Shark Tank Coverplay Update 14 Years Later

Happy Tuesday!

We are throwing it all the way back to Season 1 for today’s interview. We spoke with Amy Feldman, co-founder of Coverplay who appeared on Season 1 Episode 4 of Shark Tank. Amy and I talked about their initial inspiration to go on the show, their current success in the industry, and everything in between. Amy has also offered our readers an exclusive discount!

Let's dive in!

Amy and her co-founder Allison had a unique opportunity to go onto Shark Tank before it became a massive success. So, I wanted to know what inspired them to audition for a show that no one had heard of yet.

"Small startups are often faced with enormous challenges, and this TV show not only introduces you to verified investors, it also puts you front and center for the TV-watching audience to see. Why wouldn't we go on this show?" said Amy.

They were aware of the Canadian and British versions and knew that with Mark Burnett attached, it would be a huge hit in the US.

Their pitch to the sharks was over two hours long but Amy said that it felt like only five minutes.

The best part of being on the show? "The exposure," Amy explained. "Literally 5 minutes after the show aired, the buyer from Babies R Us called us and asked, 'Why aren't you in our stores.'"

This exposure also led to a partnership with Marriott International, which developed a program around Coverplay called “Tots Travel Too”.

Though the experience on Shark Tank was incredible, there was some anxiety before walking into the Shark Tank and pitching in front of America. But Amy said that once they actually got in front of the sharks, it was an amazing experience.

Amy and Allison struck a deal with Barbara Corcoran and Amy said that she is a “smart woman and a savvy business person.”

Despite leaving with a deal, there is one thing that Amy wished she could change about her time on Shark Tank "In hindsight, I wish we were on in one of the later seasons. The show hadn’t found its audience yet. That being said, we did get the second largest offer of Season 1!”

Since their appearance on Shark Tank, Coverplay has grown tremendously. They are now the largest provider of play yards, slipcovers, and sheets to the hospitality industry.

"Our goal is to be a household name," Amy shared.

Amy told me that Coverplay is proof that determination and hard work can make anything happen. "If someone says 'NO,' don't quit! There are always possibilities and perhaps another person around the corner who will say 'Yes.'"

It's been 14 years since their Shark Tank appearance, and Coverplay is still standing and growing. We're thrilled to share their story and hope it inspires you as much as it inspired us.

Amy was kind enough to offer an exclusive discount to our readers, but it’s only available until April 15! Use the code SHARKTANKRECAP at checkout to receive 20% off your order.

Next week I’m going to tell you how dbest products from Season 8 has expanded its product line by 300% since Shark Tank!

Talk soon,
Andrew Smith

P.S. Don’t forget to check out the Hey Chums Podcast on Spotify!