Wildcoat offers unique, animal-themed modular ski jackets combining high performance and playful style. Stay warm, stylish, and functional on the slopes!
Carlo DiMeo noticed that while traditional ski coats were practical and warm, they lacked creativity and personality. Determined to combine functionality with fun, he developed Wildcoat, a line of modular, animal-themed ski jackets designed for high performance and individuality. These coats feature unique elements such as detachable hoods, magnetic mitts, and a temperature rating that can withstand even the harshest winter conditions. Let’s dive into the details of Wildcoat’s journey post-Shark Tank.
Quick Overview of Wildcoat’s Post-Shark Tank Journey
After presenting his business on Shark Tank in Season 16, Carlo sought $350,000 for 10% equity in Wildcoat. After a compelling pitch, he secured a deal with Robert Herjavec, who agreed to invest $350,000 for 23% equity in the company.
In terms of a Wildcoat update, the company has expanded its product range, refining the design of its coats to cater to a broader range of weather conditions while maintaining its playful and modular design.
| Shark | Offer |
| Robert Herjavec | Accepted an offer of $350,000 for 23% equity. |
| Daymond John | Offered $350,000 for 30% equity. |
| Mark Cuban | No offer |
| Kevin O’Leary | No offer |
| Lori Greiner | No offer |
Key Takeaways:
- It is a unique brand offering modular, animal-themed ski jackets that combine high performance with fun, customizable designs.
- The jackets feature detachable hoods, sleeves, mitts, and magnetic storm flaps, making them adaptable to different weather conditions.
- Founded by Carlo DiMeo, Wildcoat gained significant attention on Shark Tank, securing a deal with Robert Herjavec for $350,000 for 23% equity.
- The company has seen impressive growth, introducing new jacket designs and The Claw Koozie while expanding sales through online channels and in-person events.
- Wildcoat is projected to reach $700,000 in sales in 2024, with plans for future retail partnerships and global expansion to broaden its market presence.
Wildcoat Networth in 2024
As of 2024, Wildcoat’s net worth is estimated to be around $3 million to $4 million. This estimate is based on its projected revenue of $700,000 for the year.
Wildcoat Networth in 2025
As of 2025, Wildcoat’s net worth is expected to be between $5 million to $7 million. With projected revenue of over $700,000 in 2024 and the company’s expanding customer base, It is likely to see continued growth in 2025.
Wildcoat Pitch Update: Shark Tank
Shark Tank Wildcoat Pitch
Entrepreneur: Carlo DiMeo
Business: Winter Apparel
Ask: $350,000 for 10% equity
Result: $350,000 for 23% equity
Shark: Robert Herjavec
Carlo DiMeo and his team entered Shark Tank to introduce Wildcoat, a fun and innovative winter apparel brand aimed at shaking up the traditional, monotonous designs in skiing outerwear. The idea behind Wildcoat was to bring some humor and excitement to skiing gear with coats that resemble animals such as polar bears, pandas, wolves, grizzly bears, and buffalos.
Carlo sought $350,000 for 10% equity to scale production and expand marketing for his high-performance winter coats. These coats are designed with seven oversized pockets, an adjustable hood, and magnetic storm flaps. The coats also feature a modular design, allowing users to detach the hood, sleeves, and mitts for customization.
Despite their playful appearance, Wildcoats are functional and extremely warm, with insulation that rivals real fur. Each coat costs between $120 and $130 to produce, and they retail for around $449, placing them in the mid-range price point for winter outerwear.
Kevin O’Leary raised concerns about the ethical implications of the product, questioning whether any animals were harmed in the making of the coats. Carlo quickly reassured him that the coats were made entirely from faux fur, ensuring no animals were harmed in production.
Wildcoat started eight years ago when Carlo, a seasoned skier with over three decades of experience, converted a bear costume into a practical ski coat. Over time, the company grew steadily, generating $135,000 in sales in 2021, $375,000 in 2022, and $505,000 in 2023. Carlo projected $700,000 in sales for 2024.
Initially, Wildcoat relied on online sales through its website. However, after shifting focus to in-person events, such as ski gatherings, the X Games, and sports games like Bears and Bills, the company saw a 50% to 70% increase in sales in the weeks following these events.
Despite the company’s growth, some sharks expressed reservations. Given its current sales, Kevin O’Leary doubted Wildcoat’s valuation of $3.5 million. Mark Cuban criticized the $449 price, feeling that the coats were more of a novelty than an essential winter product, and he didn’t think the business could scale effectively, so he opted out.
Lori Greiner was hesitant, believing Wildcoat’s reliance on events and online sales wasn’t enough for rapid growth. She felt the company needed retail partnerships to expand significantly, leading her to decline the investment.
Robert Herjavec, drawing from his experience with the novelty apparel brand Tipsy Elves, offered $350,000 for 25% equity. Int intrigued by the brand’s potential, Daymond John countered with an offer of $350,000 for 30% equity.
Kevin O’Leary decided to pass, feeling Wildcoat lacked scalability. Carlo countered both offers with a proposal of 15% equity, which both sharks rejected. After further negotiation, Carlo upped his offer to 20%, but Robert remained firm at 25%. Eventually, Carlo agreed to 23% equity, which both sharks accepted. However, tensions rose when Robert mentioned Tipsy Elves again, irritating Daymond.
Ultimately, Carlo chose to finalize the deal with Robert Herjavec, securing $350,000 for 23% equity.
Wildcoat’s Unique Features and Design Philosophy
What sets Wildcoat apart from traditional winter jackets is its focus on both functionality and individuality. The modular design allows wearers to tailor their jackets to the weather and personal preferences. Here’s a deeper look at the key features of Wildcoat jackets:
- Modular and Versatile Design:
- One of the main selling points of Wildcoat is its modular design, which allows skiers and winter sports enthusiasts to adjust their jackets as the weather changes. Users can detach the hood, sleeves, and mitts, making the coat more adaptable to different conditions. The versatility ensures comfort, whether it’s an intense ski session or a cold winter hike.
- Animal-Themed Designs:
- These jackets feature animal-inspired designs like polar bears, wolves, grizzlies, and pandas, transforming an everyday winter coat into a conversation starter. These animal motifs resonate with people who love adding personality to their gear.
- High-Performance Materials:
- Despite their playful look, Wildcoat jackets are crafted using high-performance materials to keep wearers warm and dry in extreme conditions. With temperature ratings on par with traditional fur coats, they are well-suited for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.
- Magnetic Storm Flaps:
- Wildcoat’s magnetic storm flaps are a functional addition that protects wearers from heavy winds and snowstorms. These flaps can be quickly closed or opened, giving wearers greater control over their body temperature in changing conditions.
- Seven Oversized Pockets:
- With seven oversized pockets, It ensures users can easily carry essential items such as gloves, goggles, or snacks while skiing or snowboarding. These pockets are strategically designed to ensure comfort and convenience.
- Affordable Mid-Tier Pricing:
- Wildcoat jackets are priced in the mid-tier range, retailing approximately $449. This makes them an accessible option for winter sports enthusiasts seeking performance and style without breaking the bank.
The Shark Tank Negotiations
After showcasing Wildcoat’s potential, Carlo faced the sharks’ probing questions. Kevin O’Leary raised concerns about the $3.5 million valuation, particularly given the current sales figures. While Mark Cuban saw the brand as more of a novelty item rather than an essential winter product, he was sceptical about its scalability. Lori Greiner also passed, fearing the business was too reliant on events and online sales and didn’t have enough retail partnerships.
However, Robert Herjavec recognized the potential in unique niche. His experience with the novelty apparel company Tipsy Elves made him confident that Wildcoat could scale similarly. Initially, Robert offered $350,000 for 25% equity, but after some negotiation, Carlo agreed to a final offer of $350,000 for 23% equity. This deal marked a pivotal moment in Wildcoat’s growth, giving Carlo the resources and support to take the company to new heights.
Wildcoat’s Post-Shark Tank Success: New Products and Increased Sales
Since Shark Tank, Wildcoat has experienced notable growth in product development and sales. Here’s a look at what’s been happening in the company since the deal with Robert Herjavec:
- Product Line Expansion:
- Wildcoat has introduced new coat designs since appearing on Shark Tank, including the Tiger Coat and the Timber Wolf Coat. These updated jackets feature more realistic animal face details, creating a more lifelike appearance that adds to the fun and playful nature of the designs. Additionally, these new products come with enhanced materials that reduce zipper snags and improve durability, ensuring that the coats perform just as well as they look.
- The Claw Koozie:
- In line with its fun, quirky approach, Wildcoat introduced The Claw Koozie, a novelty item designed to keep beverages cold playfully and functionally. The koozie, which resembles an animal claw, aligns perfectly with the brand’s fun, self-expressive vibe.
- Sales Growth:
- Since securing the deal with Robert Herjavec, Wildcoat has seen an increase in sales, with projections for 2024 reaching $700,000. The company’s strategy of focusing on direct-to-consumer sales through the website has worked well. Still, they also capitalized on in-person events like ski competitions, sports games, and winter festivals. This approach led to a 50% to 70% sales increase after each event, proving that face-to-face marketing can be incredibly effective for niche products.
- Increasing Customer Loyalty:
- The modular design and fun, eye-catching designs of jackets have cultivated a loyal following, especially among winter sports fans and skiers looking for both style and performance. The Chicago Bears fans have been particularly drawn to the brand, as Wildcoat jackets are a fun way to show support for their team while staying warm on the slopes.
- Retail Expansion Plans:
- While it focuses mainly on online sales, the company is exploring new retail partnerships. Expanding into physical retail stores could open up a broader market for the brand and help to reach new customers who prefer shopping in person. This will be crucial for scaling up and driving future growth.
The Future of Wildcoat: What’s Next?
As Wildcoat moves into 2025, there are several opportunities for the brand to continue expanding:
- Wider Market Reach:
- While Wildcoat primarily relies on online sales, expanding its presence in retail stores is a natural next step. Establishing partnerships with larger retailers will help bring to a broader audience, including customers who may not be familiar with the brand.
- Collaborations and Limited Edition Products:
- Wildcoat could also partner with ski resorts, snowboard brands, or other winter sports companies to release limited edition jackets or special collaborative collections. These partnerships could drive interest and increase brand visibility within the winter sports community.
- Global Expansion:
- Wildcoat could explore expanding into international markets, particularly in regions known for winter sports, such as Canada, Europe, and Asia. Countries with a strong skiing culture would be ideal markets for the brand’s playful yet functional ski jackets.
Conclusion
Wildcoat has proven that combining performance and personality can create a successful and innovative product in the winter apparel market. With Robert Herjavec’s investment, the company has expanded its product line, increased its sales, and strengthened its brand presence. By continuing to focus on high-quality, modular jackets that combine warmth with self-expression, It has established itself as a unique player in the competitive ski apparel market.
As the brand continues to evolve, seeing how Wildcoat scales, expands its market and adds even more playful, functional designs to its growing collection will be exciting.
For the latest updates from Shark Tank Season 16, Episode 7, explore the links below:
Before you go, make sure to check out our list of all the Shark Tank Season 16 products.
