Shark Tank Update: Fidgetland Q&A with the Founder of the Fidget Toys Company

Fidgetland: A Quick Overview

Fidgetland offers a variety of fidget toys that are designed to help people with ADHD, autism and anxiety. The names of their interlocking-ring toys include Noah, Ellie, Rizzle, Stephie and Little Fella, some of which were named after the founder’s children.

The toys feature interlocking rings and silicone bands that are perfect for both adults in the workplace and kids at school. According to their website, “Kids who need to fidget will love these and benefit, while their teachers and parents will love them too.” Prices range from $8 to $15 for jumbo-sized fidget toys.

When Burns originally appeared on “Shark Tank,” he came in asking for $50,000 for 10 percent equity. Kevin O’Leary admitted that the toy was “infectious” but thought it was too small. He went out, as did Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner.

Robert Herjavec, however, found it calming and offered $50,000 for 15 percent. Barbara Corcoran also liked the fidget toys and felt like she could personally relate to Burns given their learning disabilities. She offered $50,000 for 20 percent.

Despite Corcoran declining his 15 percent counteroffer, Burns ultimately accepted her initial offer.

Burns spoke with Business 2 Community about Fidgetland’s experience on the show and what their next steps are. Take a look at the Q&A below:

Q&A with Fidgetland’s Founder Jason Burns

What was your strategy for navigating “Shark Tank”?

Be prepared and have fun. “Shark Tank” is a once in a lifetime opportunity – I made sure that I knew my numbers and felt confident so that I could enjoy the moment and be myself.

How has Fidgetland changed since the episode was first recorded? Since it aired?

It was difficult not to share the excitement of getting a deal with Barbara after we recorded the episode. It felt like something I believed in for years was finally being validated. We spent the summer trying to prep for the airing, but nothing could have prepared me for the overwhelming response Fidgetland had. Our business has surpassed every number we had anticipated, last month alone we sent out over 20,000 fidgets. We’ve gone from three employees to over 25 and all of this happened just since October. It’s been a whirlwind!

Is there anything you would have changed about your time spent in the tank, including your pitch and valuation?

I wish I remembered more of it. It all seems like such a blur now! But really, I wouldn’t change a thing, it went exactly how I had hoped.

Who’s your favorite shark?

Barbara, of course!

Do you think “Shark Tank” was the right move for your business?

100 percent, greatest thing to happen to Fidgetland.

What are Fidgetland’s next steps?

Create new products, expand to reach more consumers and more markets. We would also like to partner with school districts and universities across the country to ensure that every student who needs a fidget has one available to them.

Where do you see this industry in 5-10 years?

Much larger thanks to Fidgetland :) My hope is that it remains a staple and not a fad. Unfortunately, there are a lot of fidget products on the market that claim they help with focus and anxiety that really are more distracting than anything. We have a responsibility to our customers to educate them about our products and to continuously deliver.

What would you say to people who want to start their own business?

Don’t let life get in your way, take a risk and go for it! It’s too easy to talk yourself out of doing it, so don’t let that happen to you!

What advice would you give to entrepreneurs who want to make it on “Shark Tank”?

Take the first step, send in your application and be patient. Be prepared, be yourself and then go for it!

Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length

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