Ball 2 Shark Tank Update – Shark Tank Season 18
Andrew Brown and Kevin Langdon pitched an AI-powered toy ball that invents games from voice commands to the Sharks, including the special guest and internet sensation, MrBeast.
In today’s technological era, parents struggle to keep their children off digital screens and encourage outdoor play. Andrew Brown and Kevin Langdon pitched Ball 2, an AI-powered smart ball that creates games from a child’s voice commands, in Shark Tank Season 18 Episode 1.
Despite initial skepticism over strong competition from toy giants and a high price tag, MrBeast saw a strong vision for the product.
Kevin O’Leary flagged weaker sales and saw a tough road ahead, but MrBeast was confident it could go viral through his platform and got the deal for $250,000 at 55% equity.
About Ball 2
| Category | Details |
| Business Name | Ball 2 (Sperry Labs) |
| Founders | Andrew Brown & Kevin Langdon |
| Product | AI-powered smart ball with sensors and companion app |
| Industry | Toys & Games |
| Funding (Pre-Shark Tank) | Self-funded / bootstrapped |
| Sales (Pre-Shark Tank) | Approximately $74,000 from ~1,300 units in under six months |
| Investment Asked | $200,000 for 10% equity |
| Deal Status | Deal secured with MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) & Jeff Housenbold (CEO, Beast Industries) |
| Deal Outcome | $250,000 for 55% equity |
| Initial Valuation | $2,000,000 |
| Post-Deal Valuation | ~$454,545 |
Founders’ Backstory
Andrew Brown and Kevin Langdon are cousins, and Ball 2 is the fourth company they’ve worked on together.
Previously, they co-founded oobgolf, a golf-community and score-tracking platform, in 2006.
Langdon said the company grew into a major online golf community before being sold to SkyGolf in 2009.
Andrew has expertise in game design and product development, and has held roles at Electronic Arts (EA), where he worked on the Madden NFL franchise.
Kevin describes himself as a serial entrepreneur whose primary expertise is software development.
His career has included work with companies such as Universal Mind, Comcast, Brightcove and AirCare Labs.
Product Overview
Ball 2 is a toy with multiple sensors inside that can help children create unique and original games by just using their voice.
The games are created in real time using AI technology as demonstrated by the founders during the pitch.
Ball 2 Shark Tank Pitch
Andrew Brown and Kevin Langdon came to Shark Tank seeking $200,000 for 10% of their company.
Sharks found the concept refreshing for children, especially in the age of smartphones and high-tech digital games.
The entrepreneurs stressed the need to detach children from screen addiction and provide a more playful and intriguing avenue where they cannot easily get bored and play outdoors.
After hearing the sales of about $74,000 and a high customer acquisition cost of about $37 per customer, the Sharks were a bit taken aback, and everyone backed out except MrBeast.
Barbara Corcoran chimed in and expressed displeasure with the packaging that ‘didn’t feel persuasive enough for the customer.’
Kevin O’Leary shared concerns about high customer acquisition cost and future challenges.
Daniel Lubetzky and Lori Greiner also backed out after hearing MrBeast’s initial offer of $300,000 for 66% equity.
What Makes Ball 2 Unique?
Ball 2 aims to take the basic play ball and upgrade it to endless possibilities with AI technology and sensors.
- Out of the box: Ball 2 fills the gap between traditional toys and modern high-tech gaming that requires hours of screen time. It aims to encourage more physical activity and collaboration among children.
- Logical thinking: Rather than focusing solely on fixed and defined rules, Ball 2 offers endless possibilities to children, as they can create unique games by just using their imagination.
- Structured and minimalistic: Ball 2 doesn’t require elaborate wires or coding. A child just needs to connect the app to the ball using Bluetooth, and the audio interface minimizes screen time, providing a detox from digital screens.
Did Ball 2 Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
The founders came in seeking an investment. But after sharing sales numbers and high marketing expenses, all Sharks went out except the guest Sharks, MrBeast and Jeff Housenbold.
MrBeast expressed concerns over the high price tag of $69 for the product, but remained optimistic about the long-term potential.
Jeff Housenbold added, “We can make your customer acquisition cost basically zero.”
The founders were a bit hesitant about the initial offer of $300,000 for 66% of the company.
They tried to negotiate by countering with $300,000 for 51% of the company, and ultimately accepted MrBeast’s revised offer of $250,000 for 55% of the company.
BALL 2 Shark Tank Update
After the Ball 2 episode aired, the co-founder, Andrew Brown, said in an interview to WITF that ‘the team immediately saw interest in Ball 2. Orders began coming in during the broadcast, followed by dozens of customer emails before the episode was even over.’
Where Can You Buy It?
Ball 2 can be purchased directly from the official website.
For further updates on new product launches and the company’s expansion plans, you can follow them on Instagram and X.
Quick Summary
- Ball 2 entered the Shark Tank with a simple design mixed with AI technology to encourage more outdoor group play among children.
- With its simple design and voice interface, children can easily manifest their imagination in the form of unique games either alone or with multiple people.
- The entrepreneurs, Andrew and Kevin, walked out with an offer from Mr. Beast (Jimmy Donaldson) and Jeff Housenbold of $250,000 for 55% of the company.
Check out other Shark Tank Season 18 Episodes.
If you enjoyed reading this article and would like to learn about more Shark Tank businesses, you can browse other companies featured in Shark Tank Season 18, Episode 1. Check out their business updates:
- Wedding Weekender Shark Tank
- The Caulking Finger Shark Tank
- Fundelivered Shark Tank
