Dream Park After Shark Tank: How Future Circus Turned Rejection into a Mixed

He pitched a theme park you could download. The Sharks passed. Now, it might be one of the most scalable entertainment startups of the decade.

By blending cutting-edge technology with real-world spaces, Dream Park creates immersive experiences that captivate players of all ages. Its unique model brings communities together, offering accessible fun without the need for costly infrastructure.

This mixed-reality revolution is poised to transform how we play and connect.

Future Circus Net Worth 2025: A Comeback Valued at Over $10 Million

When Brent Bushnell walked into the Shark Tank in early 2025, he introduced the world to Future Circus, a mixed-reality platform that transforms vacant retail spaces into interactive game zones.

He asked for $500,000 in exchange for 5% equity, valuing the company at $10 million. This innovative concept aimed to make entertainment accessible to diverse communities by repurposing underused spaces.

The Sharks didn’t bite.

At the time, Future Circus had no permanent installations and just $9,000 in test event revenue. Kevin O’Leary said the valuation was too steep for an unproven idea. Barbara Corcoran raised concerns about Brent’s past investor challenges. Daniel Lubetzky, Mark Cuban, and Lori Greiner passed, citing timing and risk.

But months later, the company rebranded as Dream Park, secured $1.1 million in seed funding led by Long Journey Ventures and Founders Inc. This funding fueled rapid growth and showcased Brent’s resilience, a trait honed through years of entrepreneurial innovation.

With active installations in Santa Monica, San Francisco, and the LA County Fair, Dream Park is now generating steady revenue. Projections suggest 10–15% annual growth, positioning it as a leader in the mixed-reality theme park industry.

Future Circus Net Worth Breakdown (2025)

The Shark Tank Pitch That Almost Killed the Dream

On Shark Tank Season 16, Brent Bushnell pitched Future Circus with a bold vision: wizard duels, trike races, and immersive digital experiences in underused shopping centers. The concept promised fun for all ages, from kids to adults, in a safe, inclusive environment.

But it wasn’t ready yet.

With no live installations only concept demos Brent faced skepticism. He admitted that prior investors from his earlier venture, Two Bit Circus, didn’t return, raising red flags. A live headset demo for Mark Cuban and Daniel Lubetzky didn’t sway them.

Every Shark passed.

The rejection stung, but Brent’s commitment to inclusive, innovative entertainment drove him to pivot and persevere.

From Future Circus to Dream Park: The Rebrand and the Reboot

Weeks after filming, Brent and their team rebranded Future Circus as Dream Park.

In February 2025, they launched Super Adventure Land at Santa Monica’s 3rd Street Promenade. Using Meta Quest 3 headsets, players raced through digital obstacle courses overlaid on a real-world plaza.

The experience was designed to be intuitive, welcoming players of all skill levels. It clicked.

By March, Dream Park expanded to San Francisco, hosting events at Fort Mason Center, Founders Inc., and Yerba Buena Gardens during GDC. Plans for expansion to over 39 U.S. cities by summer 2025 signal a global ambition, with potential markets in Europe and Asia.

This wasn’t just a pitch, it was a real, inclusive product revolutionizing entertainment.

The Founder’s Second Act: Brent Bushnell’s Redemption Story

Brent Bushnell, son of Nolan Bushnell (creator of Atari and Chuck E. Cheese), is no stranger to big ideas. He co-founded Two Bit Circus, a tech amusement park that raised over $21.5 million before COVID-19 disruptions. Brent’s philosophy of “failing fast and learning faster” shaped his approach to Dream Park, emphasizing lean operations and community-focused innovation.

That venture faltered, and many investors didn’t return.

When Brent pitched Future Circus, he carried this history but also a renewed vision: create affordable, accessible fun. They partnered with:

• Aidan Wolf, an AR prodigy who began coding at 17 and built viral mobile apps.
• Kevin Habich, an engineer with deep expertise in immersive systems and a long-time collaborator of Wolf’s.

Together, they crafted a platform that invites everyone to play, regardless of background or ability.

The Downloadable Theme Park: How Dream Park Works

Dream Park isn’t a traditional theme park. It skips gates, rides, and heavy infrastructure, offering a mobile, mixed-reality experience that brings video game magic to real-world spaces. Its eco-friendly approach minimizes environmental impact by repurposing existing venues.

How it works:

• Players wear Meta Quest 3 headsets with pass-through cameras.
• The headset maps surroundings—streets, parks, malls—and adds virtual overlays.
• Players dodge virtual lava, grab floating coins, or duel others, staying grounded in physical reality.

Games like:

• Super Adventure Land – run-and-jump through a lava-filled plaza.
• Multiplayer wizard battles and physical trike races with virtual enhancements.

QR codes and environmental markers trigger the fun. No construction. No downtime. Venues can host new games weekly, ensuring fresh, inclusive experiences for all.

Brent calls it, “the world’s largest theme park, hiding in plain sight.”

The Business Model: Why Landlords Are Interested

Dream Park’s model is smart and sustainable. It solves real estate challenges by driving foot traffic to underused spaces, benefiting communities and businesses alike.

Revenue Streams:

• $30 per player, with some locations offering food and merchandise.
• 10–20% of revenue goes to property owners—malls, festivals, and cities.
• Zero construction costs for hosts, needing only Wi-Fi and electricity.

This makes it perfect for:

• Struggling malls seeking vibrant, inclusive attractions
• Fairs and expos wanting cutting-edge draws
• Cities and parks exploring low-cost, eco-friendly upgrades

Installations break even in under a month, operating as pop-ups to keep commitments flexible and accessible.

What the Sharks Missed and What Still Might Go Wrong

The Sharks raised valid concerns, especially about replay value. Mark Cuban noted that Dream Park needs constant game updates to keep players engaged, a challenge for any mixed-reality theme park.

That concern persists.

How Dream Park is addressing it:

• Regular seasonal game drops to keep experiences fresh
• Plans for brand partnerships (think Marvel or Pokémon AR overlays)
• Achievement badges, leaderboards, and friend challenges to boost engagement

Yet, risks remain:

• Safety: Public play with headsets poses trip hazards and liability concerns. Dream Park is prioritizing clear safety protocols to protect all players.
• Tech friction: Battery life, outdoor lighting, and motion sickness could affect enjoyment. Ongoing tech refinements aim to ensure accessibility.
• Scale: Expanding to more locations means complex logistics, cleaning headsets, training staff, and fixing bugs.

Dream Park must evolve from “cool demo” to a consistently fun, inclusive experience—a tough but achievable leap.

RELATED: Things You Should Know About Shark Tank that every entrepreneur’s dream TV show

Final Thought: A Rejected Pitch, a Real-World Revolution

Brent Bushnell stood before the Sharks with a bold, inclusive idea and they passed.

But rejection didn’t stop them. It sharpened their focus.

Dream Park is now a scalable, fundable, and operationally live mixed-reality company with a net worth over $10 million in 2025. With plans to expand globally, they’re just getting started.

They didn’t need a Shark to thrive.

They needed to show the world that imagination, paired with accessible technology, can transform how we play together.