Dino Don Shark Tank Update – Shark Tank Season 12
Dino Don’s life-sized robotic dinosaurs stomped into Shark Tank Season 12 and won the deal with Mark Cuban.
Husband and wife team Dino Don Lessem and Val Jones hoped the Sharks liked dinosaurs when they pitched Dino Don, a robotic, life-sized dinosaur business, in Shark Tank Season 12 Episode 25.
Check out more Shark Tank Season 12 Episodes.
About Dino Don
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Name | Dino Don |
| Founders | Don Lessem, Val Jones |
| Industry | Entertainment, Robotics, Education |
| Product | Life-sized Robotic Dinosaurs for Exhibits |
| Deal Status | Deal Secured with Mark Cuban |
| Investment Asked | $500,000 for 10% equity |
| Deal Outcome | $500,000 for 25% equity |
| Valuation | $5,000,000 (as of 2025) |
Dino Don Lessem earned his nickname from a lifetime obsession with dinosaurs. He had been on dinosaur digs worldwide, consulted on the Jurassic Park movies, and educated millions about the extinct beasts.
Dino Don’s business rented and sold life-sized robotic dinosaurs to zoos, museums, and aquariums all over the world. He started his business in 1993 with a dinosaur traveling road show that featured several life-sized creatures.
Next came manufacturing. He made a trip to Zigong, China, to build his first models. His shop was on the grounds of his home in Medina, PA.
He sold his first life-sized dinosaur to the Bronx Zoo. To boost sales, he invited 20 zoo directors to visit the exhibit at his own expense. Ten came and eight ordered dinosaurs.
2020 sales were $5 million. He had 40 orders for 2021 and projected $15 million in sales. He likely wanted a Shark’s cash for inventory for the new builds. Did the Sharks do business with dinosaurs?
Dino Don Shark Tank Recap
Don and Val entered the Shark Tank seeking $500,000 for 10% of their business. Val told Don’s story about how big he was in the dinosaur world. Val was a fundraiser for non-profits.
When the dinosaurs onstage started roaring, the Sharks were amazed. They were the biggest supplier of robotic dinosaurs in the USA.
He explained that he toured zoos and museums with his “entourage” and increased traffic by 15%–50%. He did a gate share on the exhibits.
In 2019, they did $1.6 million. By 2020, they had reached $1.8 million. They were projected to make $3 million next year.
Did Dino Don Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
Kevin said he’d need to live as long as the dinosaurs to get his money back; he was out. Daymond didn’t think he could add value; he was out.
Lori had trouble visualizing the business; she was out. Mark liked the idea and offered $500,000 for 25%. Robert said that was better than he’d offer; he was out. Don thought the offer was a bit rich, but they accepted.
What Makes Dino Don Unique?
The sheer attention to detail and realistic behavior of the full life-sized robotic dinosaurs made this business like no other. They further boosted their appeal by creating a business model that involved them touring, thereby generating more revenue.
Dino Don Shark Tank Update
In an update segment on the show, they revealed that they had grown from 150 to over 400 robots since Shark Tank. They added ice age animals, huge bugs, and even dragons to their “stable.”
The company grew from four employees to twenty-five in four countries. They had dinosaurs in Belgium, Germany, England, France, and Finland.
Annual revenue grew from $1.8 million to $4.2 million after their appearance. They used Mark’s money to create a traveling dinosaur show with 60 dinosaurs.
Don said his inspiration was the awe on children’s faces when they saw his shows and exhibits.
Mark Cuban told Drew Barrymore in March 2022 that he was thinking of turning Mustang, Texas, a town he bought in December 2021, into a Jurassic Park-type exhibit/attraction with the Dino Don dinosaurs.
If they did this, they would have changed the name to Dinosaur, Texas. Sadly, in August 2022, Mark told a local TV station in Houston that “it’s not going to happen.”
A dinosaur town did not come to fruition, but that does not mean in any sense that this company is not thriving now. The estimated net worth of Dino Don is over $5 million as of 2025.
Posts about Dino Don on Shark Tank Blog
Read more about Dino Don’s Life-Sized Dinosaurs.
Where Can You Buy It?
The Dino Don products and exhibitions are up on their official website. Their services range from life-sized dinosaur models to full-scale exhibitions. For more information, you can keep up with their social media handles on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (X)
Quick Summary
- Dino Don Lessem and Val Jones sought $500,000 for 10% equity in Dino Don, which sells and rents life-sized robotic dinosaurs to zoos, museums, and aquariums worldwide.
- Mark Cuban offered $500,000 for 25% equity, and the couple accepted, though the deal did not close immediately.
- Dino Don has since expanded, growing from 150 to over 400 robots, adding ice age animals and dragons, and achieving $4.2 million in revenue by 2022.
Dino Don roared and soared. Curious for more? Have a look at more business updates from the season 12 finale episode.
- Copper Cow Coffee Shark Tank Update
- Lit Handlers Shark Tank Update
- Super Potty Trainer Shark Tank Update
