Children are overflowing with creativity and you want to do everything you can to encourage that. Childhood drawings become treasured keepsakes and cherished memories. Now you can turn your child’s artwork into reality, by having it made into a custom plush stuffed animal by Budsies. Just upload your child’s masterpiece to the Budsies website. Their team of artists will hand make your unique creation using high quality, hypo-allergenic materials and send it to your door. Your child will be overjoyed when they see their imagination has come to life. A Budsies custom plush friend will become a favorite toy and a tangible memory.
They can also make huggable plush versions of any selfie you send them, so it’s a fun gift for adults too. But don’t stop there, you can get a plush version of your pet as well – Budsies can plushify anything!
Budsies is also a company that gives back, so when you buy your Budsies you are helping them donate plush friends to low income families, children going through cancer treatment, and children with disabilities. Everyone wins and it’s a really fun process for you and your kids. To get the magic started check out the Budsies website.
Budsies in the Shark Tank
Alex Furmansky, the entrepreneur behind Budsies, presented his company on Shark Tank during Season 6, Episode 24. He sought an investment of $100,000 for a 5% equity stake in his business, which turns children’s artwork into custom stuffed toys. The cost to make a single toy was $35, and they were sold for $69. In the first seven months before filming, Budsies sold about 2,000 units, bringing in $94,000 in revenue. However, the sharks raised concerns about the scalability and uniqueness of the business.
Mark Cuban was the first to drop out, citing the business’s potential for duplication. Lori Greiner followed, questioning the scalability of the venture. Kevin O’Leary (Mr. Wonderful) offered $100,000 for a 50% stake, on the condition that Alex raised his prices. Robert Herjavec dropped out next, unsure of the company’s future vision. Daymond John made a slightly more competitive offer of $100,000 for 40% equity. However, Alex declined both offers, leaving without a deal. He believed that he needed more money for a higher percentage of equity. This decision led Kevin O’Leary to remark, “your deadsie to me”​​​​​​.
Alex’s pitch highlighted the unique concept of his business, the sales achieved in a relatively short time, and the future potential for expansion, especially through the addition of pet and human replicas. However, the sharks’ concerns and the negotiations’ outcomes ultimately led to no deal being made.
| Entrepreneur | Alex Furmansky |
| Ask | $100,000 for 5% equity |
| Result | No deal |
| Sharks’ Concerns | Scalability, Duplicability |
| Offers Made | Kevin O’Leary: $100,000 for 50%; Daymond John: $100,000 for 40% |
Budsies After Shark Tank
After appearing on Shark Tank in 2015, Budsies continued to grow and evolve despite not securing a deal. As of November 2023, the company’s net worth is estimated at $2 million, with the same amount in annual revenue. This growth indicates the business’s resilience and success post-show.
Budsies expanded their product range to include Selfie dolls, puppets, photo pillows, and stuffed animals created from advanced illustrations from books, graphic novels, and manga. They also launched Petsies, a new brand focused on creating stuffed animals resembling customers’ pets, featuring detailed airbrushing. This expansion demonstrates the company’s adaptability and innovation in broadening their market.
In March 2021, Alex Furmansky stepped down as CEO, and Scott Meier took over the role. Budsies has maintained a significant customer base, evident from the positive reviews on their website and social media feeds. They have also been involved in charitable activities, such as working with children’s hospitals to provide toys to kids with cancer, and received an endorsement from Walt Disney for their Pete’s Dragon plush dolls.
By 2023, Budsies had customized over 200,000 plush toys, showcasing the extensive reach and popularity of their products. This achievement reflects the company’s ability to fulfill a niche demand in the market for personalized plush toys​​​​​​​​​​.
