TROBO emerged from the innovative minds of Jeremy Scheinberg and Chris Harden. These engineers and fathers had a remarkable vision: to create a plush robot toy that could serve as a playful bridge to STEM learning for young children. Their mission was simple yet ambitious: to make education interactive, engaging, and entertaining.
Trobo Pitch and Deal at Shark Tank
In Season 7, Episode 23 of Shark Tank, Jeremy and Chris presented TROBO to the sharks. They pitched for an investment of $100,000 in exchange for a 10% stake in their company, valuing TROBO at $1 million. Despite the initial intrigue from the sharks, there were concerns about the toy’s market potential and pricing. Robert Herjavec saw enough promise to offer $166,000 for 33.3% equity, provided a licensing deal with DreamWorks could be secured. This proposal adjusted TROBO’s valuation to approximately $498,498, which Jeremy and Chris accepted.
Is Trobo Still in Business?
As of 2025, TROBO is no longer operational. The challenges that mounted post-Shark Tank were insurmountable, even for a product as innovative as TROBO. The failure to finalize the licensing deal with DreamWorks proved to be a critical blow. With content delivery issues and a reduced but still high price point, sustaining operational momentum became increasingly difficult. Eventually, TROBO ceased its operations in 2017.
Trobo Net Worth
Today, TROBO’s net worth is estimated at $0. The end of TROBO’s journey underscores the complexities involved in sustaining a tech-centric business aimed at children. Although TROBO had a promising start, various hurdles led to its closure. This story highlights the delicate balance required between innovation, marketability, and scalability in the tech toy industry.
What’s Happened Since Shark Tank?
Post-Shark Tank, TROBO experienced both highs and lows. While they did not land the DreamWorks deal, the company garnered significant media attention, featured in over 45 publications. Despite receiving around 600 orders from retailers, sustaining long-term profitability remained elusive. TROBO’s struggle with content delivery and adaptation to competitive market pricing were critical factors leading to its eventual downfall. Even with price reductions, the sales did not meet expectations, leading to its closure by the end of 2017.
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Trobo Business Overview
TROBO’s business model was centered on merging plush toys with STEM education through interactive stories. The educational app, designed to pair with the plush robot, hoped to captivate children’s interest in science and math. However, technological challenges, such as content delivery and hardware compatibility issues, posed significant hurdles. The high initial price point further complicated consumer adoption, limiting TROBO’s outreach and engagement. Despite its numerous strengths, the inability to overcome these challenges eventually led to the company’s dissolution.
How Shark Tank Helped Shape Trobo’s Future
TROBO’s appearance on Shark Tank played a pivotal role in its short yet impactful journey. The exposure gained through the show provided a platform to introduce TROBO to a national audience. Despite the challenges faced post-show, the experience offered valuable lessons in business strategy, market adaptation, and partnership negotiations. Although the expected collaboration with DreamWorks never came through, the sharks’ feedback helped refine TROBO’s approach, even if it couldn’t save the company in the long run.
Conclusion
The journey of TROBO offers several lessons for tech entrepreneurs venturing into the educational sector. The transition from a brilliant concept to a sustainable business requires meticulous planning and execution. TROBO highlighted the potential and obstacles within the educational toy industry, notably integrating technology with traditional learning methods. While TROBO no longer exists, its legacy endures as a reminder of the innovation and challenges inherent in educational technology.
