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PinBlock is a creative building toy featured in Season 8 of Shark Tank that allows children to use interlocking blocks to unleash their imagination and build structures. The blocks are durable plastic and come in various shapes and sizes.
You can use them to build anything from simple towers to complex robots. PinBlock is a great toy for children of all ages, and it can help them develop their creativity and problem-solving skills.
The blocks are uniquely designed to resemble pins, which can be easily connected to create complex shapes and designs. PinBlock is a great choice for several reasons. It promotes open-ended play, allowing kids to explore their creativity and problem-solving skills.
PinBlock offers endless possibilities for building, enabling children to construct anything they can imagine. The blocks are made from high-quality, safe materials for kids to play with.
PinBlock is entertaining and educational, enhancing fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and cognitive abilities. With its versatility and durability, PinBlock is a fantastic option for children who love to build and create.
| Company Name | PinBlock |
| Founder | Vladislav Smolyanskyy |
| Business | Building block set for toys |
| Investment Seeking | $100,000 for 20% equity in PinBlock |
| Final Deal | $100,000 for 50% equity in PinBlock |
| Shark | Kevin O’Leary |
| PinBlock Episode | Season 8, Episode 13 |
| PinBlock Business Status | In Business |
| PinBlock Website | Visit Website |
| PinBlock Net Worth | $1.5 Million |
What Is PinBlock?
PinBlock is a building toy with interlocking blocks with a unique pin-like design. The blocks have multiple pins on their surfaces, so they can be connected in several ways. The pins securely lock the blocks, enabling children to build complex structures and designs.
PinBlock is known for its versatility. The blocks can be arranged and connected in countless ways, allowing children to create anything imaginable. PinBlock offers endless possibilities for creating anything from simple towers to detailed sculptures.
PinBlock toy promotes open-ended play, encouraging children to think creatively and problem-solve. Kids learn critical thinking skills and how to overcome challenges by combining blocks differently. They can explore balance, symmetry, and spatial relationships while constructing their creations.
PinBlock is also great for parents and caregivers looking for a safe and durable toy. The blocks are made from high-quality materials free of harmful chemicals, ensuring the safety of young users. The interlocking mechanism is strong and reliable, allowing structures to stay intact during play.
PinBlock offers educational benefits. Children manipulating the blocks enhance their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. PinBlock stimulates spatial awareness and cognitive development. It fosters creativity and imagination as kids transform their ideas into tangible structures.
PinBlock is a building toy that provides children with limitless opportunities for creative expression. Its unique pin-like design allows for versatile construction, while its safe and durable materials make it a reliable choice for parents.
The educational benefits of PinBlock and its open-ended play potential make it a great choice for imaginative kids who love to build and imagine.
Who Is The Founder Of PinBlock?
The founder of PinBlock is Vladislav Smolyanskyy, an entrepreneur originally from Kyiv, Ukraine, who later moved to Brooklyn, New York. Vladislav, or Vlad as he is often referred to, grew up with a deep curiosity that often saw him disassembling things around him, even if he couldn’t always reassemble them.
His early life was marked by hardship, losing his father at a young age, leading to a significant loss for his family. His family eventually migrated to New York, following his grandparents, who had moved there earlier.
Vlad lived with his grandparents and mother in a one-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn. Despite not having a formal office, he pursued his entrepreneurial dreams and was inspired to start his business to support his mother.
The challenges of their transition to a new life in Brooklyn and losing his father fueled Vlad’s ambition to succeed.
The idea for PinBlock was born out of Vlad’s desire to inspire creativity in children, much like his own childhood experiences. He wanted to create a toy that combined learning and play, and thus, PinBlock was conceived.
PinBlock is a building block toy where every block looks the same and can be assembled in various ways, allowing for greater creative expression than traditional blocks.
Before appearing on Shark Tank, Vlad had primarily worked out of local cafes and his apartment, dedicating himself to bringing his vision to life.
He is motivated to create a successful business and provide children with an avenue for creative expression, fostering self-exploration and self-development.
His dedication and belief in his product eventually led him to the stage of Shark Tank, where he sought investment to grow and expand PinBlock.
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of PinBlock?
The Shark Tank pitch of PinBlock was an intriguing one. Vladislav Smolyanskyy, the founder of PinBlock, walked onto the stage of Shark Tank to present his product – a toy building block set different from traditional options on the market.
Vlad was seeking an investment of $100,000 in exchange for a 20% stake in his company, valuing the company at $500,000. Vlad discussed how PinBlocks differed from other building blocks in his presentation.
Unlike traditional blocks, all blocks were the same shape with pivot points, thus allowing children to create 3D models and other creative designs. To support users, Vladislav also created various tutorials on how to use these block toys.
Vladislav’s story of being a Ukrainian immigrant and having sold more than $160,000 of PinBlocks left a positive impression on the Sharks. However, regarding the deal-making stage, the Sharks had varying perspectives.
Having prior experience in the toy industry, Kevin O’Leary was quick to make an offer. He proposed $100,000 for a 30% stake in PinBlock, provided Vladislav was open to partnering with a larger toy company. This proposition was against Vlad’s original plan of growing PinBlock into a large independent brand.
Upon hearing Kevin’s offer, Barbara Corcoran, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, and Mark Cuban bowed out one after another. Seeing no competition left, Kevin upped the ante, changing his offer to $100,000 for a 50% stake. After some consideration, Vladislav decided to take Kevin’s offer.
Following their Shark Tank episode, Vladislav reported an influx of orders which the company found challenging to keep up with. Despite having plans for new sets, Vladislav had to personally redesign all of the company’s sets from scratch, resulting in a lull in updates from the company.
Although the PinBlock website is still operational, there hasn’t been any activity on their social media for years, indicating some uncertainty about the company’s current status.
What Happened To PinBlock After Shark Tank?
After PinBlock’s appearance on Shark Tank and the subsequent deal with Kevin O’Leary, the company initially saw a surge in orders. This influx reportedly created operational difficulties, with the company struggling to meet the demand.
In response to these challenges, Vladislav Smolyanskyy, the founder of PinBlock, embarked on an ambitious task of redesigning all of the company’s sets from scratch.
This was presumably to streamline production and improve the overall quality of the sets, but the process took significant time and resources.
Sadly, there has been minimal communication from Vladislav and the PinBlock company following this redesign. The company’s social media pages have not been updated for several years. This lack of activity has raised questions about the company’s current and future status.
However, the PinBlock website remains functional, and customers can purchase sets online. Despite this, due to the absence of recent updates or communications from the company, potential buyers are advised to proceed cautiously.
PinBlock Shark Tank Update
After PinBlock’s appearance on Shark Tank, founder Vladislav Smolyanskyy agreed to a deal with Kevin O’Leary, who initially offered $100,000 for 30% equity.
However, Kevin eventually proposed a 50% equity deal, which Vladislav accepted. Despite high expectations, post-show outcomes varied.
The company faced significant demand and production challenges due to publicity, leading Vladislav to redesign the sets and update the offerings. PinBlock’s journey since the show has been marked by growth and some uncertainties.
The company introduced new variations and continued to innovate, including the PinBlock Freestyle series, a creative building toy offering flexible and movable blocks.
PinBlock reported reaching $2 million in sales by 2021, demonstrating significant growth. However, there have been limited updates on their social media platforms and website, leaving some uncertainty about the company’s current status.
While PinBlock’s appearance on Shark Tank provided a boost and initial success, the company’s post-show trajectory seems to be a mix of growth, innovation, and some challenges that have led to a lack of consistent updates.
Is PinBlock Still In Business?
Our research shows that PinBlock is still in business. Founded by Vladislav Smolyanskyy in 2014, PinBlock continues to operate and thrive in the toy industry.
After its appearance on Shark Tank, the company received investment from Kevin O’Leary and has seen significant growth.
PinBlock’s unique and versatile design allows for creative and flexible building and has helped it stand out in the competitive market. The company’s revenue will reach $2 million by 2021, and it offers various bundles of adaptable toy sets both online and in stores.
While specific updates about the company’s current status are limited, its journey from Shark Tank’s appearance to its expansion and innovations underscores its continued presence and success in the toy industry.
What Is the Net Worth Of PinBlock?
According to our research, the net worth of PinBlock is estimated to be $1.5 million. The valuation of PinBlock was $200,000 after securing an investment from Kevin O’Leary on Shark Tank.
Also, read about other businesses that appeared on Season 8 of Shark Tank:
