BusyBox is an illuminated box designed to display your current status to others, helping prevent interruptions while you work. If you’re engaged in an important task and don’t want to be disturbed, you can use BusyBox to signal your availability. Placing this box outside your office or workspace communicates your status clearly to others.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, BusyBox became especially popular as it allowed people working from home to minimize disturbances. Whether working remotely or in an office setting, BusyBox helps ensure a quiet, focused environment by signaling when you’re busy or available.
BusyBox is a creative startup launched in July 2020, based in Massachusetts, United States. The idea behind the product is straightforward: it allows individuals to display their current work status through various illuminated messages like “Working,” “Busy,” “Call,” “Live,” “On-Air,” “Studying,” and “Recording.” The messages can be displayed in different colors, which can be customized according to your mood.
You can control BusyBox manually or via a mobile application. It also supports voice commands, allowing you to say, “Hey Siri, turn on my BusyBox,” to activate it. Additionally, the device integrates seamlessly with tools like Google Calendar, Zoom, Twitch, OBS, Discord, and Google Assistant.
BusyBox offers three types of products: BusyBox S, BusyBox D, and BusyBox Button, each designed to perform different functions to suit various needs.
| Company Name | Busy Box |
| Founder | Steve Skillin and Conor Smith |
| Founded | Jul 2020 |
| Product | Display Your Current Work Using Busy Box. |
| Asked For | $200k for 15% equity |
| Final Deal | No Deals |
| Shark | No Shark |
| Episode (Shark Tank USA) | S13 E19 |
| Air Date | Apr, 8 2022 |
| Business Status | In Business |
| Website | Visit Website |
| Headquarters | Whitinsville, Massachusetts, United States |
| Lifetime Worth (Sales) | $4M *estimated |
| Go To Amazon | Buy Now |
| Watch On | Amazon Prime |
Another Shark Tank Pitch
Who Is The Founder Of Busy Box?
This innovative startup, BusyBox, was founded by Steve Skillings and Conor Smith in Massachusetts, United States, in July 2020. Steve Skillings serves as the Chief Executive Officer of BusyBox and is also the CEO of Part Time Inventive LLC.
Skillings has a strong background in engineering and business. He earned his MBA from Portland State University and gained experience through internships at various companies. He spent nine years as an Engineering Manager at Bose Corporation. Later, he co-founded JamHub Corporation, where he served as CEO for 11 years.
In July 2012, Skillings started a company named Bandlab, which operated until its closure in 2020.
Did Busy Box Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
Founders Steve Skillings and Conor Smith pitched their product, BusyBox, on Shark Tank. They presented their solution for a common problem faced by many professionals, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic: the need to communicate their availability and avoid interruptions while working.
The BusyBox is an illuminated sign that allows users to display messages like “Busy,” “On Air,” “Recording,” and more, to let others know not to disturb them.
The Sharks, Mark Cuban, Kevin O’Leary, Lori Greiner, and Robert Herjavec, were interested in learning about the company’s sales figures, as sales are a key indicator of a startup’s success. Steve and Conor asked the Sharks for $200,000 in exchange for 15% equity in BusyBox.
However, despite their interest, the Sharks ultimately decided not to invest in the startup. They felt that the product did not adequately address a significant market need, and were concerned about its long-term viability and scalability.
What Happened To Busy Box After Shark Tank?
After appearing on Shark Tank, BusyBox experienced significant growth in sales, achieving an 8x increase. The product, which solves the problem of communicating one’s availability and reducing interruptions, has gained global traction. Post-pandemic improvements in the supply chain facilitated better shipping and distribution.
Despite its success, the product faced criticism for its high price. As of December 2022, the BusyBox Standard is priced at $129, the Digital version at $299, and the Button size at $39. The illuminated boxes are used in various settings, including New York’s popular electronics and camera store, B&H Photo Video, for their tech support desk.
The Shark Tank episode generated a range of responses, including numerous memes about the product. Although BusyBox did not secure an investor from the show, it has continued to perform well in the market. However, detailed revenue information for December 2022 was not available at the time.
We will continue to follow updates on Steve Skillin, Conor Smith, and their company for further developments.
What Is The Busy Box Net Worth?
The current valuation of Busy Box is estimated to be $1.3 million, based on their existing deal. With increased sales, the company has the potential to grow into a multimillion-dollar business, but this will require expanding its product line.
Busy Box is currently profitable, and demand for its products is rising, especially with the ongoing trend of remote work. However, while the company is performing well, it faces competition from emerging brands that quickly replicate new innovations.
To sustain growth and enhance market position, the founder must focus on effective branding and maintaining product quality. These steps are crucial for differentiating Busy Box from its competitors and ensuring long-term success.
Yes, BusyBox is still in business as of December 2022.
