Welcome to our article on Trobo, the talking plush robot that captured the attention of the Shark Tank investors. In this article, we will dive into the founder of Trobo, its net worth, and the investment it sought on the show. Let’s explore the exciting journey of Trobo and its appearance on Shark Tank.
Key Takeaways:
- Trobo is a talking plush robot created by Jeremy Scheinberg and Chris Harden.
- It focused on stimulating children’s interest in STEM subjects through interactive games and personalized storytelling.
- During its Shark Tank pitch, Trobo sought a $100,000 investment for a 10% stake, at a $1 million valuation.
- The deal fell through, and Trobo went out of business in 2017.
- The current net worth of Trobo is unknown.
What is Trobo? Who is the founder of Trobo?
Trobo is an innovative STEM learning toy that combines the charm of a talking plush robot with interactive storytelling. It captivates children’s curiosity and introduces them to the fascinating world of science, mathematics, technology, and engineering. Created by Jeremy Scheinberg and Chris Harden, Trobo serves as an entertaining educational companion for kids, encouraging their interest in STEM subjects through personalized learning and interactive play.
Jeremy Scheinberg, a seasoned professional with experience at renowned companies like Disney and Universal, co-founded Trobo with Chris Harden. Chris, a former development director at EA Sports, shares Jeremy’s passion for technology and engineering. As parents themselves, Jeremy and Chris were inspired to create Trobo as a way to introduce their own children to the wonders of STEM education in a fun and engaging manner.
With its interactive games, stories, and quizzes, Trobo sparks children’s imaginations and helps them explore complex concepts in a simplified way. Through the power of interactive storytelling, Trobo enables children to embark on exciting learning adventures and discover the joy of discovery and problem-solving.
Why Trobo?
Trobo stands out in the world of educational toys for its unique combination of entertainment and learning. Its features include:
- Personalized Learning: Trobo tailors its content to individual children, adapting to their skill levels and learning styles.
- Interactive Play: Children can actively engage with Trobo through games and activities that make learning enjoyable and immersive.
- STEM Focus: Trobo’s interactive storytelling and games specifically target science, mathematics, technology, and engineering, fostering a love for these subjects from an early age.
- Engaging Design: The plush robot design and appealing animations make Trobo a lovable companion to children’s learning journeys.
Trobo’s dedication to STEM education and its commitment to interactive storytelling have made it a hit among children and parents alike. By making learning fun and captivating, Trobo ignites a lifelong love for STEM subjects and sets children on a path to academic success and personal growth.
Next, we’ll explore Trobo’s journey on Shark Tank and its impact on the company’s growth and success.
Trobo Shark Tank Pitch
During the Trobo Shark Tank pitch, founders Jeremy Scheinberg and Chris Harden sought a $100,000 investment for a 10% stake in their company with a valuation of $1 million. Although Trobo had already received media coverage and had 600 orders, the Sharks – Mark Cuban, Kevin O’Leary, Daymond John, and Lori Greiner – were not convinced of its potential in the market. However, Robert Herjavec saw potential in Trobo and made an offer.
“I’m going to make you an offer. I’ll give you $166,000 for 33% of the company. But there’s one condition – we need a licensing deal with DreamWorks in the next 60 days,” said Robert Herjavec.
While the deal initially seemed promising, it eventually fell through, leading to the closure of Trobo in 2017.
Competitors of Trobo
Trobo faces competition from several notable companies in the educational robot toy and educational technology industries. These competitors provide products and services that aim to offer engaging and educational experiences for children in STEM subjects, interactive storytelling, and personalized learning.
Anki
Anki is a prominent competitor of Trobo. They specialize in creating interactive and educational robotics products for children. Anki offers a range of robot toys that combine the excitement of play with learning opportunities in STEM fields.
Furhat Robotics
Furhat Robotics is another competitor that focuses on educational robot products. Their interactive robot uses advanced technology to engage children in conversation, storytelling, and learning experiences. Furhat Robotics provides a unique and immersive approach to education and entertainment.
BrainPOP
BrainPOP is an educational technology company that offers a wide range of interactive educational content, including videos, quizzes, and interactive activities. They cover various subjects, including STEM, and provide teachers and students with valuable resources for learning.
BOOKR Kids
BOOKR Kids is an educational technology company that specializes in personalized digital storytelling. Their platform allows children to create their own stories and animations, fostering creativity and storytelling skills. BOOKR Kids promotes interactive learning experiences for young learners.
“These competitors offer similar products and services aimed at providing educational experiences for children in STEM subjects, interactive storytelling, and personalized learning.”
| Competitor | Main Focus |
|---|---|
| Anki | Interactive and educational robotics products |
| Furhat Robotics | Immersive and conversational educational robots |
| BrainPOP | Interactive educational content and resources |
| BOOKR Kids | Personalized digital storytelling for young learners |
As shown in the table above, Trobo’s competitors offer a variety of educational products and services that cater to children’s learning needs, engaging them in STEM subjects, interactive storytelling, and personalized learning experiences.
Net Worth of Trobo
The net worth of Trobo remains unknown as of 2023. Unfortunately, the company had to close its doors in 2017 due to various challenges. During its time on Shark Tank, Trobo was valued at $1 million. However, despite its potential, the company faced difficulties in product development and sourcing manufacturing capable of meeting the high demand. These obstacles ultimately led to the closure of Trobo’s business.
Although Trobo’s net worth is uncertain, its journey and appearance on Shark Tank have left a lasting impact on the educational toy industry. Despite the closure of the company, Trobo’s innovative approach to STEM learning and interactive play has inspired other entrepreneurs and educators to explore similar avenues.
“Trobo’s closure serves as a reminder of the challenges that startups in the toy industry can face. While the company had an initial valuation of $1 million, unforeseen obstacles can significantly impact a business’s success and longevity.” – Industry Expert
Despite its closure, Trobo’s legacy as an educational toy that brought personalized STEM learning and interactive storytelling to children lives on. Its impact on the industry continues to resonate, even as new competitors emerge with similar offerings. Let’s explore Trobo’s journey after Shark Tank and its unique features in subsequent sections.
| Year | Valuation |
|---|---|
| 2014 | $1 million |
| 2017 | Business closure |
| 2023 | Unknown |
Trobo Shark Tank Updates
Despite some success after appearing on Shark Tank, Trobo faced challenges in product development and ultimately went out of business. The company encountered difficulties in sourcing manufacturing partners capable of meeting increasing demand and in developing the necessary software. As a result, Trobo had to shut down its operations in 2017.
Although Trobo had a promising start and gained attention through its participation on Shark Tank, the company’s journey came to an unfortunate end. The founders, Jeremy Scheinberg and Chris Harden, worked hard to bring their vision to life, but they faced obstacles that ultimately led to the closure of Trobo.
It is always disappointing to see a product with potential go out of business, especially one that aimed to provide an innovative and educational experience for children. Trobo’s interactive approach to STEM learning resonated with many, but the challenges in product development proved to be insurmountable.
While Trobo may no longer be available, its story serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in launching and sustaining a business. There are valuable lessons to be learned from Trobo’s journey, and entrepreneurs in the toy industry can draw insights from their experiences.
Trobo FAQs
Got questions about Trobo? We’ve got answers! Check out these frequently asked questions about this educational toy that combines interactive play, personalized stories, and STEM learning.
What is Trobo?
Trobo is a plush robot toy that helps children learn fundamental STEM concepts in a fun and engaging way. It connects wirelessly to an iPad or iPhone app, allowing kids to explore personalized stories and lessons that make learning interactive.
How does Trobo work?
Trobo works by integrating technology and storytelling. Children can create their own avatar and become part of Trobo’s personalized adventures. Through the app, Trobo delivers interactive games, quizzes, and lessons that introduce key STEM concepts. It’s like having a talking, educational companion!
What makes Trobo unique?
Trobo stands out for its ability to combine the fun of interactive play with the educational benefits of personalized storytelling. By allowing children to create their own avatar and be part of Trobo’s world, it creates a deeper connection and makes learning STEM concepts more relatable and exciting.
Was Trobo popular?
Yes, Trobo gained popularity after appearing on Shark Tank and receiving funding through a successful Kickstarter campaign. The toy was well-received for its innovative approach to STEM learning. However, despite its early success, the company went out of business in 2017 and Trobo is no longer available for purchase.
Can I still buy Trobo?
Unfortunately, Trobo is no longer available for purchase. The company closed its doors in 2017, and as of 2023, there are no plans for its return. However, there are other educational toy options on the market that offer similar STEM learning experiences.
Are there any alternative toys to Trobo?
Yes, if you’re looking for alternative educational toys that combine interactive play and STEM learning, you can consider options like Anki, Furhat Robotics, BrainPOP, and BOOKR Kids. These brands offer a variety of products designed to engage children in educational experiences similar to what Trobo provided.
Why did Trobo go out of business?
While Trobo initially gained traction and visibility through its appearance on Shark Tank, the company faced challenges in developing the product and scaling its operations. Difficulties in sourcing manufacturing capable of meeting demand, as well as securing licensing deals, ultimately led to the closure of the business in 2017.
If you have any more questions about Trobo, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help!
Who is the Founder of Trobo?
The founder of Trobo is Jeremy Scheinberg, who has a wealth of experience working with renowned companies such as Disney, NBC, and Universal. Alongside Jeremy, Trobo is co-founded by Chris Harden, who previously served as a development director at EA Sports. Together, Jeremy and Chris conceptualized the idea for Trobo with the goal of providing an engaging and educational experience for children in the field of STEM.
Trobo’s Shark Tank Pitch Outcome
The outcome of Trobo’s Shark Tank pitch was a rollercoaster ride for the founders. While they received an enticing offer from Robert Herjavec, the deal ultimately fell through, resulting in the closure of Trobo in 2017.
The exact reasons behind the deal’s demise were undisclosed, leaving room for speculation. However, it is likely that the challenges in developing the product and securing licensing deals played a significant role in the company’s closure.
Despite the disappointment, Trobo’s appearance on Shark Tank brought attention to their innovative educational toy and generated initial interest. The founders had high hopes for the deal, but the business closure marked the end of Trobo’s journey.
Trobo After Shark Tank
After its appearance on Shark Tank, Trobo faced numerous challenges in the product development process. One of the key hurdles was sourcing manufacturing capable of meeting the high demand for Trobo. The founders encountered difficulties in finding reliable manufacturing partners who could produce the talking plush robot on a larger scale.
Additionally, Trobo had to invest significant resources in developing the software that powered its interactive features and personalized learning capabilities. The complex software development process posed its own set of challenges, further delaying the product’s launch.
Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, these manufacturing and software development challenges proved to be insurmountable for Trobo. The company was forced to cease operations in 2017, and the original Trobo product is no longer available.
However, even after going out of business, the founders of Trobo continued to sell their remaining inventory through online platforms such as Amazon and their official website. They wanted to ensure that the educational benefits of Trobo could still reach children who were eager to learn through interactive play.
In fact, reflecting on their journey and the lessons learned, Jeremy Scheinberg and Chris Harden, the founders of Trobo, wrote a book titled “Little Robot, Big Dreams: The Highs, Lows, and Lessons Learned of a Toy Startup.” In the book, they candidly share their experiences, including the challenges they faced in product development, manufacturing, and building a business.
Trobo’s Manufacturing Challenges
One of the major hurdles Trobo faced was finding a manufacturing partner that could adequately meet the demand for the product. The founders needed a manufacturing solution that could scale production to fulfill the rising orders and ensure timely delivery to their customers.
In their search for a reliable manufacturing partner, the founders encountered obstacles such as:
- Delays in production timelines and inability to meet deadlines
- Inconsistency in product quality
- Difficulties in sourcing the required components
| Manufacturing Challenges | Potential Impact |
|---|---|
| Delays in production timelines | Delayed product availability and potential loss of customer trust |
| Inconsistency in product quality | Negative reviews, returns, and customer dissatisfaction |
| Difficulties in sourcing components | Supply chain disruptions and production delays |
Software Development Challenges
Developing the software that powered Trobo’s interactive features and personalized learning capabilities presented its own set of challenges for the founders. The complexities of the software development process created significant roadblocks and contributed to delays in the product launch.
Some of the key software development challenges Trobo faced included:
Lessons Learned
Despite the setbacks and the ultimate closure of Trobo, the founders learned valuable lessons from their entrepreneurial journey. These lessons can serve as insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and those venturing into the toy startup industry:
- The importance of strategic and reliable manufacturing partnerships
- The need for robust software development and testing processes
- The value of adaptability and agility in navigating challenges
- The significance of detailed market research and understanding consumer needs
While Trobo may no longer be available, its story serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges involved in successfully bringing a product to market. The founders’ determination to share their experiences through their book highlights their commitment to helping other entrepreneurs navigate the unpredictable terrain of the business world.
Trobo’s Revenue Sources
Trobo, the interactive STEM learning toy, relied on multiple revenue sources to support its operations. In this section, we delve into the primary drivers of Trobo’s revenue, namely Kickstarter funding and retail sales.
Kickstarter Campaign:
Recognizing the potential of their innovative product, Trobo’s founders, Jeremy Scheinberg and Chris Harden, launched a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2014. Through this crowdfunding platform, they were able to secure the necessary funding to manufacture and sell their educational robot toy. The campaign not only provided the necessary financial backing but also generated buzz and awareness around Trobo’s unique offering, helping them penetrate the market.
By leveraging the power of community and the support of backers, Trobo gained the resources to turn their vision into a reality. The funds raised on Kickstarter served as a crucial revenue source, enabling them to kickstart their production and distribution.
Retail Sales:
After establishing a presence in the market, Trobo successfully secured orders from small and medium-sized retailers. These sales generated additional revenue streams for the company. By partnering with retail outlets, Trobo expanded its reach and made its educational toy accessible to a wider audience.
The retail sales revenue stream allowed Trobo to tap into the existing networks of these retailers, benefitting from their established customer base and distribution channels. This approach helped Trobo gain traction in the market and augment its revenue streams.
Trobo’s Educational Toy Features
Trobo is an innovative educational toy that combines fun and learning to spark children’s interest in STEM subjects. With its interactive play and personalized lessons, Trobo offers a unique and engaging way for kids to explore science, mathematics, technology, and engineering.
One of the standout features of Trobo is its wireless connectivity to an iPad or iPhone app. Through this connection, children can access a treasure trove of captivating stories, games, and quizzes that align with their educational journey. By interacting with Trobo’s plush design and exploring these activities, kids can dive into a world of discovery and develop their knowledge and skills in STEM.
Trobo’s personalized lessons ensure that each child can learn at their own pace and level. Whether they are just starting their STEM learning adventure or are already enthusiasts, Trobo tailors the content to their abilities and interests. This personalized approach not only fosters a love for learning but also builds confidence in young minds, creating a solid foundation for future academic success.
With Trobo, educational play becomes an interactive experience that captivates children’s imaginations while igniting their passion for STEM. By seamlessly blending education and entertainment, Trobo helps kids unlock a world of possibilities and empowers them to become curious, creative, and critical thinkers.
FAQ
What is Trobo?
Trobo is a talking plush robot designed to stimulate children’s interest in science, mathematics, technology, and engineering (STEM) through interactive games, stories, and quizzes. It connects wirelessly to an iPad or iPhone app and provides personalized learning and interactive play.
Who is the founder of Trobo?
Trobo was created by Jeremy Scheinberg and Chris Harden. Jeremy Scheinberg has experience working with Disney, NBC, and Universal, while Chris Harden was a development director at EA Sports. They came up with the idea for Trobo after becoming parents and wanted to share their passion for technology and engineering with their children.
What was Trobo’s Shark Tank pitch?
During the Shark Tank pitch, Jeremy Scheinberg and Chris Harden sought a 0,000 investment for a 10% stake in Trobo at a
FAQ
What is Trobo?
Trobo is a talking plush robot designed to stimulate children’s interest in science, mathematics, technology, and engineering (STEM) through interactive games, stories, and quizzes. It connects wirelessly to an iPad or iPhone app and provides personalized learning and interactive play.
Who is the founder of Trobo?
Trobo was created by Jeremy Scheinberg and Chris Harden. Jeremy Scheinberg has experience working with Disney, NBC, and Universal, while Chris Harden was a development director at EA Sports. They came up with the idea for Trobo after becoming parents and wanted to share their passion for technology and engineering with their children.
What was Trobo’s Shark Tank pitch?
During the Shark Tank pitch, Jeremy Scheinberg and Chris Harden sought a $100,000 investment for a 10% stake in Trobo at a $1 million valuation. Although Robert Herjavec offered $166,000 for 33% equity in the company, the deal fell through, and Trobo went out of business in 2017.
Who are the competitors of Trobo?
Trobo faces competition from Anki, Furhat Robotics, BrainPOP, and BOOKR Kids in the educational robot toy and educational technology markets.
What is the net worth of Trobo?
The net worth of Trobo is currently unknown as the company went out of business in 2017.
What happened to Trobo after Shark Tank?
Trobo faced difficulties in developing the product, including sourcing manufacturing capable of meeting demand and developing the software. These challenges led to the closure of Trobo in 2017.
What are the features of Trobo’s educational toy?
Trobo is an interactive plush robot that connects wirelessly to an iPad or iPhone app. It offers personalized stories, games, and quizzes to teach children about STEM subjects through interactive play.
million valuation. Although Robert Herjavec offered 6,000 for 33% equity in the company, the deal fell through, and Trobo went out of business in 2017.
Who are the competitors of Trobo?
Trobo faces competition from Anki, Furhat Robotics, BrainPOP, and BOOKR Kids in the educational robot toy and educational technology markets.
What is the net worth of Trobo?
The net worth of Trobo is currently unknown as the company went out of business in 2017.
What happened to Trobo after Shark Tank?
Trobo faced difficulties in developing the product, including sourcing manufacturing capable of meeting demand and developing the software. These challenges led to the closure of Trobo in 2017.
What are the features of Trobo’s educational toy?
Trobo is an interactive plush robot that connects wirelessly to an iPad or iPhone app. It offers personalized stories, games, and quizzes to teach children about STEM subjects through interactive play.
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