Seventy2 - Shark Tank Update

Emergency preparedness innovation emerged from the survival expertise of entrepreneurs Christian Schauf and Mike Escamilla, who combined their outdoor adventure backgrounds with the mountain climbing experience of co-founder Dr. Eric Meyer, a world-renowned Mount Everest climber who survived the devastating 2008 K2 disaster and saved multiple lives during that tragedy, inspiring them to create The Seventy2 as a comprehensive 72-hour survival system designed to help ordinary people survive natural disasters and emergency situations.

Their innovative approach addressed the critical gap between basic emergency kits and professional survival gear by engineering a waterproof backpack containing essential tools, first-aid supplies, water filtration systems, thermal blankets, emergency food, communication devices, and detailed survival guides that could sustain individuals or families during the crucial first three days when emergency services might be overwhelmed or inaccessible. Seeking $100,000 for 5% equity and valuing their disaster preparedness company at $2 million, the entrepreneurs entered the Tank with compelling evidence of market demand, including $700,000 in sales over six months with $400,000 raised through a successful IndieGoGo crowdfunding campaign and $300,000 in direct website sales, though they needed shark expertise to scale manufacturing and build stronger relationships with overseas factories.

The sharks were immediately captivated by Schauf and Escamilla's dramatic earthquake simulation demonstration and recognized the vital importance of disaster preparedness in an era of increasing natural disasters, with Barbara Corcoran expressing personal interest in purchasing the product while Robert Herjavec saw beyond the immediate challenges to offer $200,000 for 10% equity, doubling their original funding request while providing both capital and his extensive business expertise in scaling operations. The entrepreneurs wisely accepted Robert's deal on the spot, recognizing that his offer provided both more money than requested and valuable mentorship for navigating the complex challenges of manufacturing, distribution, and retail partnerships in the competitive emergency preparedness market, though Robert would eventually exit the business in early 2019 as the company evolved its strategic direction.

The Seventy2 has achieved remarkable success in the post-Tank period, experiencing significant sales boosts from celebrity endorsements including a influential tweet from Ashton Kutcher to his 19+ million followers, while expanding their product line to include two-person survival kits, innovative items like the Zeus life-charger and Rapid Raft inflatable emergency shelter, and forming strategic partnerships with Global Outdoor Emergency Support to provide 24/7 medical consultation and AI-powered emergency guidance through their mobile app. The company continues to thrive with annual revenue of $1.5 million as of 2022, successfully establishing itself as a leader in consumer disaster preparedness while serving customers who recognize that being prepared for emergencies is not just practical but potentially life-saving.