Gerty Update | Shark Tank Season 17

In what seemed like one of the most insane ideas to grace Shark Tank, Todd Schram brought his inflatable human-shaped doll to the studio. Todd was moved to create Gerty after watching his own rescue dog struggle every time he left the house. In turn, he developed a vinyl companion designed to ease separation anxiety by mimicking the presence of a human. Let’s take a look at which shark showed interest in making a deal in our Gerty update and pitch recap.

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

Todd pitched his inflatable emotional support doll on Shark Tank Season 17, seeking $50,000 for 20% equity. After his pitch, he reached an agreement with Kevin O’Leary for a deal worth $50,000 for 30% equity.

In terms of a Gerty update, company recieved a bit boost in sales after airing. Furhter, they now offer customizeable Gerty’s!

Shark	Result
Kevin O’Leary	Accepted offer of $50,000 for 30% equity
Barbara Corcoran	No offer
Lori Greiner	No offer
Robert Herjavec	No offer
Michael Strahan	No offer

Shark Tank Gerty Pitch

• Entrepreneur: Todd Schram
• Business: Emotional support doll
• Ask: $50,000 for 20% equity
• Result: $50,000 for 30% equity
• Shark: Kevin O’Leary

Todd began his presentation by explaining that millions of dogs are left home alone every day and struggle with separation anxiety. His solution was an inflatable companion designed to comfort them.

He introduced Gerty as a product that looked human enough to give dogs a sense of company. It didn’t walk or feed them, but created a calming presence.

Built with big eyes and a wide smile, it was designed to ease anxiety and even scare off intruders. Todd said he created it after his own rescue dog panicked whenever he left the house.

However, Robert Herjavec said the product looked scary. Lori Greiner agreed.

Guest shark Michael Strahan asked how Todd tested it. Todd showed before-and-after footage. Without Gerty, his dog howled. With Gerty, the dog lay calmly beneath it.

Kevin O’Leary then asked about pricing. Todd explained that each Gerty sold for $39.99 and cost $7.50 to produce. Kevin joked that it was cheaper than buying another dog.

Lori asked if it was a generic blow-up doll. Todd said it was custom-made with three separate air valves and a patent pending. That design allowed the torso and legs to inflate separately, so it could sit or stand.

Meanwhile, Lori asked about personalization. Todd said owners dressed Gerty in their own clothes, so it smelled familiar.

Todd went further to explain that you’d have to introduce it like a real person, walk it in, sit it on the couch, and interact with it.

Robert asked if the dog thought it was its owner. Todd answered that the dog simply believed another human was present.

Barbara Corcoran wanted to know if feedback went beyond his own dog. Todd said buyers had praised the results, though some admitted it was awkward to explain to visitors.

Todd revealed sales of 200 units in nine months, totaling about $7,000.

Lori then asked how widespread the problem was. Todd said about 40% of dogs suffer separation anxiety, with even higher rates among rescues.

Michael said pet owners already spent heavily to solve such issues, while Robert agreed but still found the concept unusual.

Barbara liked the idea but felt it was too early, so she bowed out. Robert followed, saying he didn’t want to be in the inflatable doll business.

Michael said it worked, but wasn’t right for him now. Lori also stepped aside, though she believed the product had potential.

In the end, Kevin was the only shark left. He compared Gerty to unusual products he had backed before, like Potato Parcel, and said strange ideas sometimes made money.

He offered $50,000 for 30% equity. Todd accepted the deal immediately.

Now, let’s find out where his company stands in our Gerty update.

Shark Tank Gerty Update

In terms of our Gerty update, we believe the deal with Kevin O’Leary is moving forward and will likely yield positive results.

Shortly after the show aired, Kevin O’ Leary’s official Instagram account posted about the product, emphasizing the importance and benefits of owning a Gerty for your dog.

In addition, Gerty also received strong media attention and an increase in website traffic as they were recognized by notable publishing outlets, including Parade and Entertainment Now.

During his pitch, Todd explained that custom face orders were in the works.

Well, good news! When we checked their website, you can now order a custom-face Gerty to match your personality. However, due to high demand, you may experience shipping delays.

We’ll keep watching Todd and Gerty for more progress reports and bring you another Gerty update in the months ahead.

For other company updates from Shark Tank Season 17 Episode 2, look below:

• The Snorinator Update
• QB54 Update
• Im’peccable Chicken Update

For more updates, check out our list of all the Shark Tank Season 17 companies!