In Season 14 of Shark Tank, entrepreneur and comedian Jason Horton brought his creative party game, Influencers In The Wild, to the tank. This hilarious card game, inspired by the popular Instagram account of the same name, pokes fun at the often outrageous behavior of social media influencers. The game challenges players to compete in a series of over-the-top influencer-style scenarios, from taking selfies in ridiculous situations to creating viral content.
But how did this viral game fare on Shark Tank, and what has happened since? Here’s an update on the progress of Influencers In The Wild: The Game following its appearance on the show.
The Shark Tank Pitch
Jason entered the tank seeking $500,000 for 10% equity, valuing his game at $5 million. His pitch was filled with humor and excitement, drawing the Sharks in with his personality and the game’s hilarious concept. He explained that the game was designed to capitalize on the growing influencer culture while allowing people to make fun of it in a lighthearted way.
The game had already gained significant traction online, largely thanks to the Influencers In The Wild Instagram account, which had millions of followers. The Instagram page, known for posting photos and videos of influencers doing outrageous things for content, had a built-in fanbase that translated well to the board game.
However, the Sharks had concerns about the sustainability of the business and its reliance on the viral nature of the influencer trend. While some Sharks appreciated the humor and unique appeal, they were unsure if it would have lasting power in a rapidly changing market.
In the end, none of the Sharks made an offer, and Jason left the tank without a deal. But that didn’t stop Influencers In The Wild: The Game from continuing its upward trajectory.
Post-Shark Tank Success
Despite not securing an investment from the Sharks, Influencers In The Wild: The Game has thrived post-Shark Tank. Here’s what’s happened since the show aired:
- Sales Spike: Like many products featured on Shark Tank, the exposure led to a massive surge in sales. Fans of the game flocked to the website to make purchases, helping it gain momentum in the crowded party game market.
- Partnership Opportunities: Even though the Sharks didn’t invest, Jason Horton’s game caught the attention of influencers and content creators alike. Partnerships with well-known social media personalities helped the game reach new audiences, keeping it relevant and in demand.
- Retail Expansion: After the Shark Tank episode aired, Influencers In The Wild: The Game landed deals with several retailers. The game is now available both online and in physical stores, making it easier for fans to get their hands on it.
- Social Media Buzz: The game continues to generate buzz on social media, with players sharing their hilarious experiences and challenges. This has created a viral loop where fans of the Instagram account become players of the game, and vice versa.
- New Editions and Expansions: To keep up with demand and ensure longevity, Jason has started working on expansion packs and limited editions of the game, ensuring that players always have fresh content to enjoy.
Lessons from Influencers In The Wild
The journey of Influencers In The Wild: The Game offers several lessons for entrepreneurs:
- Leverage Your Audience: Jason’s success stemmed from the massive following of the Influencers In The Wild Instagram account. By understanding his audience and creating a product tailored to them, he ensured the game would resonate with fans right out of the gate.
- Stay True to Your Brand: Despite the Sharks passing on the deal, Jason stuck with his vision. He understood that his game tapped into a unique cultural phenomenon and knew it would continue to grow. Staying authentic to your brand, even in the face of rejection, can lead to long-term success.
- Adapt and Expand: While the game started with a single edition, Jason has continued to innovate by creating new content and expansions. Adapting to customer feedback and trends has kept the game fresh and engaging.
What’s Next for Influencers In The Wild?
Looking ahead, Influencers In The Wild: The Game shows no signs of slowing down. The team is working on more influencer-themed challenges and expansions to keep the momentum going. There are also talks of collaborations with major brands and content creators, which could help the game reach even more households.
Though the company didn’t secure a Shark Tank deal, its viral nature, combined with smart marketing and a strong fanbase, has made Influencers In The Wild: The Game a success in the party game industry. Jason Horton’s journey is a testament to the power of knowing your audience and sticking with your vision, even when traditional investors don’t see the potential.