The Muddy Water Camo
NO DEAL
EPISODE SUMMARY
🕓 Air Date: February 22, 2013
Asking For:
$150,000 for 5%
Investor:
No Deal
Deal:
No Deal
PRODUCT SUMMARY
Muddy Water Camo offers a revolutionary camouflage pattern designed to mimic real outdoor environments, targeting hunters seeking superior concealment.
WATCH HERE
IN A RUSH?
Click these to jump to the section you want to read.
Background Story
Steve Maloney, President of Muddy Water Camo, and Stephen Kirkpatrick, a professional wildlife photographer, joined forces after years of frustration with existing camouflage patterns. They aimed to create a camouflage design that accurately represented natural environments where hunting occurs. Their combined experience in hunting and wildlife photography provided valuable insights into the shortcomings of traditional camo patterns.
After five years of development, they introduced Muddy Water Camo, utilizing a unique photographic process to capture and replicate outdoor terrains onto clothing. Their vision stemmed from a genuine need for better concealment in hunting scenarios, driven by their personal experiences and observations in the field. Despite facing skepticism and challenges, they persevered, driven by their passion for hunting and dedication to innovation.
The Product
Muddy Water Camo employs a proprietary 54-step process to create camouflage patterns that accurately reflect outdoor environments. Unlike traditional camo, which is often generic and lacks realism, Muddy Water Camo utilizes high-resolution photographic imagery captured directly from nature.
This ensures that the entire pattern remains in focus, resulting in unparalleled realism and effectiveness in concealing hunters. The camo pattern is meticulously designed to blend seamlessly into various hunting terrains, including marshes, forests, and grasslands, providing hunters with superior camouflage performance.
Muddy Water Camo offers a range of products, including clothing, accessories, and gear, all featuring their innovative camo pattern. Customers can purchase these products directly from Muddy Water Camo’s website or through their network of retail partners across the country. Prices vary depending on the product type and specifications, but they aim to provide affordable options for hunters seeking high-quality camouflage gear.
How It Went
The company’s position before Shark Tank
Muddy Water Camo has achieved $150,000 in sales so far this year, with a seasonal business model catering to the hunting market. While they have yet to reach their first full season, they have secured placement in 58 retail stores nationwide. However, they have not secured partnerships with major retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods or Bass Pro Shops, recognizing the need to establish credibility and market presence before approaching larger retailers.
The company has raised $600,000 from other investors, with a pre-sales valuation of $2.5 million, reflecting confidence in the product and market potential. Despite facing challenges in a competitive industry, Muddy Water Camo remains optimistic about its growth prospects and aims to capture a significant share of the $400 million waterfowl hunting gear market. The company’s structure includes 16 investors, which may pose challenges in decision-making and strategic alignment. However, they remain committed to their vision of revolutionizing the hunting industry with their innovative camo technology.
The Negotiations:
The negotiations with the Sharks revealed skepticism towards Muddy Water Camo’s $3 million valuation, especially considering their limited sales and market penetration. While some Sharks appreciated the innovation and potential of the product, they ultimately deemed the valuation too high for the current stage of the company.
Despite offers from Sharks like Daymond John, who proposed $150,000 for a 20% equity stake, Muddy Water Camo declined, citing their existing valuation and investor agreements. The negotiations highlighted the importance of realistic valuations and strategic partnerships in scaling a business effectively. Despite not securing a deal on Shark Tank, Muddy Water Camo remains optimistic about its growth trajectory and continues to pursue opportunities to expand its market presence and impact in the hunting industry.
