Ava The Elephant Update | Shark Tank Season 1

Tiffany Krumins noticed that regular medicine droppers often upset children, making it difficult for them to take their medication. To solve this, she created a medicine dispenser disguised as a miniature toy elephant, which made the process more enjoyable for children. Will she get any interest from the sharks? Let’s find out in our Ava the Elephant update and pitch recap.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick overview of what happened to Ava the Elephant after Shark Tank.

Tiffany entered Shark Tank Season 1, seeking $50,000 for 15% equity in her medicine accessory business, Ava the Elephant. After her pitch, she made a deal with Barbara Corcoran for $50,000 in exchange for 55% equity.

In terms of an Ava the Elephant update, the company is still in business and thriving. Better Family, Inc. acquired it, signed a major licensing deal, and improved its existing product line. However, Tiffany has stepped aside from business operations due to health-related challenges.

Shark	Result
Barbara Corcoran	Accepted offer of $50,000 for 55% equity
Robert Herjavec	No offer
Kevin O’Leary	No offer
Daymond John	No offer
Kevin Harrington	No offer

 

Shark Tank Ava The Elephant Pitch

• Entrepreneur: Tiffany Krumins
• Business: Medicine Accessory
• Ask: $50,000 for 15% equity
• Result:  $50,000 for 55% equity
• Shark:  Barbara Corcoran

Tiffany told the sharks that her inspiration for Ava the Elephant came from working with children.

She said her goal was to use the investment to get a patent and develop a working prototype.

Ava the Elephant is a children’s medicine dispenser designed to address the common issue of young children refusing to take oral medication.

The product consists of a soft, elephant-shaped cover that fits over a standard medicine dropper.

With this playful design, it aims to replace the cold, clinical feel of a typical dropper with a friendly, approachable character.

As a result, Ava the Elephant is designed to create a positive experience for both caregivers and children.

By transforming the medicine dropper into a familiar and comforting object, the dispenser helps alleviate anxiety, making the process of giving medication more enjoyable, fun, and less stressful.

Tiffany explained that she was in the early stages of the business and had not yet pursued any manufacturing or patents. 

However, she had conducted a patent search to ensure her invention was original.

Some of the sharks had doubts about Tiffany’s product’s profitability, especially since it had only been tested on a single child.

They were concerned that children might still associate the medicine accessory with fear.

Kevin O’Leary, stating he wasn’t interested in the business, opted out.

Meanwhile, Robert Herjavec questioned whether she needed the investment at all, suggesting a licensing deal with larger companies instead. He ultimately opted out as well.

Daymond John also declined to offer a deal, explaining that he looks for products, not just ideas.

Guest shark Kevin Harrington pointed out that there wasn’t an actual product yet, so he, too, decided to pass.

Finally, Barbara Corcoran made Tiffany an offer of $50,000 in exchange for 55% of her company. Tiffany accepted the offer and secured a deal.

Was this a good investment for Tiffany? Let’s find out in our Ava the Elephant update.

Shark Tank Ava the Elephant Update

Our Ava the Elephant update research found that the deal with Barbara Corcoran was successfully closed. 

After securing a patent in July 2010, Tiffany transitioned from a clay prototype to a professionally manufactured model, eventually selling 100,000 units and generating $1 million in revenue by 2013.

During that time, she also created a second product called Thermometer Stickers. However, it didn’t take off like Ava the Elephant.

In 2018, Tiffany signed a licensing deal with Baby Delight. By 2021, Better Family, Inc. acquired Ava the Elephant and made it available in over 10,000 stores.

Despite initial success, unforeseen expenses and challenges in the medical industry led Barbara to invest an additional $235,000 over time.

Eventually, manufacturing was transitioned to licensing.

Tiffany also faced personal challenges, including a battle with cancer, but continued to mentor new inventors and entrepreneurs. 

At the time of writing our Ava the Elephant update, the medicine dispenser remains a popular product, with singing and talking models available online. 

While Tiffany stepped back from the business, her innovation continues to benefit children and caregivers.

We’re calling this  Ava the Elephant update a success.

You can find the other company updates from Season 1 here:

• Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory
• Ionic Ear
• Wispots
• Ava the Elephant

Before you go, check out our Shark Tank Season 1 page for more updates.