Kids are born entrepreneurs. Have you ever observed a kid selling lemonade during summer break? They are incredibly happy and fully engaged in it. They have it in them, and that is exactly what Samantha John believes.
Since selling lemonade is not the best future plan in today’s digital world, Samantha has developed an app called hopscotch that helps kids learn coding, game design, graphics, and animation. This is a fun way for them to build and run their own businesses.
Will the sharks help Samantha teach kids entrepreneurship by mentoring and investing in the venture?
About Hopscotch
| Category | Details |
| Founder (Plural if multiple) | Samantha John |
| Product Type | Coding App for Kids (ages 6-16) |
| Funding (Pre-Shark Tank) | Self Funded |
| Investment Asked | $400,000 |
| Equity Offered | 4% ($10 million valuation) |
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What Happened on the Shark Tank Episode?
Samantha John introduces the Sharks to Hopscotch, her app that teaches kids how to code, in Shark Tank Season 12. John learned to code as a senior in college and loved it. When she became a parent, she wanted a way to teach kids how to code, so she created the app to do it. Along with her team, she built a fun, interactive platform aimed at 6-16 year olds.
The app is free for a week, then it’s $9.99 a month or $80 for a year. There is a free version, but you won’t have access to premium editing features or the ability to upload your own artwork. The company’s mission is “to create a programming environment that lets kids explore powerful ideas while making real software.” They’re looking for a Shark to join them in teaching kids to code.
Sharks tried their hand at the fun app Hopscotch and made pretty drawings. All of them looked quite impressive, Daymond particularly seemed very proud of himself.
What Makes Hopscotch Unique?
Hopscotch is sort of similar to Tanoshi Computers, a business that came on Shark Tank season 12, and had somewhat the same aim to make education fun for kids. However, it is different in many ways.
- On this app kids use simple code to create games and artwork.
- The app guides them each step of the way.
- Once they’re done coding, they can share their game with other kids on the platform.
- Anyone can play the shared games, too.
Also read Hop Scotch Coding App more details.
Did Hopscotch Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
Samantha enters seeking $400,000 for 4% of her company – that’s a $10 million valuation. She says she wants Shark’s help changing the way she monetizes the app. Currently, she has a subscription model. Instead, she’d like the app to be free and monetize it by charging for game downloads. The Sharks express concern about that model as the business is just barely profitable now. More users and potentially less revenue are the cause of these concerns.
Mark says he’s familiar with the app because his own kids use it. He also likes the company’s mission of teaching tech literacy to kids. Mark offers $400,000 for 16%. After some back and forth negotiations, they agree to a deal at $550,000 for 11% – a $5 million valuation.
What Happened to Hopscotch After Shark Tank?
The first rerun of this episode is in May, 2021. As of this date, there is no evidence this deal has closed. Due diligence on Shark Tank deals can take up to a year. As of July, 2021, the deal still isn’t closed. Annual revenue for this business is $3 million. In the years following the original air date, downloads went up a whopping 500%.
As of December, 2021, the deal still hasn’t closed and likely won’t. The company plans on launching Game Developer Workshop Level 1, an educational, live-online coding program that will give kids the coding knowledge, skills and confidence they need in order to thrive in today’s digital world. Classes meet for an hour once a week and the students get personalized help from instructors when they need help. There is “homework” too. The goal is to teach the kids how to design their own video game. The cost is $399 and classes are slated to start in January, 2022. By October, 2023, the company’s annual revenue grew to $5 million.
Where Can You Buy It?
Check out their official website for more information and buy an exciting Hopscotch coding program. Visit Facebook / Twitter for latest updates.
Quick Summary
- Samantha John pitches Hopscotch, a coding app for kids, on Shark Tank.
- The target customer of the app is 6-16 year olds.
- The entrepreneur closed a deal with Mark Cuban for $550,000 in exchange for 11%.
