Disrupt Sports was founded in 2014 by Gary Elphick with a simple idea: to make personalized sports equipment accessible to everyone, not just professionals.
The company allowed customers to design their own gear, such as surfboards and yoga mats. It offered high-quality, custom-made products at retail prices.
This innovative approach quickly stood out by filling a gap in the market. It gave customers the freedom to create equipment that suited their style and needs.
In 2016, Gary brought Disrupt Sports to Shark Tank Australia, pitching in Season 2, Episode 9. He sought $250,000 for a 5.8% equity stake in the company.
The Sharks were impressed by the concept but skeptical about its valuation of $4.3 million. They also raised concerns about the company’s financial struggles.
While Gary declined an offer of $250,000 for 33% equity, he walked away with increased exposure. His determination to pursue other funding options remained strong.
After Shark Tank, Disrupt Sports continued to grow. The company secured $400,000 in seed funding from investors such as Avalanche Technology Group and Muru-D.
As of 2024, Disrupt Sports’ estimated net worth is approximately $7.27 million, based on an annual growth rate of 7.8% since their initial valuation of $4.3 million in 2016.
It expanded globally, establishing manufacturing partnerships in countries like the UK, France, Portugal, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and the US. Gary’s innovative vision and persistence earned him recognition as one of 2017’s Top 50 People in E-Commerce.
Every Shark Tank product offers lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. Disrupt Sports is no exception. Its journey highlights resilience, customer focus, and strategic growth.
Ready to learn how to apply these principles to your own business? Keep reading to explore 5 Simple Business Lessons You Can Learn from Disrupt Sports. Discover how their strategies can inspire your success.
5 Simple Business Lessons You Can Learn from Disrupt Sports
1. Resilience and Long-Term Vision Drive Success
Gary Elphick, the founder of Disrupt Sports, exemplified resilience by making bold decisions that prioritized long-term growth over immediate gains. He rejected a Shark’s $250,000 for 33% equity offer, despite criticism about his company’s valuation of $4.3 million.
Gary also took calculated risks. For instance, he sacrificed $500,000 in revenue to test a global business model. This decision eventually led to a remarkable 500% growth in revenue since his Shark Tank appearance.
“Running a start-up is like doing an MBA all day every day; you’re learning and growing forever”.
Gary Elphick
Solution:
Gary stayed focused on scaling Disrupt Sports globally. He pivoted from a localized revenue model and established a manufacturing network in multiple countries.
This strategy positioned the company for sustained success. His commitment also attracted $400,000 in seed funding from other investors, despite turning down the Sharks’ offer.
Are you ready to embrace resilience? Stay committed to your long-term vision, even if it means making tough choices today.
Takeaway:
Resilience isn’t just about surviving challenges, it’s about using them as opportunities to build a stronger foundation. Like Disrupt Sports, focus on strategies that support growth and align with your long-term goals.
2. Leverage Publicity Strategically
Gary used Shark Tank as more than a platform for investment. It became a powerful marketing tool. His appearance gave Disrupt Sports valuable exposure, with many customers later recognizing him from the show.
This smart use of publicity helped raise $400,000 in seed funding from investors like Avalanche Technology Group and Muru-D.
“Many of Disrupt Sports’ customers recognize me from the show”, Gary said, reflecting on the impact of his Shark Tank appearance.
Solution:
By leveraging the show for brand awareness, Disrupt Sports attracted both customers and investors. This strategy enabled the company to grow without relying solely on the Sharks’ support. It proved the value of effective storytelling and publicity.
Think about how you can turn media exposure into a branding opportunity. What platforms can you use to tell your story and attract new customers?
Takeaway:
Publicity isn’t just about being seen, it’s about being remembered. Use visibility strategically to build trust, attract partnerships, and strengthen your brand.
3. Focus on Customer-Centric Innovation
Disrupt Sports stood out by putting customers at the heart of its business. They offered customizable sports equipment at retail prices.
This approach not only filled a gap in the market but also gave customers complete control over the design of their equipment.
“We put you at the center…you can then apply your own Graphics, your own designs, or you can pick something from a Marketplace of local artists”.
Solution:
The company built a platform that allowed customers to create their own products. They partnered with local manufacturers across the UK, France, Portugal, Sri Lanka, and South Africa. This ensured high-quality production while keeping costs competitive.
Is your product or service tailored to meet customer needs? Look for ways to offer personalized solutions that make your brand stand out.
Takeaway:
Customer-centric innovation isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a game-changer. When you put customers at the center, you create loyalty and relevance in a competitive market.
4. Adaptability Is Key to Growth
Disrupt Sports showed the importance of adaptability by pivoting its business model. Gary sacrificed $500,000 in revenue to transition from a local to a global strategy.
This decision focused on scalability rather than short-term profits. It helped the company establish a strong international presence.
“Your business idea when you start will not be the same as when you finish. It will look the same but be quite different.”
Gary Elphick
Solution:
Gary’s ability to adapt led to the creation of a scalable model. This model could thrive globally. His flexibility ensured that Disrupt Sports stayed competitive in a rapidly changing market.
Is your business flexible enough to adapt to new opportunities? Be open to change and consider how a strategic pivot could set you up for future success.
Takeaway:
Adaptability isn’t just a survival skill, it’s a growth strategy. Like Disrupt Sports, embrace change and use it to unlock bigger opportunities.
5. Prioritize Core Strengths and Outsource the Rest
Disrupt Sports focused on what it did best, customizable sports equipment, and outsourced other aspects like manufacturing. This approach allowed the company to scale efficiently without spreading itself too thin.
“Focus on your core IP, the part you can do that no-one else can do”, Gary advised, emphasizing the importance of specialization.
Solution:
The company partnered with a 3D printing provider to enable on-demand production. This not only reduced costs but also significantly lowered their carbon footprint. The decision aligned with eco-conscious values.
What is your core strength? Identify the unique value your business offers and delegate other tasks to trusted partners.
Takeaway:
Success often lies in doing one thing exceptionally well. By focusing on your strengths and outsourcing the rest, you can scale effectively while maintaining quality.
