Did BatBnB Go Out of Business? Shark Tank Update, Net Worth & Sales
The idea of inviting a thousand winged mammals into your backyard sounds like a scene from a horror flick, yet BatBnB turned it into a high-end lifestyle brand.
When the founders pitched a designer home for bats to combat mosquitoes, the Sharks were skeptical, until they saw the numbers.
The Bottom Line (Executive Summary)
- Current Status: Active and thriving.
- Current Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $3 million to $5 million.
- The Big Pivot: Expanded beyond bats into the BirdBnB market and a full suite of conservation-focused garden accessories.
What is BatBnB?
BatBnB designs and manufactures high-quality, architecturally pleasing bat houses intended to act as a natural pest control solution for residential backyards. By providing a safe habitat for bats, homeowners can reduce mosquito populations without resorting to chemical pesticides.
Product Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
| Industry | Home & Garden / Pest Control |
| Founder(s) | Christopher Rännefors & Harrison Broadhurst |
| Core Product | Sustainably sourced cedar bat houses |
| Retail Price | $239 (Standard units) |
| Target Audience | Eco-conscious homeowners & gardeners |
The Founders Behind BatBnB
Christopher Rännefors and Harrison Broadhurst didn’t start as bat experts; they started as frustrated homeowners. While living in a buggy area, they realized that traditional bat houses were either eyesores or poorly designed for the actual needs of bats.
Rännefors, a University of Virginia alumnus, teamed up with Broadhurst to merge high-end aesthetics with biological functionality.
They collaborated with Merlin Tuttle, the world’s leading bat conservationist, to ensure their units actually worked. This wasn’t just a craft project; it was a scientifically-backed attempt to solve a global pest problem.
BatBnB’s Shark Tank Pitch & Deal
The founders entered the Tank during Season 10, bringing a sleek, modern aesthetic to a category typically dominated by DIY plywood boxes.
While most Sharks were wary of the “niche” nature of the product, Kevin O’Leary, self-proclaimed “Mr. Wonderful”, found a personal connection, reminiscing about bats he encountered during his youth.
Pitch & Offers Table
| Detail | Pitch Statistics |
| Season/Episode | Season 10, Episode 21 |
| Initial Ask & Valuation | $100,000 for 16% ($625k Valuation) |
| Sharks Present | Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John, Kevin O’Leary |
| Notable Offers | Kevin O’Leary: $100,000 for 33.3% |
| Final On-Air Deal | $100,000 for 33.3% |
Did the BatBnB Deal Actually Close?
This is where the trail gets murky, as is common in the Shark Tank universe. After the cameras stopped rolling, reports emerged that the deal with Kevin O’Leary did not officially close in its original form.
Due diligence often reveals logistical hurdles or disagreements over the aggressive 33.3% equity stake. However, the “Shark Tank Effect” was more than enough to propel the brand.
Despite the lack of a finalized check from O’Leary, the founders maintained a friendly relationship with the Shark, leveraging the televised endorsement to secure features in Forbes 30 Under 30 and Innovation Nation.
BatBnB After Shark Tank: The Current Update
Fast forward to today, and BatBnB has transformed from a single-product hobby into a legitimate outdoor brand. They didn’t just stop at bats.
Recognizing that their customer base loved backyard wildlife, they launched BirdBnB, a line of high-end songbird houses that match the aesthetic of their original line.
As of today, the company has reportedly housed over 600,000 bats across North America. They have also leaned heavily into the “lifestyle” aspect of the brand, selling:
- Bat detectors (high-tech gadgets to hear bat sonar).
- Educational books and signs.
- Branded apparel and plush toys.
Their retail strategy remains largely Direct-to-Consumer (DTC), which has allowed them to maintain high margins on their $239 premium units despite rising lumber costs.
What is the Net Worth and Valuation of BatBnB?
While BatBnB is a private entity and doesn’t release audited filings, we can estimate its standing based on growth trajectories and retail volume.
- Lifetime Sales: Surpassed $5 million by the end of 2025.
- Annual Revenue: Currently estimated between $800,000 and $1.2 million.
- Estimated 2026 Valuation: Given their brand equity and expansion into birding, the company is valued at roughly $3.5 million.
The founders have successfully avoided the “growth at all costs” trap, opting instead for a sustainable, high-margin business model that prioritizes product quality over mass-market saturation.
Is BatBnB Still in Business?
Yes. BatBnB is fully operational. Their website is active, they are shipping products daily, and they continue to engage a large community of “bat lovers” via social media.
Unlike many Shark Tank companies that vanish after the initial hype, BatBnB has found a permanent perch in the eco-friendly home niche.
Where to Buy BatBnB?
If you’re looking to upgrade your backyard’s pest defense, the best place to buy is directly from the BatBnB official website. This ensures you receive the latest models (like the Seneca, Meramec, or Carlsbad designs) and the full mounting hardware kit.
While they occasionally appear on third-party marketplaces like Amazon, the founders emphasize buying direct to support their conservation efforts and to ensure the units are made from sustainably sourced Western Red Cedar.
Top BatBnB Alternatives
While BatBnB is the “Rolls Royce” of bat houses, has seen a few competitors emerge:
- Big Bat Box: A more utilitarian, budget-friendly option for farmers.
- Audubon Luxury Bat Houses: Often found in high-end garden centers, though lacking the modern “furniture” look of BatBnB.
- DIY Kits: Many eco-enthusiasts still opt for building their own using plans provided by organizations like Bat Conservation International.
