In the exhilarating world of entrepreneurship, few moments can kindle hope and amp up anticipation as appearing on Shark Tank. Although exact numbers are difficult to come by, according to an article in USA Today, each season, between 35,000 and 40,000 entrepreneurs apply to pitch their businesses to the panel of venture capitalists and fewer than 100 hopefuls make it to air. It's a make-or-break moment where dreams collide with reality, and for Steve, founder of The Peep Show, "it was a years-long journey of watching 'the little birdhouse that could' garner attention, accolades, and finally the full attention of the Sharks."
"I was asked recently if getting onto Shark Tank was part of a master business plan. Heck no...with odds like this I didn't even think for a second that it would be a possibility."
So with the odds stacked against The Peep Show, imagine the excitement when Steve got the call to pitch his creation on Shark Tank. It was a chance to secure the funding needed to take The Peep Show to new heights, to bring his vision to life on a grander scale. "Since the show aired, it is no longer a secret that I did not get a deal, but there is no way I could possibly be disappointed... this was an incredible journey—a truly once in a lifetime experience and I am so appreciative of having done this." Steve adds, "it was a lot of work auditioning and preparing for the show, and everyone I worked with was so incredibly professional—and wonderfully nice. I have only positive things to say about this entire journey."
Building a Business in Public.
Some have seen this as a setback, a reason to lose focus. But not Steve. Instead, he did what successful entrepreneurs do—Steve has chosen to consider this post-Shark chapter as an opportunity to do something extraordinary—to go all in and build his company in public. What does Build in Public (BIP) mean, you ask? It means inviting people like you to join us on this endeavor, to be a part of The Peep Show's story from the ground up. Steve is committing himself to transparency, open to sharing milestones, insights and setbacks, welcoming feedback from our customers and incorporating it into the product development process. As we learn from each other, we aim to foster a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for innovation and sustainability--and love of birds.
We're used to seeing companies launch with big funding rounds and flashy marketing campaigns. But there's something special about being a part of a grassroots movement, about knowing that your support is helping to bring an entrepreneur's vision to life. You're not just pre-ordering a birdhouse; you're investing in innovation, in the quest to use recyclable materials to provide a safe haven for our feathered friends and to appreciate them more unobtrusively than we could in the past.
"These birdhouses you find in the big box stores are too often built for profits and not built for a bird's wellbeing."
If it worth doing, it's worth doing well.
Since the show aired, orders at ThePeepShow.com have been pouring in. Granted, it might mean waiting a few months for your hand-assembled Peep Show to arrive. But isn't that part of the magic? Supporting a start-up is not a flippant move, but a deliberate choice; quality takes time. The ubiquitous “A. dot com” or a big box store can ship you a dozen cheaply birdhouses made in a foreign country by underpaid workers and under regulated factories with dubious environmental standards. The Peep Show aims for excellence at every step of the fulfillment process, from sourcing environmentally friendly materials to treating our employees fairly, to minimizing our carbon footprint by using recyclable bioplastics and high tech 3D printing. When your Peep Show arrives, you’ll see for yourself what good can happen when ethical passion meets perseverance.
Every time you check on the brood nesting in your Peep Show, you'll know that you played a part in bringing a dream to life. Every time you share your excitement with friends and family, you'll be spreading the word about a company that's doing things differently.
Marine biologists tell us that sharks may dominate the sea as apex predators, but the collective power, adaptability, and cooperative behaviors of thousands of tiny fish are what keep marine ecosystems thriving. Collaboration is key. Together, we can make The Peep Show not just another Seattle start-up, but a beacon of hope for thousands of socially conscious entrepreneurs—our kindred tiny fish in the sea. And that’s something to tweet about.
Steve is rightfully proud of his baby. The Peep Show is not just any birdhouse; it's a thoughtful marvel of design and innovation that has already garnered attention far and wide, even earning the prestigious Red Dot Design Award that recognizes excellence in product concept and execution. With its sleek lines, sustainable materials, and adaptable video camera mount, The Peep Show offers an elegant way to interact with nature right from our own backyards.