Childhood best friends from Atlanta, Tim Samuel and Dwayne Walker, have created an online, educational experience for young children aimed at sparking their creativity.
Since art education is not always a priority in schools, Sparketh has created an online platform that allows students to get an art education from anywhere.
By combining art classes and lessons into one central repository, students can learn from some of the best artists in the industry in short, focused lessons.
Each contributor to the Sparketh platform teaches lessons within their specialized fields, allowing students to gain a large breadth of knowledge around various types of art.
Key Takeaways
- Founding and Mission: Childhood friends Tim Samuel and Dwayne Walker created Sparketh, an online art education platform, to spark creativity in children.
- Target Market: Initially focused on homeschoolers, now aiming to expand reach and add more content.
- Shark Tank Outcome: Secured $100,000 from Barbara Corcoran and Daniel Lubetzky for 20% equity, contingent on becoming profitable within six months.
Is this student art program SPARKing any interest? ⚡️ #SharkTank
— Shark Tank (@ABCSharkTank) October 23, 2021
Sparketh Shark Tank Update
Although Sparketh has been primarily focused on the homeschool market, Tim and Dwayne would like to expand their reach, add additional content to their platform, and build a new site to further grow their mission.
Ideally, the pair would like to partner with a Shark who can provide them financial assistance and help them to expand into other markets. Sparketh is seeking $100,000 in exchange for 8% equity in the company.
While the Sharks support the mission, they are concerned with keeping customers interested in paying the $25/month subscription fee when they can access content for free on YouTube.
Although they are on track to bring in $500,000 in 2021, their average lifetime value of a customer is $160 and they typically do not have subscribers staying with them for longer than one year. Barbara Corcoran and Daniel Lubetzky agree to financially support Sparketh, contingent upon them becoming profitable within six months of their partnership deal. Tim and Dwayne agree.
The Sharks will invest $100,000 in exchange for a 20% equity share in Sparketh.
Didn't expect to paint in the tank tonight, but I loved flexing my creative muscle with @sparketh before getting down to business. They even gave me the @kindsnacks logo colors! ♥️ #SharkTank
— Daniel Lubetzky (@DanielLubetzky) October 23, 2021
You can feel the passion these guys have! This is why I love being in the Tank. #SharkTank #Sparketh @ABCSharkTank
— Barbara Corcoran (@BarbaraCorcoran) October 23, 2021
Rather than let his sickle cell diagnosis hold him back – @EntrprnrTim is making every moment count. I could feel the emotion and passion in his voice. He is an inspiration to us all. @sparketh #sharktank pic.twitter.com/T73i3EVGfC
— Daniel Lubetzky (@DanielLubetzky) October 23, 2021
Burnout is a real concern for all of us – especially for entrepreneurs. Building a sustainable business is about balance – it's a marathon not a sprint. @Sparketh #SharkTank
— Daniel Lubetzky (@DanielLubetzky) October 23, 2021
Such a dynamic duo! The best partnerships are those that complement each other’s strengths & weaknesses. #SharkTank @ABCSharkTank
— Lori Greiner (@LoriGreiner) October 23, 2021
Teaching children to be creative is so important. I wasn't a great student, but my mom always taught me that my imagination would take me wherever I wanted. And she was right! @Sparketh #SharkTank @ABCSharkTank
— Barbara Corcoran (@BarbaraCorcoran) October 23, 2021
Creating a space for art, together #SharkTank @BarbaraCorcoran @DanielLubetzky pic.twitter.com/Gy0E3G6TuT
— Shark Tank (@ABCSharkTank) October 23, 2021
Do you think that Barbara and Daniel made a wise decision by investing in Sparketh? If you were a Shark, would you have invested in Tim and Dwayne’s mission? Start the conversation in the comments below!
This pitch sure lit a spark! ⚡️ Stream on Hulu pic.twitter.com/qZx5zL4eS7
— Shark Tank (@ABCSharkTank) October 24, 2021
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