Table of Contents
- What Is Expedition Subsahara?
- Who Is The Founder Of Expedition Subsahara?
- How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of Expedition Subsahara?
- Did Expedition Subsahara Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
- What Happened To Expedition Subsahara After Shark Tank?
- Expedition Subsahara Shark Tank Update
- Is Expedition Subsahara Still In Business?
- What Is the Net Worth Of Expedition Subsahara?
Expedition Subsahara is a business that appeared in episode 04 of Season 14 of Shark Tank. They offer a wide range of hand-woven African baskets and home decor items, each crafted with great care and attention to detail by African artisans, particularly in Senegal.
These beautiful products not only showcase the artistry and craftsmanship of African culture but also provide sustainable income opportunities for women in the region.
Expedition SubSahara’s direct-to-consumer business model makes it unique. By eliminating middlemen, they ensure fair prices for their products and maximize profits for the artisans themselves.
Their website features a diverse selection of colorful woven baskets and intricate jewelry pieces that serve as more than just merchandise. Each item tells a story, representing tradition, culture, and livelihood.
Expedition Subsahara’s business is based on transparency and social impact. They maintain open communication with customers, sharing where their money goes when they make a purchase.
Additionally, a portion of every sale is dedicated to building schools in Senegal, contributing to education and community development.
Expedition Subsahara’s products are not only visually appealing but also appeal to conscious consumers who want their purchases to make a positive difference. The company has been thriving, with increasing online sales every year.
Their commitment to their mission and the support they provide to African artisans have garnered positive reviews and feedback on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
Expedition Subsahara offers high-quality hand-woven African baskets and home decor items that empower women artisans in Senegal. Their direct-to-consumer model ensures fair prices and maximum profit for the artisans.
With transparency and social impact at the core of their business, they contribute to education and community development in Senegal.
Expedition SubSahara’s increased sales and support for artisans make them an excellent choice for conscious consumers looking for culturally rich pieces while supporting a meaningful cause.
| Information | Answer |
| Company Name | Expedition Subsahara |
| Founder | Sofi Seck |
| Product | An African-inspired brand of home decor |
| Investment Seeking | $500K for a 10% Equity |
| Final Deal Accepted | No Deals |
| Episode | Season 14, Episode 04 |
| Business Status | In Business |
| Website | Visit Website |
| Net Worth | $6 million (estimated) |
What Is Expedition Subsahara?
Expedition Subsahara is a brand that specializes in African baskets and home decor, showcasing the rich tradition of African craftsmanship. Their products are handmade using techniques that have been passed down through generations, reflecting the exceptional skills and creativity of African artisans.
Expedition Subsahara aims to honor and celebrate the vibrant and culturally diverse continent of Africa by offering unique and high-quality goods. Their collection includes lidded baskets, storage baskets, wall baskets, coasters, placemats, and other kitchen essentials. Each item combines art and function, adding a touch of African style to your living space.
The brand takes pride in offering handcrafted products that are not only functional but also serve as beautiful pieces of art. From the Aminata Shopper to the Habiba Wall Basket, their best-selling items showcase the beauty and craftsmanship of African design.
Expedition Subsahara’s commitment to preserving African traditions goes beyond its products. They also share the stories and experiences of the artisans they work with, allowing customers to connect with the culture and history behind each piece.
You’ll find a wide range of handcrafted products from Expedition Subsahara that blend tradition, beauty, and functionality to create the perfect gift or addition to your home.
Who Is The Founder Of Expedition Subsahara?
Sofi Seck, a Senegalese entrepreneur with a passion for African craftsmanship and empowering young girls and women, founded the Subsahara expedition. Sofi was born and raised in Senegal, where weaving is a foundational skill passed down through generations.
She immigrated to the United States to pursue higher education and was surprised to find that many people had misconceptions about Africa and its people, associating it with poverty and deprivation.
Sofi founded Expedition Sub-Sahara to showcase African craftsmanship and challenge stereotypes. She works with 120 Senegalese weavers to create handcrafted African baskets and home décor items, ranging from storage baskets to vases and coasters.
These products not only serve a functional purpose but also embody the rich cultural heritage of Africa.
Furthermore, Sofi has a vision of providing education to young girls and women to become future leaders. She aims to establish a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) school for girls in Senegal.
Once Expedition Subsahara is financially stable, a portion of its sales will be used to fund the construction and operation of this school.
Before appearing on Shark Tank, Expedition Subsahara had already established itself as a brand committed to preserving African craftsmanship and empowering communities.
Sofi’s background and upbringing in Senegal played a crucial role in conceiving the idea for Expedition Subsahara.
Her personal experience of witnessing the misconceptions about Africa fueled her determination to showcase the true beauty and talent of the continent.
Sofi Seck is an advocate for African craftsmanship, cultural preservation, and women’s education thanks to her entrepreneurial journey and creation of Expedition SubSahara.
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of Expedition Subsahara?
During the Shark Tank pitch, Sofi Seck presented her business, Expedition Subsahara, which specializes in decorative baskets. Sofi was seeking a $500,000 investment in exchange for a 10% equity stake in her company.
Sofi explained that an average-sized basket from Expedition Subsahara costs around $18 to produce and can be sold for approximately $50.
The majority of their sales are conducted online, and the company generated $900,000 in sales during the current calendar year.
However, in the previous year, they had gross sales of $1.6 million but only managed to profit around $75,000 due to high customer acquisition costs.
Kevin O’Leary and Lori Greiner both dropped out of the deal due to the significant amount of money required and the lack of profitability.
Mark Cuban and Robert Herjavec also didn’t see a viable path to recoup their investment.
Daymond John decided not to make an offer, resulting in Sofi leaving Shark Tank without securing a deal.
Despite not receiving an investment from the Sharks, Sofi expressed her determination to get her baskets into retail stores independently. She also mentioned that a list of trending products from Expedition Subsahara is available on their website.
Here is a table summarizing the Sharks’ responses and offers:
| Shark | Investment Offered | Counter Offer by Founders | Final Deal |
| Kevin O’Leary | None | – | – |
| Lori Greiner | None | – | – |
| Mark Cuban | None | – | – |
| Robert Herjavec | None | – | – |
| Daymond John | None | – | – |
In conclusion, Sofi Seck and Expedition Subsahara did not secure a deal with any of the Sharks on Shark Tank. However, despite this setback, Sofi remains determined to expand her business and explore other investment opportunities outside of the show.
Did Expedition Subsahara Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
Expedition Subsahara, a Senegal-focused African traditional craft basket and home decor brand, appeared on Shark Tank Season 14 Episode 4.
The founder, Sofi Seck, asked for a $500,000 investment in exchange for a 10% equity stake, valuing the company at $5 million. However, Expedition Subsahara did not secure a deal with any of the Sharks.
Despite not receiving an investment in the show, Expedition Subsahara has continued to thrive in the market. The brand sells a variety of handmade products that showcase the art and culture of Senegal, including baskets, kitchen decor, and room decor.
Expedition Subsahara’s products are made from natural materials such as colorful fiber, grass, and recycled plastic.
What Happened To Expedition Subsahara After Shark Tank?
Expedition Subsahara, a business founded by Sofi Seck, appeared on the TV show “Shark Tank” in 2022. Seck, originally from Senegal, aimed to showcase the true story of African craftsmanship through her hand-woven baskets made by weavers from Senegal.
Despite the positive reception of the product and Seck’s mission, Expedition Subsahara did not receive an investment offer from the Sharks due to tight profit margins.
However, the exposure from “Shark Tank” proved beneficial for the business. After the episode aired, Expedition Subsahara experienced increased sales and website traffic.
Seck remained committed to her business model, which pays weavers a set rate rather than per item crafted in order to provide a living wage for her community.
Since its appearance on the show, Expedition Subsahara has expanded its product line to include placemats, coasters, vases, fans, bowls, small bags, wall decorations, and hand-carved wooden products like stools and sculptures.
These items are available for purchase on the company’s website, with prices ranging from $35 to over $200. Seck’s plans for Expedition Subsahara include seeking retail store partnerships and providing more job opportunities for women in Senegal.
Notably, she aims to use profits from the business to fund the construction of a school for girls in Senegal. The school will focus on STEM education, aiming to empower young women and create positive change not only in Senegal but globally.
In summary, despite not securing an investment in Shark Tank, Expedition Subsahara experienced increased sales and expanded its product line.
Sofi Seck remains dedicated to her mission of showcasing African craftsmanship, providing a living wage for her community, and supporting education for girls in Senegal.
Expedition Subsahara Shark Tank Update
After appearing on Shark Tank, Expedition Subsahara faced some challenges but managed to thrive and grow its business. Despite not securing a deal on the show, Sofi Seck, the founder of Expedition Subsahara, received support from Shark Tank fans and continued to generate strong sales online.
Following the Shark Tank appearance, Expedition Subsahara focused on reducing paid marketing costs and expanding its range of products.
Currently, the company sells a variety of hand-crafted home decorations inspired by Africa, including baskets, vases, coasters, trays, and more. These products are available for purchase on their website, ExpeditionSubsahara.com.
Despite the setback on Shark Tank, Expedition Subsahara experienced significant growth. In 2022, the company made over $1 million in sales and is currently estimated to be worth $3 million. The business continues to receive publicity and attract interest from potential investors.
Furthermore, Sofi Seck remains dedicated to her mission of giving back to her homeland. When she started Expedition Subsahara, she pledged to donate 20% of her revenue to building a STEAM school for girls in Senegal. Sofi plans to fulfill this commitment by opening a girls’ school in Senegal in the future.
In summary, although Expedition Subsahara did not secure a deal on Shark Tank, the business persevered and experienced growth. Through strong online sales, expanding product range, and continued support from fans and potential investors, Expedition Subsahara remains committed to its mission and plans for future expansion.
Is Expedition Subsahara Still In Business?
Yes, Expedition SubSahara is still in business. The company, founded by Sofi Seck, produces and sells handmade baskets and other handmade products, including coasters, necklaces, shoppers, and placemats.
Each product is meticulously handwoven using sweetgrass and colorful fibers, following an authentic weaving pattern that mirrors the style of the Wolof Tribe in Senegal.
Expedition SubSahara’s products can be purchased exclusively on their website, with prices ranging from $29 for smaller objects to about $200 for large baskets.
In addition to running her business, Sofi Seck is also dedicated to giving back to her community. She sets aside 20% of her yearly proceeds or $50,000 (whichever is higher) as funds to build a STEAM School for girls in Senegal.
Her goal is to raise around $300,000 for this initiative. Expedition SubSahara’s commitment to preserving traditional craftsmanship and supporting education makes it a unique and inspiring brand.
What Is the Net Worth Of Expedition Subsahara?
According to our research, Expedition Subsahara’s net worth is estimated at $6 million. The valuation of Expedition Subsahara was $5 million when it appeared on Shark Tank.
Also, read about other businesses that appeared in episode 04 of season 14 of Shark Tank:
