Wildcoat is transforming winter sports apparel with its animal-inspired coats that blend functionality with fun. Created by Carlo DiMeo, a passionate skier and engineer, Wildcoat brings a unique flair to the slopes.
These coats are designed to stand out with their “full-on animal look, head, teeth, clawed mittens, and all.” They aren’t just eye-catching.
They are also highly practical, featuring waterproofing, helmet-compatible hoods, and oversized pockets. As Carlo proudly states, “We make the most fun winter coats in the world.”
With a boost from Shark Tank and a growing fan base, Wildcoat is on a mission to become a go-to brand for winter enthusiasts. Check out its exciting range today!
Wildcoat Journey Before Shark Tank
Wildcoat began in 2020 when Carlo turned his love for skiing and his quirky bear-themed coat into a full-fledged business. “Over the years, many people reached out and asked about my bear coat,” he shared.
This feedback convinced him to create Wildcoat. Using his engineering skills and ski expertise, Carlo designed coats that are not only playful but also highly functional.
The first Wildcoat styles, Grizzly and Polar launched in 2021. Since then, the brand has expanded to include designs like the Black Bear, Tiger, and Timber Wolf.
Accessories such as detachable hoods, claw koozies, and mittens have also been added to the lineup. The coats are priced between $299 and $460.
They are built to handle extreme cold while remaining adaptable with removable hoods, mittens, and sleeves.
The business saw steady growth, with sales climbing from $135,000 in 2021 to $505,000 by 2023. However, challenges like high customer acquisition costs “$150 per sale” persisted.
Carlo also managed inventory valued at $500,000 across 1,200 coats. Despite these hurdles, he built a brand that stands out in the crowded winter apparel market.
Shark Tank Pitch Recap
Carlo entered Shark Tank with his team wearing Wildcoat’s animal-themed designs. This instantly captured the Sharks’ attention.
He asked for $350,000 for 10% equity, valuing the company at $3.5 million. During his pitch, he highlighted the coats’ unique features.
These included “waterproofing, oversized pockets, and helmet-compatible hoods.”
He shared Wildcoat’s impressive sales growth, projecting $700,000 in revenue for 2024. However, he acknowledged a key challenge: “high customer acquisition costs of $150.”
He explained that “50%-70% of total sales” came from in-person events like ski gatherings.
The Sharks were intrigued but divided. Kevin O’Leary and Lori Greiner decided not to invest. Kevin said, “The business lacks free cash flow,” while Lori added, “I would buy a Wolf Coat, but I cannot invest.”
Mark Cuban suggested raising prices to improve profits. However, he also opted out, calling it “a niche market and not an investable business.”
Daymond John showed interest and offered $350,000 for 30% equity. Robert Herjavec, impressed by the product’s potential, countered with $350,000 for 25%.
Carlo negotiated down to 23%, which Robert accepted. With Robert’s background in scaling brands like Tipsy Elves, this partnership promised new growth opportunities for Wildcoat.
Wildcoat Shark Tank Update
The episode’s airing brought a wave of attention to Wildcoat. The brand’s website saw such heavy traffic that it temporarily slowed down.
This was a clear sign of heightened interest. Carlo celebrated the post-show success on social media, announcing that “Christmas orders were ready to ship.”
Since the show, Wildcoat has expanded its product line to include new coats and accessories like “The Claw Koozie, which keeps beverages cold.”
The brand also partnered with local non-profits to support animal welfare. This aligns well with its mission and values.
Future Plans
Wildcoat has ambitious goals for the future. Carlo plans to introduce lighter jackets for spring and expand the range of winter accessories. The company is also exploring partnerships with sports teams to broaden its audience.
To tackle marketing challenges, Wildcoat aims to
“focus on digital marketing to reduce acquisition costs while building brand loyalty.”
Hosting more events and collaborations will also strengthen the brand’s presence and drive sales.
Closing Remarks
Wildcoat has successfully brought innovation and personality to winter sports apparel. Challenges remain, but Carlo DiMeo’s creativity and Robert Herjavec’s support have positioned the brand for lasting success.
As Carlo says, “Despite being a niche product, Wildcoat has the potential to reach a wider audience.” With its growing inventory and dedicated fan base, Wildcoat is ready to bring warmth and fun to winter lovers everywhere.
We’re closely following the company to bring you valuable insights. Stay tuned for the latest updates on Wildcoat!
Feature Image Credit: @abc/@christopherwillard