Bitsbox Coding for Kids Update | Shark Tank Season 8
Scott Linninger and Aidan Chopra wanted to introduce kids to programming enjoyably and interactively.
Recognizing the importance of coding in today’s digital era, they launched Bitsbox, a subscription-based service offering engaging projects for young learners.
Their mission was to make programming accessible and fun. But did the investors on Shark Tank see the value in their idea?
Let’s explore their pitch and how the company has evolved since then.
A Quick Look at Bitsbox’s Progress After Shark Tank
Scott and Aidan appeared on Season 8 of Shark Tank, proposing a $250,000 investment for 3% business ownership.
While the concept impressed the investors, they ultimately walked away without a deal due to concerns regarding their business strategy.
Despite this, the company capitalized on its Shark Tank exposure, significantly increasing its customer base and drawing the interest of outside investors.
Over time, Bitsbox has transformed into a well-established platform in the kids’ coding sector.
| Shark | Offer |
| Chris Sacca | $250,000 for 5% equity |
| Lori Greiner | No offer |
| Robert Herjavec | No offer |
| Kevin O’Leary | No offer |
| Mark Cuban | No offer |
Bitsbox’s Pitch on Shark Tank
- Founders: Scott Linninger and Aidan Chopra
- Business Concept: Monthly subscription for kids’ coding projects
- Investment Request: $250,000 for a 3% stake
- Outcome: No agreement was reached
- Interested Sharks: None
Scott and Aidan boldly asked for $250,000 in exchange for 3% of their company, immediately capturing Mark Cuban’s interest.
To demonstrate how their program works, they brought in a young girl named Grace, who showcased an app she had developed using Bitsbox.
This highlighted how Bitsbox enables children to experiment with coding enjoyably.
Bitsbox provides a monthly subscription service offering coding exercises for children between six and twelve years old.
Each package contains coding activities that grow progressively more complex, helping kids build real-world programming skills.
Subscribers receive a monthly package with project binders, stickers, and coding challenges to keep learning exciting.
Kids type their code on the Bitsbox website and can see their creations come to life on various web-enabled devices.
Unlike many other platforms, Bitsbox teaches actual programming languages like JavaScript, allowing children to gain practical knowledge they can use in the future.
Schools have also started incorporating Bitsbox into their curriculum, recognizing its value as an educational tool.
By the time their episode aired, Bitsbox had already earned $1.3 million in revenue. Each box costs approximately $10 to produce.
However, Lori Greiner decided not to invest, citing her lack of experience in the subscription industry.
Kevin O’Leary and Robert Herjavec soon followed, with Robert expressing concerns about the competition in the market.
Mark Cuban also opted out, questioning the company’s ability to scale.
Chris Sacca, however, saw potential and offered $250,000 for a 5% stake, valuing the company at $5 million.
Scott and Aidan countered with 3.57% equity, reflecting a $7 million valuation. They continued adjusting their offer, proposing 4%, then 4.16%, and eventually 4.75%.
However, Chris remained firm at 5%, and they ultimately declined the offer, leaving without a deal.
Bitsbox’s Success Following Shark Tank
Appearing on Shark Tank proved beneficial for Bitsbox, as their business tripled the following month.
The increased exposure helped them secure funding from other investors, allowing them to enhance their platform and expand their market reach.
They introduced an educational version of the platform, making it more accessible to schools.
Teachers now use Bitsbox to introduce students to coding engagingly, fueling a growing interest in STEM subjects across classrooms nationwide.
By mid-2020, Bitsbox had generated more than $11 million in total sales.
However, the challenge of maintaining profitability remained, as the business was breaking even despite its strong demand.
To support their growth, they expanded their team, doubled their office space, and built a video studio to enhance their content.
By 2023, Bitsbox had amassed a user base exceeding 800,000, offering flexible subscription plans to cater to different financial needs.
Families could opt for a digital version or a basic physical package.
A deluxe option was available for those wanting additional items like toys and stickers, making it accessible to various users.
Bitsbox is currently a leading force in kids’ coding education.
Research indicates that the company is now valued at approximately $27 million, marking a significant milestone in its journey.
The Bitsbox story is one of perseverance and innovation, proving that with determination and the right approach, businesses can thrive even without a Shark Tank deal.
