Grypmat Tool Mat Update | Shark Tank Season 9

Tom Burden, a full-time mechanic, often struggled to keep his tools from slipping on uneven aircraft surfaces. He needed a secure spot to place them, which led him to create Grypmat—a non-slip tool mat that grips various surfaces and holds tools at extreme angles. How did this innovative tool fare in the Shark Tank? Let’s find out in this Grypmat update and pitch recap.

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

Tom Burden entered Shark Tank Season 9 seeking $200,000 for a 10% equity in his silicone mat company, Grypmat. His impressive pitch garnered interest from all the sharks, ultimately leading to a deal with Lori Greiner, Richard Branson, and Mark Cuban for $360,000 for 30% equity.

In terms of a Grypmat update, the company is still thriving today. They’ve secured a significant partnership with the Air Force and maintained healthy operations, generating roughly $2 million in annual revenue.

Shark	Result
Lori Greiner, Richard Branson, and Mark Cuban	Accepted offer of $360,000 for 30% equity
Daymond John	$200,000 for a 15% equity
Robert Herjavec	$200,000 for a 20% equity

Shark Tank Grypmat Pitch

• Entrepreneur: Tom Burden
• Business: Silicone mats that hold tools for mechanics
• Ask: $200,000 for 10% equity
• Result: $360,000 for 30% equity
• Sharks: Lori Greiner, Richard Branson, and Mark Cuban

Tom began his pitch with a compelling demonstration. He showcased a prototype of Grypmat, loaded with tools, displayed on an airplane nose. 

He explained to the sharks how the uneven surfaces of aircrafts made it difficult to keep tools organized and readily accessible during maintenance work.

Grypmat was invented to solve this problem. Tom highlighted that each mat could hold tools and parts at up to a 70-degree angle. 

Grypmat is a flexible tool holder made from a non-slip material that grips surfaces like metal, wood, and even some plastics, reducing the chances of tools sliding away.

This product is particularly beneficial for mechanics working in environments where traditional toolboxes are impractical, such as on aircraft or around machinery with odd angles and curves.

Grypmat’s flexible design allows it to conform to various shapes, keeping tools readily accessible and eliminating the need for mechanics to constantly search for them.

Additionally, Grypmat is lightweight and easy to clean, making it a practical solution for many professionals.

The product’s utility extends beyond aviation mechanics; it is valuable for any professional who uses many tools and small parts. 

Guest shark Sir Richard Branson expressed interest in Grypmat but wanted to know the numbers first.

Tom reported strong initial sales for Grypmat. In just 10 months, the company had generated $400,000 in revenue, selling 10,000 units with profits between $150,000 and $200,000. 

This piqued Mark Cuban’s interest. Grypmat’s sales channels currently include its website, Amazon, and trade shows. 

Tom mentioned that he had also sold to NASA and major players in the aviation industry and expressed a desire to target the automotive industry as well.

When Robert Herjavec asked Tom what he would do with a $200,000 investment, Tom explained that he would allocate the funds to inventory expansion to lower production costs. 

Daymond John saw the product’s potential and offered Tom $200,000 for 25% equity. When Tom hesitated, Daymond adjusted his offer to $200,000 for 20% equity.

Then, as the other sharks discussed, Robert Herjavec and Richard Branson offered $400,000 for 40% equity. 

Recognizing Tom’s reluctance to give up that much of the business, Richard then offered $200,000 for 15% equity, which Robert and Daymond matched individually. 

Lori Greiner and Mark Cuban offered $200,000 for 20% equity. Tom countered with $360,000 for 30% equity to Lori, Mark, and Richard, which they accepted. 

Let’s see if Tom and the sharks were able to make magic happen in our Grypmat update.

Shark Tank Grypmat Update 

Our Grypmat update research found that the deal with Lori, Mark, and Richard was successfully closed. 

Since airing, Grypmat has received significant consumer interest, leading to a complete sell-out of its existing inventory. The sharks’ involvement has been instrumental in facilitating the international distribution of Grypmat.

Grypmat products are available on its website and Amazon, as well as in retail markets such as NAPA Auto Parts and other automotive stores. 

In Season 10, Shark Tank shared an official Grypmat update, during which Tom visited an Air Force base and announced a major deal with the Air Force.

Further, Richard Branson has become a strong advocate for the product, using it across his various businesses, from electric race teams to Virgin Space Programs. 

In 2019, Grypmat moved all of its sales online following Sir Richard Branson’s advice. This strategic move proved beneficial when the COVID-19 pandemic dealt a major blow to all retail sales in 2020. 

During this time, Grypmat introduced smaller versions for home mechanics.

Grypmat remains a thriving business, currently generating around $2 million in annual revenue.

With Tom taking his business to greater milestones, we eagerly await the next Grypmat update.

You can find the other company updates from Season 9 Episode 10 here:

• SmartGurlz Update
• Robin Update
• DNA Simple Update

Before you go, be sure to check out our Shark Tank Season 9 page for more updates!