Alexandra Ulmer, a beautiful & confident founder of Au Baby, pronounced as “Oh Baby” presented her business in Shark Tank Season 15 Episode 13. She asked for $80,000 for a 25% stake.
It is a new baby blanket brand focusing on sustainable, comfortable baby products. Their soft merino wool blankets are skin-friendly for infants and contain no artificial fibers. Au Baby blankets are durable, washable, and environmentally friendly, offering parents a reliable and eco-conscious choice for their babies.
What is the cost of this blanket, and where can you buy an organic, functional fiber baby blanket that needs laundering twice a year? Did the entrepreneur get a deal on Shark Tank? Check out our Au Baby update to find out!
Au Baby Net Worth 2024
Alexandra Ulmer asked for an $80,000 investment in exchange for 25% equity in her company, Au Baby. This meant she valued her company at $320,000. She made a deal with Kevin O’Leary for $80,000 in exchange for 35% of her company. This new deal valued her company at approximately $228,571. For a quick Au Baby update: after the show aired, Au Baby experienced an increase in brand recognition, sales, and social media engagement. With an estimated 10% yearly growth rate (typical business growth), the current net worth of Au Baby in 2024 is about $277,714.
Au Baby Shark Tank Update
New parents often receive many baby blankets, most of them made from polyester fleece derived from petrochemicals or cotton that isn’t very soft and may contain pesticides. They often hold stains and odors and require regular washing. Also, washing polyester blankets can release microplastics into the oceans, which is bad for the planet.
Polyester fleece, created by turning polymer filaments into soft fabric, is like wrapping newborns in material equivalent to numerous plastic water bottles. Here comes AU Baby, the first organic, plant-dyed blanket made from practical fibers specifically for newborns.
Their blankets, made from chemical-free, durable, and biodegradable yarn, are priced at $160 each and available for purchase on the company’s website.
Did Au Baby get a deal on Shark Tank?
Yes, after a lot of negotiation, Alexandra suggested 35%, and Kevin O’Leary agreed, finalizing the deal at $80,000 for a 35% stake in her company. Keep reading our Au Baby update to see what happens next!
Shark(s) Involved | Offer made | Demand | Counteroffer | Accepted? |
Emma Grede | N/A | N/A | N/A | No |
Kevin O’Leary | $80,000 | 50% Equity | 35% | Yes |
Lori Greiner | N/A | N/A | N/A | No |
Mark Cuban | N/A | N/A | N/A | No |
Robert Herjavec | N/A | N/A | N/A | No |
Founders and BackStory
Alexandra, the creator of AU Baby, is a sustainability-focused businesswoman with expertise in knitwear. Holding six patents, she has used her skills in high-end fashion and performance sports to innovate in the textile industry. Her latest venture, AU Baby, offers eco-friendly, plant-dyed baby blankets.
With a background in knit design for brands like OC and Prabal Gurung and material development for Nike, she is now focusing on creating safe and sustainable products for infants. AU Baby reflects her commitment to eco-friendly textiles and wellness.
Originally from Oklahoma City, Alexandra studied Knitwear Design in London at CSM. She also gained experience sewing in Jeremy Scott’s garage and lived in New York City and Portland, Oregon. Her knit designs have been showcased at the Smithsonian and featured in bronze sculptures by Jeff Koons.
Pitch and Offers
Alexandra started the pitch by telling how leaky and messy babies are and, most importantly, they can’t communicate what they need, like when they are hot or cold.
She told the sharks about her product, Au Baby Blanket, which can stay clean for up to a year and is naturally stain and smell-proof. Sleep quality and skincare concerns are also solvable with their blankets. She also showed sharks her product samples and Italian plant dye material that is used in the blankets.
Emma asked how they are marketing the product, and in reply, Alexandra told her that they are not focusing on digital marketing but rather having a PR firm and building community which is more long-term.
Other sharks also asked about how much it costs to make and the selling price. The answer shocked them as she was making blankets for $74+ and selling them for $160+, which is pretty expensive.
After several back-to-back questions, Mark Cuban said she haven’t cracked the code on how to market the product, so he is out. Lori said that the price point is a big problem, and it’s just too early to invest, so she is out. Emma and Robert also left for almost the same reasons.
Negotiation and Final Deal
As for the Au Baby update, Kevin O’Leary offered $80,000 for 50% which is double the amount of equity she asked for. Alexander negotiated, saying, “I’m offering you 30%”. Kevin counteroffer $80k for 40% equity.
The founder of Au Baby, Alexandra, again negotiated for 35%, which, at last, Kevin agreed, and they had a deal of $80k for 35% of her company.
Au Baby Availability
Sustainable quality has its price, with each blanket priced at $160, reflecting their heirloom-grade craftsmanship. Available in various designs and colors, there’s an option to personalize each blanket with monograms at $10 per letter. From our Au Baby update research, these blankets can be bought directly from their official website, which is brimming with favorable customer feedback.
AU Baby offers a range of standout products:
- Cashmere Cloud Collection: This collection features a luxurious mix of organic cashmere and merino wool, ensuring softness and breathability. The cashmere provides unparalleled softness, while the merino wool helps regulate temperature, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
- The Popcorn: This is a heavier blanket known for its deep, textured popcorn stitch that maximizes coziness. Crafted from soft, plant-dyed merino wool, it’s the top-selling blanket at AU Baby.
- The Sawa: A medium-weight blanket characterized by its elegant honeycomb pattern, offering both style and comfort. It’s made from plant-dyed merino wool and can be customized with chain stitch embroidery.
Hi there, I’m Ayesha Pasha, a content creator who loves crafting engaging stories and captivating visuals. When I’m not busy working on content projects, you can catch me indulging in my favorite pastime: watching Shark Tank episodes. I’m fascinated by the innovative business ideas and the unpredictable reactions of the Sharks. It’s my go-to for entertainment and inspiration. Outside of that, I enjoy exploring new cafes, capturing moments through my lens, and experimenting with new recipes. Read more About me.