Dino Don Shark Tank Update

Dino Don is a company specializing in the design and manufacture of robotic dinosaurs. Featured on Shark Tank Season 12, Episode 25, Dino Don sought $500,000 for a 10% equity stake, valuing the company at $5 million. The company aims to create lifelike dinosaur replicas using advanced animation design.

Don Lessem, the founder, has a rich background in dinosaurs, having served as a science advisor for the original Jurassic Park film and worked with Universal and Disney theme parks. With extensive research experience, Lessem is well-versed in dinosaur species.

Dino Don primarily designs robotic dinosaur models for touring exhibitions and museums. The popularity of dinosaurs surged due to the Jurassic Park film, leading to increased public interest in seeing realistic dinosaur replicas.

Dinosaurs, which roamed the Earth between 245 and 66 million years ago, no longer exist. However, skeletons of these ancient creatures have been discovered in regions such as North America, China, and Argentina. Despite ongoing research, much about dinosaurs remains unknown.

Currently, few museums focus on dinosaurs, and existing exhibits typically feature skeletons rather than lifelike models. Dino Don addresses this gap by offering realistic robotic dinosaurs. Mark Cuban invested $500,000 for a 25% equity stake in the company. As of September 2022, Dino Don reported $10 million in annual revenue.

Dino Don creates the largest and most accurate robotic dinosaurs, including various models designed for aquariums, museums, gardens, and zoos. Each model is equipped with sound effects to enhance the experience. The company’s exhibitions have attracted 3.8 million visitors to 21 zoos and museums across Europe and North America.

The company has collaborated with numerous venues, including Brookfield Zoo, Louisville Zoo, and Zoo Copenhagen. Dino Don offers over 1,000 dinosaur species, with prices varying based on size. They handle delivery and installation and provide a 12-month warranty.

Dino Don operates on both a rental and sales basis, supplying robotic dinosaurs to zoos, museums, and aquariums worldwide.

Another Shark Tank Pitch

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Who Is The Founder Of Dino Don?

Don Lessem is the CEO and President of Dino Don, Inc., which he founded in 2016. The company specializes in creating various robotic animals, including dinosaurs, available for both purchase and exhibition rentals.

Before starting Dino Don, Lessem founded Exhibitsrex, Inc. in 1993, a company known for its quality dinosaur robotics, natural history, and history exhibitions, as well as children’s books.

Lessem earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Brandeis University and a master’s degree from UMass Boston. He also worked as a dinosaur expert on Stephen Spielberg’s Jurassic Park for two years.

In addition to his work in robotics and exhibitions, Lessem has authored over 50 science-related books. He is the founder of the Dinosaur Society and the Jurassic Foundation.

How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of Dino Don?

Don Lessem and Val Jones pitched their company, Dino Don, Inc., on Shark Tank (Season 12, Episode 25) seeking $500,000 for 10% equity. They highlighted that Dino Don is the largest supplier of robotic dinosaurs in the United States and discussed their impressive business journey.

In 2019, Dino Don exhibited 45 robotic dinosaurs, attracting 440,000 visitors. With an entry fee of $6 per person, this generated a total revenue of $2.2 million.

When asked about the production cost of an average dinosaur, the Sharks were surprised to learn that it was $5,000, despite estimates ranging from $15,000 to $50,000 by different Sharks.

In 2019, Dino Don achieved $1.6 million in revenue, which increased to $1.8 million in 2020 despite the pandemic. The company currently has 150 dinosaurs and aims to reach $3 million in revenue next year. Their profit in 2019 was $250,000.

Kevin O’Leary expressed doubts about the execution of the business and decided to opt out. Daymond John felt he couldn’t add value and also chose to leave. Lori Greiner couldn’t visualize the business’s potential and exited as well.

Mark Cuban saw potential in the business and made an offer of $500,000 for 25% equity, valuing the company at $2 million. Robert Herjavec agreed that Mark’s offer was strong and chose not to make a competing offer.

Lessem accepted Mark Cuban’s offer.

Finalize: Mark Cuban invested $500,000 in Dino Don in return for 25% equity.

Dino Don Shark Tank Update

Mark Cuban formed a strong partnership with Dino Don, Inc., promising to market the company effectively to achieve million-dollar monthly sales and ensure its annual growth.

Before appearing on Shark Tank, Dino Don had produced 150 robotic dinosaurs. As of September 2022, the company had expanded its collection to over 1,000 dinosaur species.

Dino Don continues to produce custom robotic models with a focus on maximum accuracy and realism. Their exhibitions are featured at popular zoos and museums nationally and internationally, and they are expanding to more locations worldwide.

The company has formed partnerships with Universal Studios, the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, and organizations in Russia, China, Mongolia, and Argentina.

Currently, Dino Don maintains 200 dinosaurs and other robotic creatures, including models up to 110 feet long. Their Dinosaur Safari at the Sacramento Zoo showcases a 40-foot-long Tyrannosaurus rex, which has become a major attraction.

Dino Don’s creations are also displayed in countries like Belgium, Germany, England, France, Finland, Russia, and China.

Following their Shark Tank appearance, Dino Don saw a surge in popularity and received numerous orders from zoos and museums. In 2021, the company achieved $4 million in annual revenue. In February 2022, their Traveling Dinosaur Roadshow at the Bishop Museum of Science in Bradenton, Florida, featured 50 dinosaurs of various sizes and generated $10 million in revenue. The company was also featured in the 2022 documentary “The Dinosaur Factory.”

As of the Shark Tank Season 13, Episode 23 update, Dino Don had increased its inventory to 400 robotic dinosaurs and added new exhibits, including Ice Age animals, large bugs, and dragons.

The company was reported to have 25 employees working in four countries, with an annual revenue of $1.8 million, projected to reach $4.2 million by the end of the coming year. Thanks to Mark Cuban’s investment, Dino Don created Traveling Dinosaur Shows featuring 60 dinosaurs, and Mark anticipates the company will reach $10 million in revenue within two years.

What Is Dino Don’s Net Worth?

Dino Don Inc. has experienced impressive growth since its appearance on Shark Tank. Initially funded at a $2 million valuation, the company now generates annual revenues in the millions. If this growth trend continues, it could potentially become a billion-dollar enterprise. Based on its revenue and success, Dino Don’s net worth is estimated to be $4 million.

Founded in 2016, Dino Don began earning profits early on, though not substantial. During their Shark Tank pitch, Lessem projected a $1 million profit for 2021. With Mark Cuban’s support, the company has expanded its reach both nationally and internationally, providing dinosaurs for exhibitions worldwide. They also offer maintenance services through a dedicated team of employees and technicians.

Dino Don has launched a merchandise store featuring dinosaur-themed products, including T-shirts. Their dinosaur exhibits attract children, leading to repeat visits to zoos and museums, thereby increasing these venues’ revenue.

Headquartered in Media, Pennsylvania, Dino Don Inc. employs 51-200 people globally. The company offers tours featuring one of the largest dinosaur exhibitions available.

Yes, Dino Don Inc is still in business as of August 2024.