Expedition Subsahara is a brand dedicated to African traditional crafts, with a focus on Senegalese culture. The brand showcases handcrafted home decor that reflects the vibrant art of Africa.
Senegal, a beautiful country in West Africa, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. The Wolof people, one of the prominent tribes in Senegal, are particularly known for their contributions to music and arts.
Founded by Sofi Seck, a member of the Wolof tribe, Expedition Subsahara aims to promote Senegalese culture and art. Sofi Seck, born in Senegal, started the company to support community activities and provide economic opportunities for tribeswomen through handmade crafts.
On Shark Tank Season 14, Episode 4, Sofi Seck sought $500,000 for 10% equity in Expedition Subsahara, valuing the company at $5 million. The brand’s products include a variety of handmade baskets and home decor items, all crafted using colorful and unique designs. These items are made from natural materials such as colorful fibers, grass, and recycled plastic. They can be cleaned with water if they become dirty.
The company operates from a warehouse in St. Louis, without a physical store. The artisans, all from Senegal, have specialized skills that contribute to the creation of these beautiful crafts. For instance, crafting the largest basket, used for hampers, takes approximately 40 hours.
Expedition Subsahara products can be purchased through their official website.
| Company Name | Expedition Subsahara | |
| Founder | Sofi Seck | |
| Founded | 2018 | |
| Product | African Inspired home decor brand | |
| Asked For | $500K for a 10% Equity | |
| Final Deal | No Deals | |
| Shark | No Sharks | |
| Episode (Shark Tank USA) | S14 E4 | |
| Air Date | Oct 14, 2022 | |
| Business Status | In Business | |
| Website | Visit Website | |
| Headquarters | Greater St. Louis, Missouri, US | |
| Lifetime Worth (Sales) | $6.1M *estimated | |
| Buy and Watch | Buy Now | Amazon Prime |
Another Shark Tank Pitch
Who Is The Founder Of Expedition Subsahara?
Sofi Seck is the founder and CEO of Expedition Subsahara. Born in Senegal, West Africa, she moved to the United States at the age of 14 for her education. In 2009, she graduated from the University of Missouri.
After completing her college education, Sofi worked as a professional photographer. In 2018, she launched her own business, Expedition Subsahara, to promote Senegalese culture through handcrafted home decor.
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of Expedition Subsahara?
Sofi Seck appeared on Shark Tank with her company, Expedition Subsahara, seeking $500,000 for 10% equity at a $5 million valuation. During her pitch, Sofi highlighted her Wolof tribe culture and detailed her business journey.
Expedition Subsahara’s products are made from various materials, including sweetgrass, elephant grass, and recyclable plastic. Small-size baskets cost $18 to produce and are sold for $50. The company generates 95% of its sales online.
In 2022, Sofi achieved $900,000 in sales, bringing her lifetime sales total to $3.6 million. In 2021 alone, the company recorded $1.6 million in sales, with a gross profit of over $1 million and a net profit of $750,000. The profit margin is approximately 60%.
Last year, Sofi invested $400,000 in advertising. Her sales for the previous month totaled $160,000, with an average sale of $206 and a customer acquisition cost of $116.
Despite her impressive track record and business metrics, Sofi’s pitch did not secure a deal. Kevin O’Leary and Lori Greiner, as well as Mark Cuban, Robert Herjavec, and Daymond John, decided not to invest in Expedition Subsahara.
Finalize: Expedition Subsahara did not get investment in Shark Tank.
What Happened To Expedition Subsahara After Shark Tank?
Sofi Seck presented her business, Expedition Subsahara, on Shark Tank with a compelling pitch. Although she did not secure a deal, her presentation highlighted the remarkable growth of her business. Sofi has effectively reinvested her profits to fuel further expansion, a testament to her dedication as an entrepreneur.
Despite the success, high advertising costs pose a challenge for the business. Sofi’s journey from a $500 investment to $3.6 million in sales was fraught with difficulties, and she became emotional discussing her experiences. She shared how her business saw significant growth during the Black Lives Matter movement.
Following her appearance on Shark Tank, the company received mixed feedback from viewers. However, the exposure may pave the way for future investments.
This year, Expedition Subsahara has introduced several limited edition decor items, including the Juneteenth Wishing Basket, Raja Storage Basket, and Yana Vase. As of August 2023, the company’s annual revenue stands at $1.5 million.
What Is Expedition Subsahara Net Worth?
Expedition Subsahara is on a positive trajectory, benefiting from the growing global handcrafted market, which was valued at $680 billion in 2021. The industry is expected to expand further, although competition remains intense. Expedition Subsahara’s estimated net worth is approximately $1.2 million.
Annual Revenue by Years
Note: This report is based on our research and data so far. In this, we are only estimating the annual revenue.
| Years | Annual Revenue |
| 2023 | $1.5 *estimated |
| 2022 | $1M *estimated |
| 2018-21 | $3.6 *estimated |
Funding Reports to Date!
| Years | Funding Amount | Investor |
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
The company remains committed to its mission of supporting women, particularly through education. Founder Sofi Seck, originally from Senegal, is dedicated to providing education and job opportunities to Senegalese girls. To this end, Expedition Subsahara donates 20% of its annual sales to support the education of these girls, believing that educated women have the power to change the world.
As of October 2022, the company is building its brand through social media, with 48,000 followers on Instagram. This growing online presence supports its mission and helps expand its reach.
Yes, Expedition Subsahara is still in business as of April 2024.
