BatBnB Shark Tank Update – Shark Tank Season 10
Harrison Broadhurst and Chris Rannefors pitched designer bat houses on Shark Tank. Here’s what happened after the show.
For years, many bat houses on the market were poorly designed for bats and were often aesthetically unappealing.
On Shark Tank Season 10, Episode 23, Harrison Broadhurst and Christopher Rannefors, founders of BatBnB, introduced a line of designer bat houses created to provide better habitats for bats while helping control mosquito populations naturally.
Harrison and Chris asked the Sharks for $100,000 in exchange for 16% equity in their company, BatBnB. Would the Sharks invest in their designer bat houses or think the idea was too niche?
About BatBnB
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Name | BatBnB |
| Founders | Harrison Broadhurst and Christopher Rannefors |
| Industry | Home & Garden / Wildlife Conservation |
| Product | Designer bat houses |
| Funding (Pre-Shark Tank) | Indiegogo campaign raised $119,782 |
| Investment Asked | $100,000 for 16% equity |
| Deal Status | Deal secured with Kevin O’Leary |
| Deal Outcome | $100,000 for 33.3% equity |
| Valuation | Approximately $300,000 (at the time of Shark Tank pitch) |
Chris Rannefors started building bat houses with his dad as a child, while Harrison Broadhurst’s mother taught students about bats in her grade-school biology classes. The pair first began sketching designs for their bat houses in 2016.
They set out to build a better bat house after learning mosquito populations were growing due to warmer, wetter winters while bat populations were suffering because of habitat loss, disease, and wind turbines.
Recognizing that bats are among nature’s most effective forms of mosquito control, Chris also realized that many existing bat houses on the market were poorly designed for the animals and aesthetically unappealing.
BatBnB houses featured snug spaces, interior grooves for bats to grip onto, and a rot-resistant, water-sealed cedar structure.
The business launched with an Indiegogo campaign that raised $119,782 in September 2017. BatBnB also received the endorsement of renowned bat ecologist Merlin Tuttle.
By the time they appeared on Shark Tank, they had customers in 47 states and seven countries. The company offered seven bat house models ranging in price from $95 to $350 for the Mammoth model.
The bat houses were designed to be mounted on a house, barn, or pole and were sold directly through their website and Amazon.
BatBnB Shark Tank Pitch
Harrison and Chris entered the Tank seeking $100,000 for 16% equity in BatBnB. They introduced BatBnB and handed samples to the Sharks.
They explained that each unit cost $89 to manufacture and retailed for $239. At the time of filming, the company had generated $135,000 in sales and projected $145,000 in sales for 2018.
Kevin O’Leary shared stories about bats from his time living in Tunisia, which prompted jokes from the other Sharks. Harrison and Chris also explained that they believed selling to the public sector at the county level could become a significant growth opportunity.
What Makes BatBnB Unique?
BatBnB stood out through a combination of conservation and thoughtful design:
- Designer bat houses built around bats’ natural habitat preferences.
- Rot-resistant, water-sealed cedar construction with interior grooves and snug spaces.
- Helped provide natural mosquito control by supporting bat populations.
- Endorsed by renowned bat ecologist Merlin Tuttle.
- Sold directly through the company’s website and Amazon.
Did BatBnB Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
Robert Herjavec was the first Shark out, calling it a hobby business.
Mark Cuban agreed with Robert, saying the business was too small for him to invest in, and he was out.
Lori Greiner admitted she was creeped out by bats and decided not to invest.
Daymond John explained he had plenty of bats on his property and had not noticed any reduction in insects, so he was out.
Kevin O’Leary offered $100,000 for 33.3% equity.
Harrison and Chris accepted, but only after asking Kevin to wear a bat costume in the future. Kevin agreed, and they made a deal.
BatBnB Shark Tank Update
Although the founders accepted Kevin O’Leary’s offer on the show, the deal never closed.
The agreement reportedly fell through during the due diligence process, likely because of differences over valuation and the company’s long-term direction.
The company maintained a relatively low social media presence. In 2020, Harrison and Chris were named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
BatBnB also received an Honorable Mention in Fast Company’s 2020 World Changing Ideas Awards.
They also made news in Maine after the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust won a BatBnB in an online competition for nonprofits devoted to bat conservation.
As of August 2022, both founders still had full-time jobs while running BatBnB.
In the summer of 2023, the company launched Bird BnB, a line of birdhouses designed for songbirds.
By 2024, the company said it had housed over 600,000 bats. It had also expanded its product line to include plush toys, shirts, hats, stickers, bat detectors, bat house signs, birdhouses, and more.
The company also continued growing through direct-to-consumer sales and educational outreach while partnering with universities and conservation organizations.
Christopher Rannefors later became Vice President of Sales at Squarespace while continuing to remain involved with BatBnB as its co-founder.
Today, BatBnB products are sold in all 50 U.S. states and 13 countries. Current bat house prices range from approximately $175 to $375, while bulk packs can cost more than $700.
As of the latest available estimates, BatBnB generates approximately $1 million in annual revenue.
Where Can You Buy It?
BatBnB products are available through the company’s official website.
The company now offers multiple bat house models priced between approximately $175 and $375, along with Bird BnB products, bat conservation accessories, apparel, plush toys, stickers, bat detectors, bat house signs, birdhouses, and bulk bundles priced at more than $700.
Follow BatBnB on Facebook and X for the latest updates.
Posts about BatBnB on Shark Tank Blog
Want to know how BatBnB began? Check out our article on BatBnB – Crowdfunded Bat Houses for the company’s crowdfunding story and early success before Shark Tank.
Quick Summary
- Harrison Broadhurst and Chris Rannefors pitched BatBnB, a line of designer bat houses built to support bat conservation and natural mosquito control.
- Kevin O’Leary offered $100,000 for 33.3% equity, and the founders accepted, although the deal ultimately did not close.
- The company later expanded its product line, introduced Bird BnB, grew to customers in all 50 U.S. states and 13 countries, and now reports approximately $1 million in annual revenue while continuing its conservation mission.
Check out other Shark Tank Season 10 Episodes.
Curious about the other businesses featured in Shark Tank Season 10, Episode 23? Explore more updates and see which ideas made a splash in the Tank.
