Zookies Cookies Bake At Home Dog Treats
DEAL
EPISODE SUMMARY
đź•“ Air Date: March 3, 2019
Asking For:
$50,000 for 20%
Investor:
Alli Webb
Deal:
$50,000 for 30%
PRODUCT SUMMARY
Zookies Cookies offers plant-based, gluten-free, and preservative-free bake-at-home dog treats.
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Background Story
Zookies Cookies, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, made its debut in the Shark Tank with founders Justin Miller and Tom Simon at the helm. The duo, originating from the heart of North Carolina, brought a unique twist to the pet treat industry. Justin and Tom presented their bake-at-home dog treats seeking a $50,000 investment in exchange for a 20% equity stake in their company. Both entrepreneurs boast a genuine passion for creating wholesome and nutritious treats for our four-legged friends.
Justin Miller, armed with his experience and a deep appreciation for plant-based, gluten-free living, spearheaded the idea of developing a dog treat that mirrored the health-conscious choices many pet owners make for themselves. His background in promoting healthy lifestyles and a commitment to plant-based diets became the driving force behind Zookies Cookies. Tom Simon, Justin’s partner in this venture, complements the team with his shared enthusiasm for canine well-being. Together, they embarked on a mission to revolutionize the way people treat their pets, combining their love for dogs with their commitment to quality ingredients.
The inception of Zookies Cookies was rooted in the founders’ desire to provide a baking experience for pet owners that mirrored the joy of treating themselves. The idea germinated from recognizing a gap in the market—while numerous dog treats claimed to be healthy, the presence of questionable additives persisted. Zookies Cookies emerged as a solution to this problem, offering a straightforward baking kit with ingredients that even the pet owners themselves would consume. The founders’ journey is marked by a dedication to the well-being of pets, and their entry into the Shark Tank signifies a pivotal moment in their quest to make Zookies Cookies a household name.
The Product
Zookies Cookies, a pioneering product in the pet treat industry, offers a unique and wholesome baking experience for dog owners. The plant-based, gluten-free, and preservative-free dog treats come in convenient jars, priced at $9.99 each or $24.99 for a three-pack. The process of creating these treats is simple and enjoyable—dog owners only need to pour the contents into a bowl, add water, bake for 30 minutes, and voilà , they have freshly baked, healthy treats for their furry friends.
What sets Zookies Cookies apart is its commitment to using human-grade ingredients, ensuring a treat that not only dogs love but that pet owners can feel good about. The product addresses a gap in the market by avoiding traditional “dog” ingredients, offering a cleaner and healthier alternative. With a focus on quality and transparency, Zookies Cookies aims to provide a guilt-free indulgence for pets.
Purchasing Zookies Cookies is convenient, primarily available online, with sales driven through targeted advertising on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google. The founders envision the product as a giftable item, and over half of their current sales are attributed to gifts. With a price point that aligns with the value of a health-conscious, homemade pet treat, Zookies Cookies introduces a novel and enjoyable way for pet owners to show love to their canine companions.
How It Went
The company’s position before Shark Tank
Zookies Cookies, in its nascent stage, has showcased promising performance and a strategic vision for growth. With sales exceeding $40,000 in just over nine months, the company has primarily operated online, leveraging targeted advertising on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google. The founders, Justin Miller and Tom Simon, emphasized the giftable nature of their product, with over 50% of sales attributed to gifts, indicating a positive reception from customers.
Currently, Zookies Cookies has minimal retail testing, focusing predominantly on its online presence. The founders are actively seeking a strategic partner to explore opportunities with big-box retailers, envisioning expansion beyond their current online sales channel. The goal is to tap into the wider market potential offered by physical retail spaces, bringing Zookies Cookies to a broader audience. In terms of funding, the founders entered the Shark Tank seeking a $50,000 investment in exchange for a 20% equity stake.
The focus of the founders’ pitch centered on securing a strategic partnership and funding to propel Zookies Cookies into new avenues. The founders expressed openness to refining packaging and branding based on the feedback received, showcasing an adaptive approach to meet market demands and expectations. With the injection of capital and expertise from Alli Webb, Zookies Cookies is poised to strengthen its market presence, potentially exploring partnerships with retailers and expanding its product line. The Shark Tank deal marks a pivotal moment in the company’s trajectory, providing the foundation for Zookies Cookies to thrive in the competitive pet treat industry.
The Negotiations:
The negotiations for Zookies Cookies on Shark Tank unfolded with a mix of enthusiasm, skepticism, and strategic considerations from the Sharks. The pitch began with Justin Miller and Tom Simon seeking a $50,000 investment in exchange for a 20% equity stake in their bake-at-home dog treat company. Kevin O’Leary expressed early skepticism about the market potential, ultimately opting out of the deal. Robert Herjavec, intrigued by the concept, raised concerns about the baking process adding complexity and chose not to invest. Mark Cuban, recognizing the growing pet industry, decided the venture wasn’t aligned with his interests and also passed on the opportunity.
Alli Webb, founder of Drybar, emerged as a key player, expressing fascination with the product and its potential. She offered $50,000 for a 30% stake, emphasizing her ability to provide value in retail and gifting. Barbara Corcoran entered the negotiation with an alternative offer, proposing $50,000 for a 33.3% stake, positioning herself as an equal dog partner. The founders, appreciating the value Alli Webb brought to the table, accepted her offer, securing a deal with her. This marked a turning point, as Zookies Cookies gained not only financial support but also the expertise and industry connections of Alli Webb.
The negotiations showcased the diverse perspectives of the Sharks, with Alli Webb ultimately securing the partnership with Zookies Cookies. The founders expressed gratitude for the opportunity and excitement about the prospect of working with Alli Webb to elevate their company’s presence in the market. The deal with Alli Webb positions Zookies Cookies for strategic growth and expansion into new retail avenues.
