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Boho Camper Vans, which made its appearance on Season 11 of Shark Tank, is a company that specializes in creating budget-friendly recreational vehicles (RVs) designed particularly for individuals new to the RV experience.
The company got its start as a small startup with the idea of making affordable camper vans accessible in the United States, a concept that was less prevalent when compared to the European market.
Boho Camper Vans are distinct in design and functionality, offering various sizes and styles to suit different needs and preferences. The camper vans are designed to cater to the need for an enjoyable, hassle-free road trip experience without necessitating substantial expenses.
With features like outdoor showers, LED lights, and AC outlets, these vans are designed for a comfortable and convenient on-the-road experience. They are an excellent choice for diverse activities ranging from a short two-week vacation or a surfing trip to a longer, extended road trip.
A critical aspect of Boho Camper Vans is its affordability compared to other players in the market. The brand was conceptualized as a budget-friendly alternative to pricier options such as Airstream, Mercedes, and Winnebago.
The price range varies based on the van’s style and conversion requirements, with options for purchasing used vans at even more competitive rates.
Furthermore, Boho Camper Vans offer the flexibility of renting the vans, a popular choice for those wishing to experience the van life without making a substantial investment. The rental costs are also significantly budget-friendly, especially for longer rental periods.
Boho Camper Vans, as featured on Shark Tank, provide an affordable, comfortable, and stress-free solution for those seeking to experience a road trip or the van lifestyle. The customizability, ease of use, affordability, and availability of both purchase and rental options make them great.
| Company Name | Boho Camper Vans |
| Founder | David Sodemann and Brett Ellenson |
| Product/Startup | Rental and sales of camper vans |
| Investment Seeking | $300,000 for 10% equity in Boho Camper Vans |
| Final Deal | $150,000 cash & $150,000 as a line of credit for 10% equity in Boho Camper Vans |
| Shark Who Invested | Barbara Corcoran |
| Boho Camper Vans Episode | Season 11, Episode 17 |
| Business Status | In Business |
| Boho Camper Vans Website | Visit Website |
What Is Boho Camper Vans?
Boho Camper Vans is a highly esteemed company specializing in designing, producing, and customizing high-quality camper vans tailored to suit the desires and preferences of individuals passionate about exploring the open road while enjoying the comforts of home.
The Boho Camper Vans combines functionality, aesthetic appeal, and environmental considerations to provide individuals with a unique and unforgettable experience through nature’s vast, sustainable, and environmentally friendly landscapes without compromising safety.
Boho Camper Vans offers a diverse selection of sophisticated camper van models that combine technological advancements and bohemian charm.
They are handcrafted and meticulously designed to provide their clients with the ultimate comfort and convenience during their travels, including spacious sleeping quarters, fully equipped kitchens, and ample storage space.
Furthermore, the company is steadfast in its commitment to environmental stewardship by integrating sustainable practices in every aspect of its operations. This includes using reclaimed or recycled materials for interior fittings and employing solar energy as a primary power source for their camper vans.
Boho Camper Vans are dedicated to providing a holistic solution for individuals seeking an exceptional and eco-friendly mode of transport that caters to their adventurous spirit while embracing a harmonious connection with the natural world.
Boho Camper Vans presents an exquisite range of bespoke and sustainable travel solutions for discerning adventurers, effectively redefining the boundaries of modern nomadic exploration.
Who Is The Founder Of Boho Camper Vans?
Boho Camper Vans was founded by David Sodemann and Brett Ellenson, two entrepreneurs passionate about promoting a more unconventional and adventurous lifestyle.
David and Brett conceived the idea for Boho Camper Vans to cater to individuals and couples who enjoy nomadic living or recreational trips but seek comfort and convenience in their travels.
They recognized that the standard camper vans lacked a certain aesthetic appeal and did not fully cater to those wishing to embrace a more bohemian lifestyle.
With this in mind, they began to design and build camper vans that were functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing. Their camper vans are distinct in design and features, with interiors made primarily of bamboo and other types of wood, offering a natural and inviting atmosphere.
Every Boho camper van has a 25-gallon water tank, an electric sink, an outdoor shower, and a 100-watt solar panel for power, catering to their users’ functional needs and comfort.
Before their appearance on Shark Tank, Boho Camper Vans was already successful and in high demand. Despite the logistical constraints of their operation, they managed to make significant profits in 2019.
By the time they were invited to the show, they had already sold 12 customized vans and had five fully-established camper vans in use. However, they realized the need to scale up their business to meet the increasing demand, which led them to seek investment in Shark Tank.
Despite their early success, their appearance on Shark Tank signified a major milestone in their journey and opened doors for further growth and expansion.
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of Boho Camper Vans?
The Shark Tank pitch by Boho Camper Vans, delivered by co-founders David Sodemann and Brett Ellenson, was a well-articulated presentation showcasing the company’s strong potential and unique selling proposition.
They were seeking an investment of $300,000 in exchange for 10% equity in their business, which focuses on selling and renting camper vans for recreational and residential purposes.
The co-founders started Boho Camper Vans after David rented a camper van in Maui and saw a gap in the US market for such a service. Their first van, which they rented out when not using it, was a success, leading to the realization that they needed more vans to cater to the demand.
They sourced used cargo vans, retrofitting them with amenities like running water, outdoor showers, and comprehensive storage systems. The Sharks, especially Lori Greiner, were impressed with the comfort and functionality of the vans.
Their business model proved profitable, with each van costing about $20,000 to retrofit but renting for $200 per night and paying for itself within approximately eight months of rentals.
Furthermore, some of the vans they sold were used as permanent residences, showing a diverse customer base. In the filming year, they had already earned $493,000 and were projected to reach $800,000 by the end of the year.
The main challenge they faced was manufacturing. They wanted to streamline their process through prefabrication, which would speed up conversions, a goal they believed could be achieved with the Shark’s investment.
The pitch garnered considerable interest from the Sharks. Guest Shark Rohan Oza was the first to offer $300,000 but wanted 25% equity in return.
Barbara Corcoran proposed a different kind of offer, presenting $150,000 in cash and $150,000 as a line of credit for 10% equity, essentially splitting their requested investment between cash and credit.
Kevin O’Leary offered them a loan of $300,000 at 9% interest over two years, with 7% equity in the business, while Lori Greiner offered $300,000 for 20% equity, with a condition to donate part of their revenue to people experiencing homelessness for every van sold.
Ultimately, the co-founders of Boho Camper Vans chose to go with Barbara Corcoran’s offer. They valued debt-free and appreciated that Barbara’s offer matched their original equity request, even if half of it was a line of credit.
Post-Shark Tank, the company has been performing well despite facing challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic. By 2021, they were on track to achieve over $2 million in sales, demonstrating the strength and viability of their business idea and their effective utilization of the investment secured during their Shark Tank pitch.
What Happened To Boho Camper Vans After Shark Tank?
After their appearance on Shark Tank, Boho Camper Vans experienced a significant uptick in their business, despite some challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Co-founders David Sodemann and Brett Ellenson secured a deal with Barbara Corcoran that provided them with an investment of $150,000 in cash and a $150,000 line of credit for 10% equity in the company.
This capital infusion helped them address their primary concern of scaling up their manufacturing process and meeting the growing demand for their unique camper vans.
According to an update provided during Season 12 of the show, despite rentals being hit due to the pandemic, the company had a strong year in terms of orders in 2020.
The ‘van life’ lifestyle, partly boosted by travel restrictions and people’s desire to escape urban lockdowns, significantly helped their business. The demand for their customized, multifunctional camper vans remained high, and they were on track to do over $2 million in sales in 2021.
The pandemic affected their business, but the founders adapted and recovered. People seeking safe and personal spaces for travel and vacationing outside their homes helped drive the company’s growth.
In terms of its social presence, the company continues to enjoy popularity, with prospective customers and fans following its new builds and programs on its website and social media platforms.
The overall outlook for Boho Camper Vans post-Shark Tank appears to be positive. The company survived a challenging market situation and managed to thrive, leveraging changing travel patterns and capitalizing on the growing popularity of the ‘van life’ trend.
This success can be attributed to the founders’ innovation, adaptability, and strategic use of the investment and mentorship received from Shark Tank.
Boho Camper Vans Shark Tank Update
After appearing on Shark Tank, Boho Camper Vans, a camper van sales and rental company, experienced positive growth and thrived in the market. During their appearance on Shark Tank, Boho Camper Vans showcased their camper van called the “Houston,” built on the chassis of a 2008 Ford E-350.
The founders, Brett Ellenson and David Sodemann, initially applied for the show as a joke but took it seriously as they progressed. They secured a deal with Barbara Corcoran, who offered $150,000 cash upfront and a $150,000 line of credit for a 10% stake in the company.
Boho Camper Vans projected sales of $800,000 for 2020 and $1.9 million for 2021. The camper van featured various amenities, including a bed, kitchen, outdoor table, storage units, and shower.
The final build of the van aimed to resemble a “tiny home” with wood-stained red cedar paneling, a slide-out table, a sink, storage cabinets, and a 25-gallon water tank1.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Boho Camper Vans managed to do well and exceeded expectations. The company is expected to generate over $2 million in sales in 2021.
They rented out their camper vans for $200 a night and sold vans, with half of them serving as permanent residences2. The vans were designed to cater to the rising popularity of the “van life” lifestyle, offering amenities such as running water, outdoor showers, and storage systems.
Boho Camper Vans stood out due to their functionality and aesthetic appeal. The vans featured a 25-gallon water tank, a 100-watt solar panel, memory foam beds, LED lights, and a well-equipped kitchenette with a refrigerator and pantry.
The company provides customizable and multi-purpose camper vans for travel and camping, offering comfort and ample storage space. Boho Camper Vans received an investment from Barbara Corcoran and continued to experience growth in their sales and rental business.
They focused on providing functional and aesthetically pleasing camper vans, catering to the needs of camping and adventure enthusiasts. Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, the company thrived and projected strong sales figures, showcasing its success in the market.
Is Boho Camper Vans Still In Business?
Yes, Boho Camper Vans is still in business as of 2023. They are a camper van conversion company that builds, rents, and sells camper vans. They are based in Tempe, Arizona, and have been in business since 2014.
The company appeared on the reality TV show Shark Tank in 2015, receiving an investment from Barbara Corcoran. Boho Camper Vans has been growing steadily in recent years.
In 2020, they were forced to close their rental business due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but their sales business continued to grow. In 2021, they reopened their rental business and were on track to have their best year.
The company’s website is www.boho.life, and you can also find them on social media at @bohocampervans on Instagram and @bohocampervans on Facebook.
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What Is the Net Worth Of Boho Camper Vans?
The net worth of Boho Camper Vans is estimated to be $25 million as of 2023. This is based on the company’s annual revenue of $7 million, which has grown steadily in recent years. Boho Camper Vans is one of the few companies from Shark Tank that survived the Covid Lockdown and became highly successful after that.
The company was founded in 2016 by David Sodemann and his wife, Jennifer, in Phoenix, Arizona. They started the company to make camper vans more affordable and accessible to a wider range of people.
Boho Camper Vans offers a variety of vans for sale and a rental fleet. The company also offers custom van conversions, so customers can choose the features and layout that best suit their needs.
Boho Camper Vans has been featured in several publications, including The New York Times, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal. Celebrities such as Justin Bieber and Ellen DeGeneres have also praised the company.
In 2019, Boho Camper Vans appeared on the popular TV show Shark Tank. The company founders pitched their business to the Sharks, and they eventually received a $300,000 investment from Barbara Corcoran in exchange for a 10% stake in the company.
Since appearing on Shark Tank, Boho Camper Vans has continued to grow and expand. The company now has over 50 employees and a network of dealers across the United States. Boho Camper Vans is well-positioned for continued growth in the years to come.
