Krissy Pruske and Rachel Lincoln wowed on Shark Tank with their creation, the Space Traveler. They even struck a deal with Barbara Corcoran. But by January 2021, they were struggling to refill their stock.
The COVID-19 pandemic hit the travel sector hard, affecting their sales. On top of that, the founders took their social media skills to a new project called “Merch Mamas.” This left the future of the Space Traveler unclear.
Key Takeaways
- The Space Traveler was prominently featured on Shark Tank.
- Despite early successes, inventory restocking faced delays.
- The COVID-19 pandemic greatly affected travel-related product sales.
- Founders shifted focus to a different venture, “Merch Mamas.”
- Barbara Corcoran’s investment highlighted the product’s potential.
Introduction to the Car Back Seat Child Divider
The need for a car accessory for kids sparked the creation of the Space Traveler. It came from Texas entrepreneurs Krissy Pruske and Rachel Lincoln. They wanted to make car rides better for both kids and parents.
What is the Space Traveler?
The Space Traveler is a unique car backseat organizer that acts as a child divider. It ends fights between siblings on long trips. It’s a light, tent-like barrier that’s easy to put up, complete with pockets for toys and snacks. It’s become a must-have car accessory for kids.
Why It Was Created
Krissy Pruske came up with the Space Traveler idea during a family trip. The goal was a product that made car rides safer and more peaceful by giving kids their own space. Pruske and Lincoln started Bright Idea Designs to solve real problems parents face. The Space Traveler helps cut down on backseat arguments, making the ride smoother for everyone.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Structure | Lightweight, tent-like, and collapsible |
| Usability | Provides a physical barrier between children |
| Pockets | Includes storage for entertainment and snacks |
| Purpose | Designed to ensure child safety in cars and peaceful trips |
Benefits of Using a Car Back Seat Child Divider
The Space Traveler is a top choice among best car gadgets for children. It offers many benefits, making family drives better. It creates separate spaces for kids. This turns chaotic trips into peaceful journeys.
Avoiding Backseat Bickering
A key benefit of the car back seat child divider is stopping backseat fights. The Space Traveler gives kids their own spaces. It’s like they have personal pods. This cuts down on squabbles and distractions. So, the ride is calmer and more fun.
Increased Safety During Car Rides
The Space Traveler also makes drives safer. It keeps the driver focused on the road by reducing distractions. It works well with seat belts and baby seats. So, it keeps kids safe without extra trouble.
Convenience Features and Installation
The Space Traveler is designed for easy use, a big plus among the best car gadgets for children. It’s light and folds up. This makes it simple to put in and take out. It also has pockets for back seat entertainment for kids like snacks and toys. This keeps everything close at hand. It’s a great tool for families on long trips.
The Shark Tank Experience
When Krissy Pruske and Rachel Lincoln stepped onto the Shark Tank stage, their goal was clear. They wanted to make family car trips better with their invention. They wore astronaut gear to present the Space Traveler, a car back seat divider for kids. It’s made to keep peace during rides.
Pitching to the Sharks
The entrepreneurs offered a 33% share of their company for $100,000. Their product was still a prototype, so they had no sales yet. But, they grabbed the sharks’ attention. They showed how their invention could ease family trips and keep kids safe.
Barbara Corcoran’s Investment Deal
Barbara Corcoran was impressed by the Space Traveler. She compared it to The Original Comfy, one of her winning investments. Corcoran proposed $100,000 for a 33.3% stake and a $2 royalty per unit sold. This made the Space Traveler a shark tank approved product.
But, it’s not clear if Corcoran’s deal was finalized. The car back seat child divider isn’t listed among her confirmed investments from the show.
Car Back Seat Child Divider Shark Tank
When the Space Traveler appeared on Shark Tank, it quickly caught everyone’s attention. The Sharks were initially doubtful because the product was new and had no sales. Yet, the entrepreneurs’ clever pitch won over Barbara Corcoran, showing her faith in the innovative car products.
This car back seat child divider stood out from other shark tank approved products. It offered a new solution for families on the go. With Corcoran’s investment, the product showed real promise. Yet, there were still some unanswered questions.
The initial doubts were tough to overcome. But Barbara Corcoran’s support made a big difference. This shark tank approved product clearly met a big need. It promised to make car rides better for families.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Investor | Barbara Corcoran |
| Investment Amount | $100,000 |
| Stake Offered | 33% |
| Royalty Agreement | $2 per sale until investment recouped |
| Initial Sales | No prior sales; early-stage prototype |
| Product Highlights | Unique, innovative solution for car travel with children |
Status of the Space Traveler Post-Shark Tank
After their time on Shark Tank, Krissy Pruske and Rachel Lincoln faced tough marketing challenges. They introduced an innovative car accessory for kids to enhance safety. Production kicked off mid-year, as shared on their Instagram. Yet, the COVID-19 pandemic brought big obstacles.
Production and Sales
Pruske and Lincoln managed to complete the first batch of orders with success. The Space Traveler, designed to keep kids safe in cars, began to create buzz. Social media didn’t see much activity, focusing mostly on how production and shipping were going. Despite a $333,000 valuation from Barbara Corcoran, the company’s revenue remained a mystery, making it hard to know how well the business is doing.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The pandemic introduced unexpected hurdles. With travel declining, so did the need for products like the Space Traveler, aimed at making car rides safer for kids. This drop in travel affected the demand for travel-related items worldwide.
The ups and downs during the pandemic show how tough it can be for innovative companies to adjust to global changes. The story of the Space Traveler post-Shark Tank highlights the resilience needed to overcome challenges in the market for kids’ car accessories.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Production Start | Mid-year announcement on Instagram |
| Valuation | $333,000 by Barbara Corcoran |
| Social Media Activity | Limited; focused on production and shipping updates |
| Pandemic Impact | Diminished demand due to reduced travel |
Final Thoughts on Child Safety in Cars
The Space Traveler takes a big step forward in keeping kids safe in cars. It combines ease of use with peace of mind for parents. Its design is light and can be folded, making it perfect for any family car. It helps the driver stay focused by keeping kids busy with places for their toys and snacks. This mix of practicality and safety could change how families travel by car.
Even after facing challenges, including those caused by the pandemic, the demand for innovative car safety products remains high. Parents still look for new ways to make car rides safer and calmer. With a growing focus on child safety in vehicles, the Space Traveler’s importance is clearer than ever. The market is ready for new ideas in car gadgets for kids, with the Space Traveler leading the way.
As parents work hard to keep their kids safe in cars, the role of products like the Space Traveler becomes very important. It offers a safe spot for kids and a less distracting drive for adults. It addresses both safety and ease of use. The Space Traveler shows the promise of new car gadgets in making family trips better.