Erika Pope had a dream to change the way kids build forts. Kids love building forts but blankets always fall down. Parents are tired of fixing them. So Erika created Fort Magic.
It is a kit with rods, connectors, and clips. The kids can use these to build strong and creative forts. Erika asked the Sharks for $75,000 in exchange for 15% of her company. The product is a fun idea for kids. Will the entrepreneur get a deal on Shark Tank? Check out the Packback update!
Fort Magic Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Erin Rae Henshaw and Erik Henshaw went on Shark Tank asking for $75,000 for 15 % of their company. This meant they thought their business was worth $500,000. They made a deal with Lori Greiner for $75,000 for 25 %, lowering the valuation to $300,000. The episode was aired on March 14, 2014. The company remains active and continues to sell its large STEM building kits for kids. Using the default 10 % yearly growth method, the current net worth of Fort Magic is estimated to be around $1.2–1.5 million in 2025.
After the show, Fort Magic kept going. The company was still in business in 2024. Erika did not get a deal on Shark Tank but she kept working hard. In 2014, Fort Magic added new products. These were only sold on their website. The business was doing well. It made between $500,000 and $600,000 a year. Erika worked with an investor who helped fund the company. The company is still selling its kits and kids are still loving them.
No Fort Magic did not get a deal on Shark Tank. All the Sharks turned Erika down. They had their reasons. Barbara Corcoran said Erika did not have focus. Mark Cuban agreed and said she was going in too many directions. Kevin O’Leary did not think parents would spend $200 on a toy. Lori Greiner agreed with Kevin. However, Robert Herjavec liked the idea.
He offered $75,000 for 50% of the company. Erika tried to get him to lower the share to 25% but he refused. In the end Erika left without a deal.
| Shark(s) Name | Offer & Demand | Counter Offer | Accepted? |
| Lori Greiner | Out | N/A | N/A |
| Robert Herjavec | $75,000 for 50% equity | $75,000 for 25% equity | N/A |
| Kevin O’Leary | Out | N/A | N/A |
| Barbara Corcoran | Out | N/A | N/A |
| Mark Cuban | Out | N/A | N/A |
Fort Magic Shark Tank pitch
Erika Pope aimed to find a solution to a problem. Children enjoy constructing forts but blankets frequently collapse. She believed there might be a more effective approach. That is the reason she developed Fort Magic. Erika began with a concept and developed it into a company. She invested $50,000 of her own funds to begin. However, Erika’s mother also contributed. Her mother contributed $200,000 to assist in financing the business.
They put in a lot of effort and managed to begin selling. The initial 18 months were hectic. Fort Magic achieved $150,000 in revenue. The majority of the kits were available on Amazon. The kits were produced for $50 but sold for $200. This provided them with a substantial gain of $100 for each kit. Erika encountered numerous difficulties. The toughest challenge was making people aware of the product.
She put in a lot of effort to distribute the kits. However, she also achieved some success. The enterprise expanded and Erika noticed that children adored the concept. They were able to construct forts that would not collapse. It was a significant advancement for her enterprise.
Erika’s presentation to the Sharks was brimming with enthusiasm. She began by outlining the issue. Children enjoy constructing forts yet blankets frequently collapse. She subsequently informed the Sharks about her product. It was a set containing rods, connectors, and fabric clips. Children could utilize these to construct forts that wouldn’t fall down. She requested $75,000 in return for 15% ownership of her business.
Erika also discussed the status of her business. She stated that the business had generated $150,000 in revenue. The majority of the sales occurred via Amazon. She demonstrated to the Sharks that her products are priced at $50 to produce. However, they were sold for $200. This provided her with a substantial gain of $100 for every kit sold. Erika then discussed the investment she had already secured.
Her mother had put in $200,000. However, the firm secured an additional investor who invested $200,000 for 35% ownership in the company. Erika mentioned that the shares had been divided into thirds. The Sharks paid close attention.
Barbara Corcoran believed Erika was overly enthusiastic but lacking sufficient focus. Mark Cuban stated that Erika was pursuing too many paths. Kevin O’Leary mentioned that the majority of parents would refrain from purchasing a $200 toy. Lori Greiner concurred with him.
The Sharks were curious about the product and had numerous inquiries. Initially, Barbara inquired of Erika, which led her to believe this business was a smart idea. Erika described how children enjoy constructing forts while parents are constantly repairing the blankets. She claimed her product was unique because it would not topple. The children could build forts, boats, and vehicles.
Mark Cuban inquired about Erika’s strategy for expanding the business. Erika mentioned that they were already achieving good sales on Amazon. She mentioned they aimed to utilize online advertisements to increase sales.
Kevin O’Leary was curious to learn additional details about the cost. He mentioned that $200 was excessive for many parents to afford. Erika clarified that her kits were of superior quality and could be reused multiple times. She mentioned that the cost was reasonable for the enjoyment it offered.
Lori Greiner concurred with Kevin as well. She stated that selling a $200 toy would be difficult. Erika attempted to persuade the Sharks by stating that the kit offered excellent value as it was reusable multiple times. However, the Sharks remained unconvinced.
The Sharks kept talking about the product. They inquired about revenue and earnings. Erika informed them that the firm had generated $150,000 in revenue. She mentioned that each kit was produced for $50. The kits were priced at $200. This resulted in a profit of $100 for each kit.
The Sharks inquired about the contest. Erika claimed that there were no other kits similar to hers. She mentioned that the demand for forts was large and expanding. However, the Sharks remained uncertain. They were concerned about the cost. They were additionally concerned about Erika’s concentration.
The Sharks had various reasons for disliking the product. Barbara Corcoran mentioned that Erika had positive energy but she should concentrate more. She believed Erika was unclear about her intentions. Mark Cuban concurred with her. He mentioned that Erika was heading in too many different directions. He believed she required a more defined focus to ensure her business succeeded.
Kevin O’Leary stated that the majority of parents cannot afford to purchase a $200 toy. He believed the cost was excessive. Lori Greiner concurred with him. She believed it would be difficult to sell a toy priced at $200. Robert Herjavec stood out. He was fond of the product and believed it had great potential for success. He proposed $75,000 to Erika for a 50% stake in the company. Erika attempted to persuade him to reduce his offer to 25% but Robert declined.
He mentioned that 50% was the most favorable offer. Ultimately Erika rejected Robert’s proposal. She believed that 50% was excessive. Thus she exited the tank without an agreement.
What Went Wrong With Fort Magic On Shark Tank?
Fort Magic did not get a deal because of several reasons. First, all the Sharks were worried about the price. Kevin O’Leary said most parents would not spend $200 on a toy. Lori Greiner agreed with him. They thought the price was too high for most families. Barbara Corcoran and Mark Cuban were also concerned about Erika’s focus. Barbara thought Erika was too excited but not focused enough.
Mark Cuban said Erika was going in too many directions. They felt she did not have a clear plan. Finally, Robert Herjavec offered Erika $75,000 for 50% of the company. Erika tried to negotiate for 25% but Robert refused. In the en,d Erika did not take the deal.
Product Availability
Fort Magic kits are still available today. The company sells the kits on their website. Kids can order them and have them delivered right to their door. The kits are perfect for building forts ships, cars, and more. The kits are safe and fun. They come with all the parts kids need to build their dreams. Fort Magic has different kits with different features. There are special kits that come in different colors and shapes.
The company is always adding new features to keep the kits fresh. The prices are still around $200 per kit. This might be high for some families but many people still think it is worth it. You can find the kits on the official Fort Magic website. The company does not sell the kits in stores but they are available for online orders.
Conclusion
Fort Magic had a big idea to help kids build forts that would not fall down. Erika Pope brought her idea to Shark Tank. She did not get a deal but she kept working hard. The company is still going strong. Erika’s kits are loved by kids all over the country. Even though she did not get a deal on Shark Tank Fort Magic is still making an impact.
Hey there, I’m Fatima Muhammad, an International Relations student, with a focus on the strategic dynamics of global relations, One of my favorite shows is Shark Tank. I love it because it showcases the creativity, determination, and strategic thinking of entrepreneurs, which I find inspiring. The show also teaches valuable lessons about innovation, business dynamics, and the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. Read more About me.
