Windcatcher Shark Tank Update – Shark Tank Season 7
Ryan Frayne pitched Windcatcher, a quick-inflating air mattress, on Shark Tank Season 7. The product’s quick-inflation tech amazed the Sharks, but unexpected challenges followed their promising deal.
Ryan Frayne stepped into Shark Tank Season 7 Episode 6 with an invention aimed at transforming the camping experience. His product is the Windcatcher Air Pad, an air mattress that inflates in seconds. His quick-inflation technology impressed the Sharks and promised to revolutionize camping gear.
Though Windcatcher’s journey took a tragic turn, Ryan’s invention remains one of the most memorable ideas to ever appear on the show.
About Windcatcher
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Name | Windcatcher |
| Founder | Ryan Frayne |
| Industry | Outdoor Gear, Inflatable Products |
| Product | Air mattress with quick-inflation technology |
| Funding (Pre-Shark Tank) | Raised $149,405 on Kickstarter |
| Investment Asked | $200,000 for 8% equity |
| Deal Status | Deal secured with Lori Greiner |
| Deal Outcome | $200,000 for 5% equity and a line of credit |
| Valuation | $2.5 million (at the time of Shark Tank pitch) |
The Windcatcher uses “quickstream inflation” to blow up an air mattress in mere seconds – without the aid of a mechanical or battery-powered pump.
Blowing into the Windcatcher “valve” was similar to blowing into a giant bag. The reason you can inflate a Windcatcher so fast is that when you blow into the valve, you draw in higher-pressure air surrounding the opening, making each breath 15 times as powerful – thus inflating the airpad very fast. Deflating is just as fast, too.
A fully inflated airpad measures 74 x 20 x 4 inches and will set you back $100.
Frayne funded his first round of production with a successful Kickstarter. He raised $149,405 on a $50,000 goal back in 2013.
The whole package rolls up neatly for easy transport, and some attachments can turn an airpad into a chair. Frayne envisions the technology being used in rescue buoys, inflatable tents, inflatable rescue backboards, and more.
Would a Shark help inflate the future prospects for Windcatcher?
Windcatcher Shark Tank Pitch
Ryan entered the Tank seeking $200K for 8% equity in Windcatcher. He started by demonstrating how to inflate a regular inflatable; it’s clear how difficult it is. When he demonstrated the Windcatcher, the Sharks were amazed.
The founder explained the endless applications, and Robert Herjavec thought it was very impressive. When he explained the technology behind the Windcatcher valve, the Sharks were dumbfounded.
Ryan thought of the idea while inflating things at the beach. He was not a scientist, but he did a lot of research and came up with the valve. Since 2013, he had sold $165K worth of product by the time of his Shark Tank appearance.
Mr. Wonderful wanted to know if Ryan was looking to build a brand or license the technology; Ryan said he would like to do both. When asked about what it costs to produce, Ryan did not share the numbers, but he revealed that his margins were 60%.
Mr. Wonderful liked Ryan and said he’s a “mad scientist guy” and also shared that Ryan should do straight licensing. Ryan said that would be too boring.
Did Windcatcher Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
Kevin offered $200K as venture debt; he would take 6% of everything Ryan sells until he retains $800K, then he retains 3% of the company. Mark laughed and said Ryan can’t afford that offer. Chris Sacca said it seems like the time for someone else to come in with an offer.
After a break, Lori Greiner offered $200K for 15% equity. Kevin said, “OUCH,” but Lori said Ryan would need help to develop other products.
Sacca offered to go in with Lori so he could tell the story for the other products. Lori said if there are two Sharks, the equity needs to go to 20%. Then Robert offered $200K for 10% equity, which was exactly what Ryan had asked for.
Sacca and Lori offered $200K for 15% and Ryan asked if they would include a $10 million line of credit. Robert was offended and wanted to know what was wrong with his offer.
Mark Cuban jumped in and offered $200K for 8%, plus the line of credit. Robert dropped to $200K for 6.5%. Lori offered $200K for 5%, but without Sacca; she would also offer a line of credit.
Ryan said YES! Hence, he secured a deal with Lori for $200K for 5% equity and a line of credit.
What Happened to Windcatcher After Shark Tank?
The Shark Tank Blog constantly provides updates and follow-ups about entrepreneurs who have appeared on the Shark Tank TV show. The deal with Lori never closed because another company was offering a similar product. That resulted in litigation, which was why the deal never closed.
Unfortunately, despite the product’s promise, Windcatcher’s story later took a heartbreaking turn. Shortly after appearing on the show, Ryan was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He passed away on June 5, 2018. His wife and best friend tried to reignite sales in 2019 with an IndieGoGo campaign, but it only raised $6,572.
Social media has not been updated since June 2019. As of 2021, the company website, while functioning, doesn’t list products for sale. As of February 2022, the website was dark, and we can presume the company is out of business.
Posts About Windcatcher on Shark Tank Blog
Check more details on Rapid Inflation Technology.
Quick Summary
- Ryan Frayne presented Windcatcher, an air mattress that inflates effortlessly, on Shark Tank.
- The innovative quick-inflation technology amazed the Sharks, leading to intense bidding.
- Ryan accepted a deal with Lori Greiner for $200,000 for 5% equity plus a line of credit, although the deal ultimately fell through due to litigation issues.
Check out other products that appeared in the Shark Tank Season 7 episodes.
Interested in knowing about other businesses that appeared on the same episode? Check out their business updates!
