BedJet Heating & Cooling For Beds
NO DEAL
EPISODE SUMMARY
🕓 Air Date: February 3, 2015
Asking For:
$250,000 for 10%
Investor:
No Deal
Deal:
No Deal
PRODUCT SUMMARY
BedJet is an ultra-rapid and affordable climate-control system designed for beds, providing heating and cooling for a more comfortable sleep experience.
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Background Story
Mark Aramli, the founder of BedJet, brings a unique background in engineering and aerospace to the creation of his innovative sleep technology. Hailing from the picturesque city of Newport, Rhode Island, Mark’s journey into the world of climate-controlled bedding began during his time as an engineer on the NASA space-suit program. His responsibilities on the NASA project included the development of advanced cooling, heating, and climate-control systems for space suits, showcasing his expertise in creating solutions for extreme environmental conditions.
Drawing inspiration from his work at NASA, Mark identified an opportunity to bring this technology to everyday life, addressing a common yet overlooked aspect of people’s daily routines – the temperature of their beds. The idea for BedJet was born out of the realization that individuals often have distinct temperature preferences for sleeping, and traditional methods of heating or cooling an entire room are both energy-inefficient and fail to cater to personal comfort.
Mark sought to revolutionize the sleeping experience by creating a product that could provide ultra-rapid and customizable climate control specifically for beds. Located in Newport, a city known for its coastal charm and historic significance, BedJet embodies the marriage of cutting-edge technology and everyday comfort. The founder’s background in aerospace engineering, coupled with a keen understanding of sleep science, underscores the company’s commitment to delivering a product that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of a diverse range of consumers.
The Product
BedJet stands as a pioneering climate-control system designed to transform the sleeping experience by providing personalized temperature control for beds. The core unit is discreetly positioned beneath the bed, while a nozzle is seamlessly integrated into the bedding.
Functionality is simplified through an intuitive remote control and a dedicated smartphone app. Users can effortlessly adjust the settings, experiencing the luxury of a warm, just-out-of-the-dryer sensation or a refreshing coolness within three minutes. The system boasts dual-zone capability, catering to the often-conflicting sleep temperature preferences of couples.
BedJet’s technology employs direct convection air delivery into the bed, setting it apart from competitors. This method ensures rapid heating or cooling, making it the only product capable of heating a king-size bed to the feel of freshly dried sheets in just three minutes. For dual-zone functionality, a specialized sheet with a nozzle is employed for each side of the bed.
The benefits extend beyond personal comfort, as BedJet aims to optimize sleep quality. Users can set timers for auto-shutoff, creating a tailored sleep environment. The product’s versatility is underscored by its quiet operation, quieter than traditional fans or room air conditioners.
How It Went
The company’s position before Shark Tank
BedJet was positioned for production within six weeks, with an ambitious retail price of $499 per unit. The company demonstrated a successful market test through Kickstarter, generating over $50,000 in product sales. Furthermore, BedJet secured a substantial purchase order of $1.1 million from A.H. Beard, the oldest and largest mattress manufacturer in Australia, indicating a global interest in the innovative sleep technology. During the Las Vegas trade show, BedJet garnered attention from major players in the bedding industry, including mattress firm representatives expressing intent to incorporate the product into their offerings. This recognition suggests that BedJet has tapped into a market need for personalized sleep climate control.
Mark Aramli emphasized the importance of assisted sales, intending to sell BedJet in places where people typically buy mattresses. The company aimed to leverage partnerships with retailers such as Sit ‘n Sleep, showcasing a strategy focused on aligning with established players in the bedding industry. However, BedJet faced skepticism from the Sharks, particularly regarding the $499 retail price and the perceived challenges in convincing consumers to invest in a climate-control device for their beds. The Sharks raised concerns about the product’s compatibility with modern bed designs and questioned the overall market strategy.
BedJet’s funding history includes a successful Kickstarter campaign, indicating an initial influx of capital. The negotiation session did not result in a deal, and BedJet left the Tank without securing an investment from the Sharks. While the company showcased significant potential with a notable purchase order and interest from key players in the industry, the Sharks’ apprehensions raise questions about BedJet’s market strategy and the challenges it may face in gaining widespread consumer adoption at its premium price point.
The Negotiations:
The negotiations for BedJet on Shark Tank were marked by skepticism and concerns from the Sharks, ultimately resulting in no deal being struck. Mark Aramli, the founder of BedJet, entered the Tank seeking $250,000 for a 10% equity stake in the company. However, the Sharks expressed significant reservations about the product’s market viability, pricing strategy, and overall potential. Kevin O’Leary was quick to criticize the $499 retail price, suggesting that consumers might find it too high, especially considering the cost of purchasing a new mattress.
The other Sharks echoed these concerns, highlighting the challenge of convincing customers to invest in a climate-control device for their beds at such a premium price point. Lori Greiner voiced dissatisfaction with Mark’s handling of questions during the pitch, citing a lack of direct responses to inquiries. This led to a breakdown in communication, with Lori ultimately opting out due to perceived shortcomings in Mark’s engagement and responsiveness. Despite Mark’s attempts to showcase BedJet’s unique features, including its ultra-rapid heating and cooling capabilities and its successful market test on Kickstarter, the Sharks remained unconvinced.
Mark faced challenges in addressing technical questions and concerns about the product’s compatibility with modern bed designs. While Mark received interest and a purchase order from a major mattress manufacturer in Australia, the Sharks were not persuaded by this alone. Multiple Sharks, including Kevin O’Leary and Mark Cuban, expressed doubts about the product’s potential success in the market. In the end, no deal was made, and BedJet left the Tank without securing an investment from the Sharks.
