Hopscotch Coding App Update | Shark Tank Season 12
The Hopscotch Coding App made a memorable appearance on Shark Tank Season 12, where founder Samantha John pitched her innovative platform designed to teach kids how to code by creating their games.
Her mission? To make coding fun, interactive, and accessible to young minds.
But did she secure a deal with the Sharks? And what happened to Hopscotch after Shark Tank?
Let’s dig into the whole story of Hopscotch’s journey, including its pitch, the Sharks’ reactions, and the company’s growth since the show aired.
Hopscotch’s Shark Tank Pitch
Founder & Business Overview
- Entrepreneur: Samantha John
- Business: A coding app that teaches kids to create and share games
- Ask: $400,000 for 4% equity
- Final Deal: $550,000 for 11% equity with Mark Cuban
During her pitch, Samantha John demonstrated how Hopscotch enables kids to code games through an easy-to-use interface.
She explained that the app was already well-established, with 400,000 monthly users at its peak.
She aimed to shift from a subscription model ($8/month or $80/year) to a freemium model with an in-app currency.
This would allow broader access to the platform while creating a sustainable revenue stream.
How the Sharks Reacted
| Shark | Reaction |
| Mark Cuban | Offered $400K for 16%, later agreed to $550K for 11% |
| Kevin O’Leary | No offer – didn’t want to re-enter the software space |
| Lori Greiner | No offer – felt she couldn’t add value |
| Daymond John | No offer – saw too much risk |
| Barbara Corcoran | No offer – felt Samantha lacked confidence in her plan |
While most Sharks passed on the opportunity, Mark Cuban had a personal connection with the product—his kids had used Hopscotch in school.
He saw the app’s educational value and made an initial offer of $400,000 for 16% equity.
After negotiations, they settled on $550,000 for 11% equity, making Mark Cuban an investor in Hopscotch.
Hopscotch After Shark Tank
Following its appearance on Shark Tank, Hopscotch experienced massive growth, with a 500% increase in downloads.
The company has since continued to evolve, expanding its reach and refining its business model.
Sales & Revenue Growth
| Year | Milestone |
| Pre-Shark Tank | 400,000 monthly users |
| Post-Shark Tank | 500% increase in downloads |
| Current | Still running a subscription model with a free trial |
Retail & Distribution Expansion
Hopscotch remains exclusive to Apple devices and is available for download via the App Store.
It has also made its way into classrooms, offering free lesson plans and teacher accounts helping educators integrate coding into their curriculum.
| Platform | Availability |
| Apple App Store | ✅ Available |
| Google Play Store | ❌ Not yet available |
| Web Browser | ✅ Limited online access |
New Features & Partnerships
While Hopscotch originally planned to transition to an in-app currency model, the company continues to operate on a subscription-based system, with a 7-day free trial for new users.
For educators, Hopscotch now provides free resources for teachers, making coding more accessible to students worldwide.
What Contributed to Hopscotch’s Success?
Several key factors played a role in Hopscotch’s post-Shark Tank growth:
✅ Educational Value: The app aligns with the growing demand for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education.
✅ Increased Visibility: Appearing on Shark Tank significantly boosted brand awareness.
✅ Strong Investor Support: Mark Cuban’s backing helped validate and propel the business forward.
✅ Teacher & Student Adoption: Free lesson plans made the platform popular among educators.
However, challenges remain, including scaling to Android and transitioning to a more profitable business model.
Final Thoughts
Hopscotch’s Shark Tank journey showcases how a well-established product can leverage the show for massive growth.
Despite receiving mixed reactions from the Sharks, securing Mark Cuban as an investor helped drive its success.
With an engaged user base, strong educational impact, and continued growth, Hopscotch remains a leading coding app for kids.
Its story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the power of coding education.
As Hopscotch continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how it further innovates in the ed-tech space.
Want to Try Hopscotch?
Download the app on the Apple App Store today!
