Forte3D Shark Tank Update — Shark Tank Season 17
Forte3D transforms classical instrument craftsmanship with cutting-edge 3D printing, creating durable, resonant, and affordable bowed string instruments for musicians at every level.
When Alfred Goodrich, Mike Block, and Elijah Lee entered the stage of “Shark Tank Season 17 Episode 6,” the Sharks were perked up with their stunning pitch and one-of-a-kind innovation. They pitched their brand, Forte3D, the world’s first 3D printed string instruments.
The Sharks were all ears, listening more about the invention; however, the question was, will they give any flyers to this invention in the music industry, or will they decide to pass?
About Forte3D
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Name | Forte3D |
| Founders | Alfred Goodrich and Elijah Lee |
| Industry | String Instruments |
| Product | 3D printed instruments |
| Investment Asked | $250,000 for 10% equity |
| Deal Status | Deal secured with Lori Greiner |
| Deal Outcome | $250,000 for 16% equity |
| Valuation | $2.5 million |
The brand Forte3D is a revolution in the music industry, founded by Alfred Goodrich and Elijah Lee, along with a Grammy award-winning cellist, Mike Block. The team created patented 3D printed bodies of instruments like the cello and the violin using carbon fiber and materials like polymer.
Though Forte3D provides a high-tech construction, they remain rooted in the classical luthiery. The finishing of each instrument is done with traditional wooden components such as bridges, sound posts, and fingerboards, along with tailpieces, tuning pegs, and endpins. The process takes hours, instead of months, to develop each piece.
Moreover, the thoughtful fusion ensures musicians experience the rich resonance and tonal warmth they expect.
The company’s mission is to make professional-quality instruments that can be bought by anyone. Unlike the traditional wooden instruments that cost around $20000 to $100K, the 3D printed string instruments cost a fraction without affecting the sound quality.
Students, schools, and even professional musicians are often not able to afford wooden instruments.
Forte3D Shark Tank Pitch
The trio of Alfred, Mike, and Elijah came in asking for $250,000 in exchange for 10% equity in the brand, further valuing it at $2.5 million. The Grammy award-winning cellist Mike Block presented the 3D printed cello, impressing Daymond John and Daniel Lubetzky specifically.
The musician also shared with the Sharks that the Stradivarius cello takes days and even months to build. On the other hand, 3D printing technology can help test the sound and practice the cello in hours or days. Lori Greiner questioned the founders about the production and retail costs.
Alfred responded that the landing cost is about $800, and they sell the cello for $3000. Also, they are about to launch the violin in the next quarter of 2025, which will retail for $1800, and the landing cost would be $450.
Kevin O’Leary seemed skeptical about the size of the industry, while Alfred shared that overall, the string instruments are a $7 billion industry. Additionally, they earned $30,000 from the sales in 2022, which further increased to $150,000 in 2023.
Keeping the same pace of growth, they generated a revenue of $350,000 in 2024, and in 2025, they were projected to close at $500K. While they earned a profit of $65,000 out of the revenue.
Elijah Lee shared more about the cello, which was designed using a UV printer, printing high-quality images. Amazingly, Kevin noticed that they printed one of his pictures on a cello to demonstrate the product. The entrepreneurs personalized their pitch and the designs.
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What Makes Forte3D Unique?
There are various unique features about Forte3D. Let’s have a look at them.
- Patented Technology; They build the string instruments using carbon fiber and materials like polymer. Furthermore, they offered a construction process unlike any traditional luthier.
- Affordability: Forte3D’s goal is to make the string instruments accessible to everyone. Their building process drastically lowers the production costs, which allows them to deliver high-quality instruments at low prices.
- Merging Tradition with Innovation: Forte3D combines classical craftsmanship with the precision of modern engineering.
Did Forte3D Get A Deal On Shark Tank?
Daymond John appreciated the presentation given by the Grammy award-winning cellist; however, he refused to invest in the brand, stating that he has no knowledge of the music industry.
The Sharks were mainly concerned about the investment and how they were going to get their money back, especially Kevin O’Leary and Barbara Corcoran. That is why Barbara decided to stay out of the negotiations.
On the other hand, Lori Greiner loved the vision behind the brand and offered the trio $250,000 in exchange for 18%.
While Mr. Wonderful made a wonderful offer of $250,000 for the original ask of $10% equity, plus $100 royalty per unit sold until he gets back the $250K. Lori was willing to offer the same deal as Kevin if the founders wanted.
Daniel Lubetzky bowed out of the negotiations, since there were already two offers on the table. The founders countered Lori’s offer of 15%, but ultimately the deal was secured with Lori Greiner at $250,000 for 16% equity.
Forte3D Shark Tank Update
Since the episode aired, Forte3D has gained more visibility amongst the cellists and violinists across America. Moreover, after securing the deal with Lori Greiner, they have launched the 3D printed violin, offering a Shark Tank exclusive discount of 25%.
Where Can You Buy It?
You can purchase the 3D-printed string instruments directly on their official website. Also, you can check the latest updates on their Instagram page.
Quick Summary
- Alfred Goodrich, Elijah Lee, and cellist Mike Block came on Shark Tank Season 17 seeking an investment of $250,000 in exchange for 10% equity in their brand Forte3D.
- They build 3D printed string instruments like a cello and a violin, offering the same sound quality as traditional wooden instruments but at a much lower cost.
- The trio secured a deal of $250,000 in exchange for 16% equity with the Shark Lori Greiner.
