Grypmat Shark Tank Founder, Net Worth, and Investment

Publish date: 2024-06-11

Grypmat, the non-slip tool mat, gained significant recognition after its appearance on the hit television show Shark Tank. Founded by Tom Burden, Grypmat was developed to address the common issue of tools slipping while working on airplanes. Burden successfully pitched his innovative product on Shark Tank, securing a deal with three renowned investors: Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, and Richard Branson. As of January 2022, Grypmat continues to operate, with an initial net worth of $2 million.

With its unique design and functionality, Grypmat has revolutionized the way mechanics and DIY enthusiasts work. The orange sticky mat securely holds tools in place, preventing them from slipping or falling off surfaces. This simple yet effective solution has captured the attention of both professionals and hobbyists alike.

In this article, we will delve into the invention of Grypmat, its successful journey on Shark Tank, post-show developments, and its impact on the industry. We will also explore Grypmat’s net worth and the remarkable story behind its founder, Tom Burden.

Grypmat Shark Tank

Key Takeaways:

The Invention of Grypmat

Tom Burden, a former air force technician and mechanic, is the ingenious mind behind the Grypmat invention. As an experienced professional working on airplanes, Burden often faced the annoyance of tools slipping and falling. Motivated by his passion for finding solutions, he drew upon his military background to create a revolutionary tool mat that would securely hold tools in place.

Using his expertise and practical knowledge gained from years of service, Burden developed the Grypmat, an orange sticky mat that offers exceptional grip and eliminates the frustration caused by slipping tools. With precision and creativity, he successfully tackled a common problem faced by mechanics and professionals in their everyday tasks.

To pursue his vision and bring Grypmat to life, Burden made significant sacrifices. He even sold his house to fund the development of this groundbreaking invention. Undeterred by challenges, he later turned to Kickstarter, a popular crowdfunding platform, and garnered overwhelming support. The campaign not only provided the necessary financial backing but also validated the demand for Grypmat in the market.

Inspired by his experience in the air force, Tom Burden invented Grypmat to solve the problem of tools slipping and falling while working on airplanes. Through dedication, sacrifice, and the support of the Kickstarter community, Grypmat became a reality.

Today, Grypmat stands as a testament to Burden’s innovative thinking and determination to create a practical solution. His journey from an air force technician to an accomplished inventor showcases the power of perseverance in bringing game-changing ideas to life.

Grypmat on Shark Tank

In the thrilling episode of Shark Tank, Tom Burden showcased Grypmat, seeking a $200,000 investment in exchange for a 10% stake in his company. The Sharks were immediately intrigued by the innovative tool mat and its potential in the market.

“The Grypmat Shark Tank pitch left us impressed with its practicality and potential impact on various industries,” said investor Mark Cuban.

The Sharks expressed their interest and made a joint investment offer of $360,000 for a 30% equity share in Grypmat, which Tom gladly accepted.

The exposure on Shark Tank catapulted Grypmat’s success, resulting in a remarkable surge in sales. The partnership with renowned investors Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, and Richard Branson enhanced the brand’s credibility and opened doors to international distribution opportunities. Grypmat’s appearance on Shark Tank not only secured funding but also validated the product’s value and utility in the market.

This milestone showcase on Shark Tank highlights the entrepreneurial journey of Grypmat and solidifies its status as a Shark Tank success story, setting a benchmark for other aspiring entrepreneurs.

Grypmat Shark Tank

InvestorInvestment AmountEquity Stake
Mark Cuban$100,0008%
Lori Greiner$100,0008%
Richard Branson$160,00014%

Grypmat After Shark Tank

After Grypmat’s successful appearance on Shark Tank, the company experienced a significant increase in sales. This boost can be attributed to the collaboration with renowned investors Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, and Richard Branson. Additionally, Grypmat forged a partnership with the Air Force, further expanding its operations and solidifying its reputation in the industry.

In 2019, Richard Branson recommended that Grypmat shift all sales online, a decision that proved immensely successful, especially during the challenging times brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. By embracing e-commerce, Grypmat ensured accessibility to a wider customer base, leading to sustained growth and success.

As of January 2022, Grypmat’s annual sales have reached over $1 million, a testament to the company’s continued expansion and increasing popularity among professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Grypmat Post Shark Tank Sales Increase

Collaboration with the Air Force

A noteworthy development for Grypmat was its collaboration with the Air Force. Leveraging the expertise gained from his time serving as an air force technician, founder Tom Burden established a partnership that further solidified Grypmat’s position as a reliable tool in the aviation industry.

The Air Force recognized the practicality and effectiveness of Grypmat, leading to its integration into their operations. This collaboration not only boosted Grypmat’s credibility and visibility but also opened doors for further opportunities in various sectors.

Grypmat Sales Growth

The exposure from Shark Tank and subsequent collaborations propelled Grypmat into a period of remarkable growth. The influx of sales and demand for the innovative tool mat resulted in Grypmat’s decision to move all sales online. This strategic move allowed the company to reach a broader market and cater to the changing shopping preferences of consumers.

Grypmat’s online sales strategy proved exceptionally beneficial during the COVID-19 pandemic when physical retail was severely impacted. By prioritizing online channels and expanding their digital presence, Grypmat successfully navigated the challenges posed by the pandemic and continued to thrive.

YearSales
2018$500,000
2019$750,000
2020$1 million
2021$1.2 million
2022$1.5 million (Projected)

Grypmat’s commitment to innovation, strategic partnerships, and embracing digital sales channels has propelled the company’s sales growth. With a projected sales revenue of $1.5 million for 2022, Grypmat continues to solidify its position as a leading tool accessory brand.

Grypmat’s Net Worth

During the Shark Tank pitch, Grypmat was valued at $2 million. After accepting the investment from Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, and Richard Branson, the company’s worth dropped to $1.2 million. It is worth noting that the net worth of Grypmat may have changed since then due to the company’s continued growth and success.

The Founder, Tom Burden

Tom Burden, the founder of Grypmat, is a former military F-16 technician with a background in the Air Force. With his military experience and mechanical expertise, Burden was driven to solve the problem of tools slipping while working on airplanes.

While juggling his duties as a mechanic and attending college for mechanical engineering, Burden dedicated himself to developing Grypmat. He poured his determination and entrepreneurial spirit into creating a solution that would revolutionize tool organization and enhance efficiency.

“I knew there had to be a better way to secure tools while working on planes. That’s what sparked the idea for Grypmat,” says Tom Burden.

Burden’s military background equipped him with the discipline and attention to detail necessary to design Grypmat’s innovative non-slip tool mat. His unwavering commitment to quality and functionality ensured that Grypmat would meet the needs of professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Through his tireless efforts, Tom Burden has established himself as a visionary entrepreneur, combining his passion for mechanics with the drive to create practical solutions for everyday challenges.

Tom Burden - Grypmat Founder

Continuing the Legacy

Today, Tom Burden remains actively involved in Grypmat’s operations, guiding the company towards further growth and success. With his military background, he continues to instill the principles of discipline, precision, and dedication within Grypmat’s culture.

Burden’s journey from a military technician to Grypmat founder serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, showcasing the power of perseverance, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of solving real-world problems.

Grypmat’s Expansion and Retail Plans

Grypmat, initially designed for use on airplanes, is now expanding beyond its military applications. The company recognizes the potential for its innovative tool mat in the retail market and has strategic plans for expansion.

To cater to the needs of DIY enthusiasts and home mechanics, Grypmat intends to introduce a lower-priced, smaller version of its product. This new offering will provide a practical solution for organizing tools and preventing slips in home maintenance and repair tasks. By targeting the retail sector, Grypmat aims to make its versatile tool mat more accessible to a wider consumer base.

Grypmat expansion

With the Grypmat’s expansion into the retail market, home mechanics and DIY enthusiasts will have the opportunity to benefit from the mat’s non-slip properties and tool organization capabilities. Grypmat’s commitment to innovative solutions continues to position the company as a leader in the industry.

Grypmat’s Impact on the Industry

Grypmat has become increasingly popular in the industry, gaining recognition from reputable publications such as Popular Mechanics and Military Times. The tool mat offers a unique and effective solution for tool organization, addressing the common issue of tools slipping and reducing the need for constant retrieval.

With its innovative design and non-slip properties, Grypmat has established itself as a versatile and reliable tool accessory. The mat’s high popularity is a testament to its effectiveness and the practicality it brings to various industries.

Grypmat popularity

One of the key advantages of Grypmat is its ability to securely hold tools in place, preventing them from slipping and causing inconvenience during crucial tasks. This feature enhances efficiency and productivity, saving valuable time and effort.

Moreover, Grypmat’s rising popularity can be attributed to its widespread use across different sectors, including automotive, aviation, manufacturing, and DIY enthusiasts. The mat’s versatility makes it an indispensable tool for professionals and hobbyists alike.

Grypmat’s impact has not only been recognized by industry experts but also by the significant number of units sold monthly. With over 5,000 units sold, it’s evident that Grypmat has established itself as a go-to tool mat solution in the market.

The positive feedback and testimonials from satisfied users further highlight the mat’s efficacy and contribution to enhancing tool organization. Users appreciate the convenience and reliability that Grypmat offers, making it an essential tool in their daily work routines.

Testimonials

“Grypmat has completely revolutionized the way I work. My tools stay in place, and I no longer waste time searching for misplaced items. It’s a game-changer!” – John, a professional mechanic.

“As a DIY enthusiast, Grypmat has made my projects so much smoother. I can focus on the task at hand without constantly worrying about my tools slipping or falling. It’s a must-have!” – Emily, a DIY enthusiast.

Grypmat Popularity in Numbers

Monthly SalesIndustriesUser Testimonials
5,000+Automotive, aviation, manufacturing“A true game-changer!” – Marcus, a professional machinist

Grypmat’s Online Presence and Sales

After the successful appearance on Shark Tank, Grypmat strategically shifted its focus to online sales, a decision that proved to be fruitful, especially considering the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. This move enabled Grypmat to expand its reach and accessibility to customers worldwide.

Customers can now conveniently purchase Grypmat directly from the official website, which offers a seamless and secure online shopping experience. The Grypmat website showcases the full range of Grypmat products, providing detailed descriptions, features, and customer reviews to help shoppers make informed decisions.

In addition to the Grypmat website, customers can also find Grypmat available for purchase on various popular online retail platforms, including Amazon. This broad online presence allows Grypmat to cater to a wide range of customers and ensures that the product is readily available to anyone looking to enhance their tool organization.

Online Retail Platforms Selling Grypmat

Online Retail PlatformLink
Official Grypmat WebsiteVisit Website
AmazonGo to Amazon
eBayShop on eBay
WalmartShop at Walmart

Whether you prefer to purchase directly from the Grypmat website or through trusted online retailers, Grypmat is easily accessible, making it convenient for customers to get their hands on this innovative tool accessory.

With Grypmat’s expanded online sales channels, customers can enjoy the convenience of shopping from the comfort of their own homes and have Grypmat delivered directly to their doorstep.

Grypmat online sales

Grypmat Contact Information and Customer Support

If you have any inquiries or need support regarding Grypmat, our dedicated customer service team is here to help. You can reach us by email at info@grypmat.com.

We value our customers and stand by the quality of our products. That’s why Grypmat offers a limited one-year warranty covering any defects in materials or workmanship. If you encounter any issues with your Grypmat, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer service team for assistance.

Our goal at Grypmat is to ensure your satisfaction and provide you with exceptional customer support. Whether you have questions, need guidance, or require warranty-related assistance, our team is ready to offer prompt and helpful solutions. Contact us today to experience the Grypmat commitment to customer service.

FAQ

What is Grypmat?

Grypmat is a non-slip tool mat designed to securely hold tools in place, preventing them from slipping while working.

How did Grypmat gain recognition?

Grypmat gained recognition after its appearance on the hit television show Shark Tank, where it secured a deal with investors Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, and Richard Branson.

Who is the founder of Grypmat?

Tom Burden, a former air force technician and mechanic, is the founder of Grypmat.

How did Tom Burden come up with the idea for Grypmat?

Tom Burden came up with the idea for Grypmat based on his frustration with tools slipping while working on airplanes.

What was the investment offer Grypmat received on Shark Tank?

On Shark Tank, Grypmat received a joint offer of 0,000 for a 30% equity share from investors Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, and Richard Branson.

How did appearing on Shark Tank impact Grypmat?

Grypmat experienced a boost in sales and secured international distribution after appearing on Shark Tank.

What is Grypmat’s net worth?

Grypmat’s net worth was initially valued at million during the Shark Tank pitch, but it may have changed since then due to the company’s continued growth and success.

What is Tom Burden’s background?

Tom Burden has a background in the Air Force as a military F-16 technician and mechanic.

Is Grypmat expanding beyond its military applications?

Yes, Grypmat plans to introduce a smaller, lower-priced version of Grypmat for home mechanics and DIY enthusiasts.

How does Grypmat prevent tools from slipping?

Grypmat’s non-slip design securely holds tools in place, reducing the need for constant retrieval and improving tool organization.

How can customers purchase Grypmat?

Customers can purchase Grypmat directly from the official website or from popular online retail platforms such as Amazon.

How can customers contact Grypmat?

Customers can contact Grypmat through email at info@grypmat.com for any inquiries or support.

Does Grypmat offer a warranty?

Yes, Grypmat offers a limited one-year warranty covering defects in materials or workmanship.

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