Working from home became the new normal for many people during the COVID-19 pandemic. But not everyone has a spare room or a quiet space to focus. Kitchen tables and couches aren’t always comfortable for long work hours. Noise, distractions, and lack of privacy make it hard to stay productive. People needed a better solution—a dedicated workspace without the cost and hassle of renting an office.
Robbie Friedman and Allison Zofan saw this problem and came up with a creative fix. Their company, ootBox, offers portable, temporary office spaces made from shipping containers. These tiny backyard offices are fully insulated, temperature-controlled, and ready to use with just a power outlet. No construction permits are needed since they’re classified as sheds.
In Shark Tank Season 13, Robbie and Allison asked for $300,000 for 5% equity in their business. They revealed they had already made $1 million in sales since launching in 2020. The sharks were impressed but had concerns about the high price ($20,500 per unit) and long-term demand after the pandemic.
OotBox Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Robbie and Allison were looking for an investment of $300k in exchange for 5% equity in the company. At the time of the episode, they valued their company at $6 million. Robbie and Allison successfully secured a deal with Barbara for an investment of $300k for 10% equity in the company. The investment adjusted the company’s net worth to around $3 million. After the show was aired, the company experienced a good boost in exposure. As per my rough estimate, the current net worth of ootBox is around $8 million.
Shark(s) name
$300,000 for 20% equity, $300,000 for 10% equity
Counteroffer
Accepted?
Daniel Lubetzky
Out
N/A
N/A
Lori Greiner
Out
N/A
N/A
Kevin O’Leary
$300k for a 5% stake + a royalty of $1k per unit until $600k is paid$300,000 for 15% equity$300,000 for 9% equity
N/A
No
Barbara Corcoran
$300,000 for 20% equity $300,000 for 10% equity
$300,000 for 7% equity
Yes
Mark Cuban
Out
N/A
N/A
Robbie Friedman and Allison Zofan Backstory + Their Initial Pitch
Robbie Friedman and Allison Zofan started ootBox in June 2020, right when remote work was booming. They noticed how many people struggled with makeshift home offices. Coffee shops were closed, and coworking spaces seemed risky. They wanted to create a private, professional workspace that could be placed right in someone’s backyard.
The idea wasn’t easy to execute. They had to figure out how to modify shipping containers into comfortable offices. Insulation, electricity, and interior design all had to be perfect. Early on, they faced challenges with manufacturing costs and delivery logistics. Each ootBox weighed thousands of pounds and needed special transport.
When they pitched on Shark Tank, they explained their business model clearly. Customers could buy a pre-built ootBox or customize one to their needs. The base model costs $20,500, with upgrades available. They had already sold nearly 50 units, proving there was demand.
They ask $300,000 for 5% equity, means they valued the company at $6 million. Some sharks thought this was too high, especially since sales had slowed after the pandemic peak.
Queries + Shark’s Responses, and Final Deal
Each shark had different thoughts about ootBox. Here’s how the discussion went:
Lori was the first to go out. She thought ootBox was a smart solution during COVID-19, but didn’t see long-term potential. She said, “This was great for the pandemic, but I don’t think it’s right for me.”
Mark Cuban liked the idea but worried about scalability. The company could only produce a limited number of units each month. He said, “I want businesses that grow fast. This feels too slow for me.” He decided not to invest.
Daniel didn’t fully understand the need for these offices. He asked, “Why wouldn’t people just build a shed or use a spare room?” Robbie explained that ootBox was more convenient than construction and had better insulation than a typical shed. Still, Daniel wasn’t convinced and dropped out.
Kevin saw potential but wanted security. He offered $300,000 for 5% equity plus a $1,000 royalty per box until he made $600,000. This meant he’d get paid back before the founders saw profits.
Barbara loved the concept. She believed in the future of remote work and saw ootBox as a smart investment. She offered $300,000 for 20% equity, which was much higher than the founders wanted.
Robbie countered Barbara with 7% equity, but she refused. She said, “I’ll do 10%, but you have to decide now.” Meanwhile, Kevin lowered his offer to 9% equity with no royalty.
After a stressful back-and-forth, Robbie and Allison chose Barbara’s deal—$300,000 for 10% equity.
Product Availability
Ootbox sells prefabricated office units. These units can be used as workspaces, studios, or for other purposes. You can buy these office units right now—they’re in stock.
Option Choices:
– Pre-built Models: These are ready-made office units that start at a price of $20,500.
– Custom Designs: If you have specific needs or preferences, you can have a unique office designed, but the price will depend on what you choose.
Each office unit comes with several features:
– Insulated Walls: Help maintain a comfortable temperature regardless of the weather outside.
– Electrical Outlets & Lighting: You can plug in your devices and have proper lighting.
– Carpeted Floors & Soundproofing: The inside is designed to be comfortable and quiet, good for working without distractions.
– Delivery & Setup: The company will bring the unit to you and set it up in most locations.
You can place an order directly by visiting their website, ootBox.com. If the price is a concern, they offer payment plans to help make it more affordable over time.
Overall, ootBox provides convenient office solutions that are customizable and set up for comfort and utility.
What Happened To The Ootbox After Shark Tank?
After being featured on Shark Tank, a company called ootBox received a lot of attention and interest from potential customers—hundreds of inquiries, in fact. The exposure they got from the show was incredibly valuable, and one of the founders, Robbie, mentioned that they couldn’t afford to pay for that level of advertising.
Since then, ootBox has been talked about in major publications like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Business Insider, and Architectural Digest.
As of today, the company is still operational. They now sell their products not just to individual homeowners, but also to businesses. Some of these businesses use ootBox products as temporary workspaces or meeting rooms.
While the company hasn’t shared specific sales figures, the founders have indicated that interest in their products continues to be strong. They are also constantly working on refining their designs and looking for new markets to reach.
Conclusion
Robbie Friedman and Allison Zofan’s Shark Tank journey was a success. They secured a $300,000 deal with Barbara Corcoran for 10% equity. Though some sharks doubted the long-term demand, Barbara believed in the product.
Since the show, ootBox has grown. They’ve gained media attention and expanded their customer base. While the high price may limit some buyers, the convenience and quality keep orders coming.
For anyone needing a quiet, private workspace, ootBox remains a smart solution. The company’s future looks bright as remote work continues to evolve.
Hey, I’m Amna Habib, an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. Shark Tank has always been one of my favorite TV shows because it offers a unique glimpse into the world of entrepreneurship. The way entrepreneurs present innovative solutions to everyday problems aligns with my academic interests and fuels my curiosity about business strategies. Each pitch showcases creativity and strategic decision-making, which I find both insightful and inspiring. Watching the show has deepened my passion for business and motivated me to explore the world of entrepreneurship even further. Beyond business and writing, I love food, shopping, and spending time with my friends and family.
