which shows that customers were still interested.
The company has fixed some of its past problems with its supply chain and now has a better one. Pillow Fort is still taking orders, even though the website is backlogged, and customers love the quality and creativity of the products.
Is Pillow Fort Still Active?
2024 Pillow Fort will still be open for business and doing well. The company’s substantial sales numbers, ongoing success, and growth into new sales channels show it is still in the market. Pillow Fort is still a big name in the kids’ toy business. It has a net worth of $5 million and keeps running.
Final Words:
Pillow Fort’s founder, Conor B. Lewis, was firm and determined, as shown by the company’s growth from an idea to a successful business. Although there were problems initially, Pillow Fort overcame them to become a unique and popular product.
Pillow Fort’s magnetic, waterproof, and creative play features have caught the attention of both kids and adults. The company’s $5 million net worth in 2024 shows how well it has done and how popular it will remain.
With its continued growth and expansion, Pillow Fort is an excellent example of how creativity and innovation can turn a simple idea into a successful business that brings joy and creativity to kids’ playtime.
Table of Contents