Plufl Update | Shark Tank Season 14

Yuki Kinoshita and Noah Silverman noticed that students like themselves often struggled to find convenient, comfortable spaces to nap on campus. This lack of suitable options led them to create Plufl, a human-sized dog bed designed to provide cozy and calming naps with features like orthopedic memory foam and a soft faux fur lining. The design not only enhances comfort but also helps reduce anxiety. Will their company secure a deal? Find out in our Plufl update and pitch recap.

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

Yuki and Noah entered Shark Tank Season 14, seeking $200,000 for 10% equity in their human-sized dog beds, Plufl. After their pitch, they got a deal with Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner for $200,000 for 20% equity.

In terms of a Plufl update, the company leveraged its Shark Tank exposure to sell over 3,000 units and move operations to a fulfillment facility. By August 2023, they transitioned to immediate shipping, reduced their product price to $350, and ended 2022 with $1 million in sales.

Shark	Result
Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner	Accepted offer of $200,000 for 20% equity
Kevin O’Leary	$200,000 for 30% equity
Robert Herjavec	No offer
Emma Grede	No offer

Shark Tank Plufl Pitch

• Entrepreneurs:  Yuki Kinoshita and Noah Silverman
• Business: Human Portable Beds
• Ask: $200,000 for 10% equity
• Result:  $200,000 for 15% equity
• Sharks:  Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner

Yuki and Noah stepped into Shark Tank to showcase Plufl, the first dog bed designed specifically for humans.

Their goal was to present it as a unique product that promotes relaxation and comfort.

Plufl features orthopedic memory foam that adjusts to the user’s body, offering crucial support and improving overall comfort while resting.

The bed is lined with soft faux fur, offering a soothing texture that adds to its appeal.

The fluffy border serves as a built-in pillow for resting your head or curling up for extra comfort.

Inspired by traditional dog beds, Plufl features an oval shape that is spacious enough for adults.

During the presentation, Robert Herjavec tried the bed and found it comfortable. Mark Cuban tested it next and praised its design.

Robert asked about the pricing and sales figures. Yuki and Noah explained that Plufl is available for preorder at $399, with a manufacturing cost of $140 per unit.

They revealed strong early traction, raising $280,000 on Kickstarter and generating $130,000 in sales afterward.

However, they acknowledged that no products had been delivered yet because they had just begun the manufacturing process.

Noah shared how he was inspired by a Great Dane napping on a dog bed at the coffee shop where he worked.

Intrigued by the idea, he searched for human-sized dog beds online but found none.

He and Yuki then collaborated with a local designer to create a prototype, which quickly gained attention on their university campus.

They even tested the bed with 50 beta testers, who gave overwhelmingly positive feedback.

The entrepreneurs emphasized that their product appeals to a broad audience, including mothers of children with sensory needs. It also benefits individuals dealing with physical trauma or sleep issues.

Guest shark Emma Grede questioned the lack of delivered products and customer reviews.

The entrepreneurs stated that orders from March and April 2022 would ship between late November and early December.

Mark asked why production was delayed, and Lori Greiner inquired about the manufacturing timeline.

Yuki and Noah explained that producing 1,200 units takes about two months, and shipping takes an additional two months.

They sought a shark’s help to streamline production and reduce lead times.

Kevin O’Leary found the concept intriguing and offered $200,000 for 30% equity.

Lori and Mark, referencing their successful investment in Hug Sleep, teamed up to offer $200,000 for 20% equity, split equally between them.

Emma expressed doubts about the product’s market fit and opted out. Robert said it wasn’t for him and also exited.

Noah assured the sharks that they had filed for patent protection and trademarks for both “Plufl” and “The Dog Bed for Humans.”

Yuki and Noah countered Lori and Mark’s offer with a request for $200,000 for 15% equity, but Mark stood firm on the original terms.

Ultimately, the entrepreneurs accepted the deal, securing Mark and Lori’s partnership to help take Plufl to the next level.

Was this a good deal? Let’s find out in our Plufl update.

Shark Tank Plufl Update 

Our Plufl update found that the deal with Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner did not close, but the business maintained strong momentum.

Due to their Shark Tank exposure, they sold over 3,000 units. To meet high demand, they initially operated on a pre-order basis.

They also moved operations to a fulfillment facility in Shepherdsville, Kentucky.

By August 2023, Plufl shifted from pre-orders to immediate shipping. U.S. customers now receive their products within 3–7 business days.

Our Plufl update found that they reduced the price to $350, making the product more accessible, and ended 2022 with $1 million in sales.

The company expanded its offerings with two new products: the Hugl, a cooling pillow, and a cooling fitted sheet for the Plufl.

In 2023, they received the prestigious House Beautiful Live Better Award, further solidifying their brand reputation.

At the time of this writing, our Plufl update found that the company has sold over 12,000 units has done around $4 million in lifetime sales.

It’s safe to call this Plufl update a success.

For more updates on companies from Shark Tank Season 14 Episode 5, be sure to check the links below:

• Bridal Babes Update
• Pretty Rugged Update
• Big Bee Little Bee Update

Before you go, be sure to check out our list of all the Shark Tank Season 14 products.