Qeepsake Memory Journal Update | Shark Tank Season 9

Making a baby journal is time-consuming, especially for busy parents. So Jeff McNeil used his background in web design to create Qeepsake, a digital baby journal platform that uses text messages to simplify journaling. Qeepsake prompts parents with daily questions and automatically creates a digital journal with photos, allowing parents to capture memories and milestones easily. Do the sharks need some help remembering all the little things? Let’s see in this Qeepsake update and pitch recap.

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

Jeff McNeil pitched his digital baby journal platform, Qeepsake, on Shark Tank Season 9, seeking $350,000 for a 10% equity. He left without a deal after several failed negotiations.

In terms of a Qeepsake update, the company is doing well and has expanded its product line. Further, it has received industry recognition with awards like the Parents’ Picks Awards in 2021 and has grown to an impressive 700,000 users. The company currently boasts annual revenue of around $60 million.

Shark	Result
Mark Cuban	No offer
Barbara Corcoran	No offer
Lori Greiner	No offer
Chris Sacca	No offer
Kevin O’Leary	No offer

Shark Tank Qeepsake Pitch

• Entrepreneur: Jeff McNeil
• Business: Service that you text with memories and pictures to create memory books
• Ask: $350,000 for 10% equity
• Result: No Deal
• Shark: None

Jeff began his pitch by telling the sharks about his background in web design and development. He said he leveraged those skills to build the Qeepsake platform.

Furthermore, he mentioned that his experience spans back to his graduation from Hampshire College in 2004. He co-founded the company alongside his wife, Stephanie, who brings her expertise as a nurse to the table. 

Highlighting a common challenge for parents, Jeff explained that creating a baby journal is often desired but gets pushed aside due to busy schedules.  

Drawing on the widespread use of traditional writing, Qeepsake streamlines the journaling process, making it convenient for even the busiest parents.

Qeepsake simplifies the journaling process by sending parents two daily text messages with questions about their baby’s development. Parents can easily respond with answers and include a photo.

The platform is built on AI technology to automatically create a digital baby journal and allow for further editing if desired. 

In addition to the digital journal, Qeepsake offers the option to create a physical keepsake photo book for those who prefer a tangible record of their child’s milestones. 

The platform provides two subscription plans: a basic option with two daily questions for $40 annually and a premium option with four daily questions for $90 annually.  

For those who experience spontaneous milestones outside of the prompts, Qeepsake allows users to submit photos and details directly through the platform at any time.

Qeepsake goes beyond the daily prompts, though. If your child experiences a special moment, such as losing their first tooth, you can easily capture it by sending a photo and a quick note directly through the platform.  

Jeff is seeking a sharks’ investment to help him bring Qeepsake to a wider audience of parents. 

He said the hardcover was priced at $29.99 to $44.99, depending on length, but sales have been minimal thus far. While printed books weren’t a core focus, Jeff expressed a desire to expand this aspect in the future.

Qeepsake has attracted a strong user base, with over 40,000 users actively using the platform. Their subscription model is also proving successful, with a 16% conversion rate. This has translated to $250,000 in revenue within just four months. 

Barbara Corcoran and Lori Greiner said that they didn’t feel their specific skill sets would be the best fit to help scale the business, so they both walked away from the deal. 

While impressed by Jeff’s idea, Mark Cuban raised concerns about potential competition arising once Qeepsake gained traction. He’s out as well. 

Kevin O’Leary initially presented an offer of $350,000 for a 20% equity. However, negotiations reached an impasse when Jeff countered with 12%. 

Feeling disrespected by the counteroffer, Kevin decided to drop out. 

Guest shark Chris Sacca offered $350,000 for 20% equity. Jeff countered with 14%, but Chris wouldn’t budge on his initial offer. 

Ultimately, Jeff decided to decline both deals, and he walked out of Shark Tank without a deal. 

Now, let’s get a Qeepsake update and see where the company has been since its appearance on Shark Tank. 

Shark Tank Qeepsake Update 

Despite not securing a deal on Shark Tank, Qeepsake’s appearance on the show became a springboard for significant growth.

Even with a delay between filming and airing, their user base climbed past 100,000. Capitalizing on this increased exposure, they secured $900,000 in funding and surpassed $2 million in annual revenue by November 2021.  

Prioritizing user experience, Qeepsake developed a mobile app to complement its web platform. 

In 2021, our Qeepsake update found that the company secured a few strategic partnerships. Punchbowl invested in the company, Enfamil offered exclusive deals to their customers through Qeepsake, and Project Sweet Peas collaborated to raise awareness of premature births. 

Their commitment to user experience and positive impact was further recognized in November 2021 with awards from the Parents’ Picks Awards (Best Preschool Products), Mom’s Choice Awards (Gold Award Recipient), and Parent Tested Parent Approved (Seal of Approval). 

In August 2022, leadership transitioned with industry veteran Tracy Cho taking over as CEO. Cho’s appointment coincided with an additional $2 million investment from LaunchCapital. 

Her focus is on building a content marketing team and modernizing the brand to better connect with today’s parents. Jeff McNeil assumed the role of Chairman. 

By May 2024, that user base exploded to an impressive 700,000, translating to a revenue stream exceeding $60 million annually.

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

You can find the other company updates from Season 9 Episode 7 here:

• GeoOrbital Update
• Pearachute Update
• WaiveCar Update

For more company updates, check out our Shark Tank Season 9 page!