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You Kick Ass was a startup that appeared on Season 6 of the reality TV show “Shark Tank.” Founded by Keri Andrews and Alesia Glidewell, the company created custom, personalized action figures for their customers.
The unique aspect of their product was that the action figures were designed to have the customer’s face, making it a personalized and fun item.
Customers would upload a photo of their face, choose a superhero body and costume, and then provide a backstory for their character.
You Kick Ass would then use 3D printing technology to create the action figure’s head, featuring the customer’s likeness, and combine it with the chosen superhero body.
During their Shark Tank pitch, Andrews and Glidewell sought a $100,000 investment in exchange for 10% equity in their company. The pitch impressed Mark Cuban, one of the Sharks, and he invested the requested amount for 10% equity.
After the show, You Kick Ass experienced a significant increase in sales and visibility. However, the company eventually ceased operations in 2016, likely due to challenges in scaling the business and competition in the custom product market.
What Are You Kick-Ass?
You Kick-Ass are customized superhero action figures created using 3D printing technology based on real people’s photographs.
It is possible to become an action figure, and You Kick-Ass can help you get there! You Kick Ass action figure is created by photographing yourself or a friend and assigning you a hero moniker and superpower.
| Company Name | You Kick-Ass (Hero Builders) |
| Founder | Alesia Glidewell and Keri Andrews |
| Product | Bobbleheads and action figures that look exactly like you! |
| Investment Seeking | $100,000 for 10% equity in You Kick-Ass |
| Final Deal | $100,000 for 10% equity in You Kick-Ass |
| Shark | Mark Cuban |
| Episode | Episode 5, Season 2 |
| Business Status | Out Of Business |
| Website | You Kick-Ass Website |
Who Is The Founder Of You Kick Ass?
You Kick Ass, LLC was founded in 2013 by three Seattle entrepreneurs – Keri Andrews, Alesia Glidewell, and Douglas Jordan.
Keri Andrews and Alesia Glidewell are extremely skilled and successful female partnerships driven by a vision and passionate enthusiasm.
A former Microsoft program manager, Andrews collaborated on You Kick-Ass with fellow Glidewell, a voice actor and on-screen actress.
Their company is founded on the premise that anyone can be a superhero. Today’s computer technology allows individuals to design superhero action figures with these two women.
The process is straightforward for people searching for present creative ideas or promotional merchandise. Customers need to go online to become their super selves.
You Kick-Ass includes a library of pre-made body templates that vary in clothing type and color and various hero poses for the figure to assume.
When the buyer has agreed on these aspects, a photo is needed to ensure that the head matches the chosen body. The company uses a 3D color printer to create superheroes like you.
When the two women launched their new business, they achieved significant success. You Kick-Ass raised $45k thanks to the women, who raised $15k for the company as their goal.
They initially performed admirably but eventually encountered difficulties. Each figurine costs approximately $60, which is quite pricey.
The order’s cost and delivery time might range from 4-6 weeks once the customer’s photo is received.
Andrews and Glidewell’s appearance on Shark Tank aims to secure a deal with one of the Sharks to reduce production costs and build licensing agreements to better differentiate You Kick-Ass from its competitors.
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of You Kick Ass?
Keri Andrews and Alesia Glidewell appeared on Shark Tank requesting an investment of $100,000 in exchange for a 10% stake in their business, You Kick-Ass.
Once the statistics are out, the customers turn to the display table, including numerous samples of the outfits and postures available from You Kick-Ass. Then they use Kevin O’Leary’s face to demonstrate how the design process works.
It’s only a few basic stages of selecting the hairstyle, body type, and costume that best complements your face.
Robert Herjavec is curious about the accuracy of the facial 3D printing compared to the uploaded image and asks, “How real does it look?”
Both entrepreneurs are happy with this inquiry since it reveals a distinct group of superheroes hidden beneath their display table.
Andrews and Glidewell changed the entire panel into their small superhero selves before their appearance on the show.
The Sharks seem thrilled with their action figures, especially Herjavec, who has received super-speed as the girls’ superpower.
The real questions begin when the remaining Sharks acquire their superpowers and superhero aliases. Herjavec begins by inquiring as to how this company came to be.
She explains that she became acquainted with 3D modeling while portraying a character in a video game and that curiosity inspired her to pursue the skill.
The concept also impressed Andrews, who shares a similar passion for technology.
However, Glidewell acknowledges that they haven’t even launched yet and completed their funding campaign about a month ago when Herjavec inquired about their current sales.
Lori Greiner then inquires whether production costs and sale prices have been calculated. Each figure costs approximately $15 to create but would sell for $60.
Each 3D printer can manufacture 100 dolls every day. However, each machine costs roughly $45k due to the technology’s youth.
However, the girls could purchase two used printers for $20,000. Herjavec is concerned about the competition, asking if other companies sell comparable products.
Even though a few other small businesses had a similar product idea, Andrews conducted considerable market research and was confident in their brand.
They found that those between 30 and 45 were most likely to purchase action figures.
This revelation astounded them because they expected to appeal to a younger demographic but discovered that adults desired to purchase these personalized figurines for other adults.
Herjavec believes they have a unique concept but wants to expand and differentiate itself from the competition.
According to Andrews, the company developed its software for its 3D color printers and applied for a patent. Both women have put approximately $120,000 into You Kick-Ass since its inception.
Barbara Corcoran interrupts the ongoing discussion to say she doesn’t see the connection between herself and her action figure.
Indeed, none appear to be modeled after the faces on which they were based. Additionally, the figure’s design appears odd due to the seam between the neck and head.
According to Andrews, few color 3D printers are available, resulting in concerns for precision.
Still, Corcoran informs them that precision is critical for sales and hence refuses to spend until the flaws are fixed. Herjavec, on the other hand, holds an opposed position.
He likes the concept and sees the business’s potential to develop, thus offering them $100k in exchange for 25% of the business. Before accepting his offer, they inquired whether the other Sharks had any bargains to make.
O’Leary makes a $100k offer, but he will deduct $10 from each unit sold until he is compensated for his investment, at which point his royalty will drop to $2.50 per unit sold.
Following that offer, Mark Cuban informs them that he will invest the $100,000 for 10% as long as they respond immediately. After a brief second of deliberation, the women accept Cuban’s offer.
Final Deal: Mark Cuban agreed to invest $100,000 for a 10% stake in You Kick Ass.
What Happened To You Kick Ass After Shark Tank?
You Kick-Ass took flight effectively when Andrews and Glidewell signed a contract with Mark Cuban of Shark Tank.
You can create and order your superhero from their website (http://www.youkickass.com), purchase a gift card, or order a corporate order for commercial purposes.
Its business has undoubtedly increased since participating in the show, and they have been highlighted in a few web pieces.
There is also a You Kick-Ass account on Instagram (https://instagram.com/youkickass/), where dozens of images of people posing with their action figures can be viewed.
You Kick-Ass Shark Tank Update
The deal Mark Cuban agreed on the Shark Tank show was never finalized. You Kick Ass company seemed to have ceased its operation after a year of its appearance on Shark Tank.
After their successful Shark Tank pitch, which secured a $100,000 investment from Mark Cuban for 10% equity in their company, You Kick Ass experienced increased sales and visibility. The exposure from the show helped them gain more customers interested in their personalized action figures.
However, despite the initial success, You Kick Ass faced challenges in scaling the business and encountered competition in the custom product market. Ultimately, the company ceased operations in 2016.
Reasons for the closure may have included difficulties in managing the production process, the niche nature of the product, and the inability to maintain consistent growth and profitability.
However, as of 2023, the youkickass.com domain redirects to https://www.herobuilders.com/, where we can still order the action figure presented by the You Kick-Ass Founders.
Is You Kick Ass Still In Business?
No, You Kick Ass is no longer in business. The company ceased operations in 2016. Although they experienced initial success after their appearance on Shark Tank, they faced challenges in scaling the business, competition in the custom product market, and possibly other issues related to production, profitability, or growth. As a result, You Kick Ass could not continue operating and shut down.
What Is the Net Worth of You Kick-Ass?
The valuation of You Kick-Ass was $100,000 when it appeared on Shark Tank. The net worth of You Kick-Ass is $0 since the company is out of business.
