Don Lessem founded the company in 2016 to create animatronic dinosaurs that came to life with realistic movements and sounds that would spark kids’ curiosity about paleontology. How well is Dino Don from Shark Tank doing in 2024? Let’s get started with its update and net worth.
Dino Don Shark Tank Update
This company had only produced 150 dinosaurs before Shark Tank, but they have more than 1,000 species in 2024. Mark believed that with his exposure and business expertise, they could sell dinosaurs worldwide. With his contribution, they started selling dinosaurs domestically and abroad.
Expanded into Robotics
Currently, this business creates dinosaurs and realistic-looking custom robotics. They assert that they will strive for the highest level of accuracy in everything they produce. Dino Don’s success in Shark Tank helped this business become even more well-known. This business also offers personnel and technicians for those who want their scientifically accurate, mighty dinosaur pet.
Collaboration
They collaborated with groups from Russia, China, Mongolia, Argentina, Universal Studios, and the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. It presently looks after 200 110-foot-long robotic dinosaurs and other creatures. Numerous zoos and museums had placed orders with this company for the dinosaur show.
Dino Don exhibits may now be found worldwide, with the Philadelphia Zoo’s ‘Big Time’ exhibition being one of the most popular. Furthermore, the organization is proud of its extensive and informative exhibits.
Update Revealed in Shark Tank
An update on Dino Don’s company was revealed in Shark Tank season 13, episode 23. It was reported that this company had progressed from 150 robotic dinosaurs to 400. Ice Age Animals, Huge Bugs, and Dragons are just a few of the new additions.
Many Employees
The head office of Dino Don Inc. is located in Media, Pennsylvania, and this business employs 100–250 people domestically and abroad. You’d be surprised to know that Knucklehead Lessem, a pet cat, is also a member of their team whose expertise is developing optimal nap times. Importantly, she controls the mouse population, including dinosaurs, to ensure everyone’s safety.
Selling Scientifically Accurate Dinosaurs
As a businessman, he always believed that focusing on creating an attraction with a realistic dragon was much easier, more reasonable, and more cost-effective. He knew well the massive market in which his huge, unromantic dinosaurs could fit.
As he predicted in his initial years after showing up in the shark tank, the biggest parks wanted the dinosaur exactly how he made it look. The reason for this is that the kids are always obsessed with dinosaurs.
“Every three years, there will be a whole new audience of kids who will be forcing their parents to take them to the parks and exhibitions to see these cute yet mighty dinosaurs,” Lessem said, smiling.
Dino Don Net Worth
Dino Don has a net worth of more than $5 million as of 2024. It generated $4 million in annual revenue in 2021. It generated $1.6 million in 2019 and $1.8 million in 2020. So, it had tremendous growth and is still thriving.
It received funding from Shark Tank at a value of $2 million. The current annual revenue of this business has grown by multiple folds and reached millions of dollars. The organization also hosted a Traveling Dinosaur Roadshow at Bishop Museum of Science in Bradenton, Florida, on February 20, 2022.
Dino Don has created a store offering merchandise such as T-shirts and dinosaur-themed items. Children are drawn to dinosaurs and frequently visit the zoo and museums to see them. The Zoo and Museum saw a rise in revenue as well.
Many business experts, including Mark himself, believe that if the business keeps expanding in this manner, it will eventually reach the billion-dollar mark. Looking at the different upcoming events and exhibitions scheduled by the company, we can be sure that the net worth may surge quickly.
Is Dino Don Still in Business?
Yes, Dino Don is still in operation. The Dino Don company was established in 2016 and immediately began to turn a profit. But they needed to make more money. However, Lessem predicted on Shark Tank that they would turn a million-dollar profit in 2021.
It is the only business in North America, Europe, and Asia capable of producing such spectacular displays. Don Lessem’s innovative idea prompted him to partner with Disney on most theme parks. They also worked for shows such as ‘Nova Documentaries.’
This business lets people tour one of the biggest dinosaur exhibitions. They have their scheduled exhibition at Reid Park Zoo. (Tucson, AZ) from January 28, 2023, to April 30, 2023. Take advantage of the exhibition to feel what being around mighty dinosaurs is like.
Lessem has proven himself a Dino specialist, from producing over 50 books to collaborating with Steven Spielberg on the Jurassic Park film and holding several exhibitions across continents and museums. He has undoubtedly built a great career out of it to this point.
There will always be our fascination with dinosaurs, and this company will be able to carry that enthusiasm worldwide. Who knows, the next generation of paleontologists will be able to say that visiting a Dino Don exhibit inspired them to pursue a career in the area. That alone would make it all worthwhile.
Dino Don Recap
Don Lessem and his wife, Val Jones, entered the stage seeking $500,000 in return for a 10% share of their business. All the sharks were impressed when Val told Don’s story about his reputation in the dinosaur world and his passion for this business industry.
Even before its appearance on Shark Tank, Dino Don was a significant contender in the animatronic dinosaur industry. The organization was well known for fabricating extremely realistic models of dinosaurs that were amusing and educational.
By leveraging Lessem’s vast understanding of dinosaurs and their functions, Dino Don revived these extinct creatures authentically and engaged all age groups.
The sharks were quite hooked on Dino Don’s creations of realistic motions and attention to detail, which was also established in Big Hollywood movies and several renowned museums and popular exhibitions.
Don spoke highly about being the largest provider of robotic dinosaurs in America. They travel to various museums, shows, and zoos with their dinosaurs, which adds 20 to 50% to traffic. On displays, he greets tourists with his dinosaur, doing gate-sharing.
Daymond left due to his lack of industry knowledge, while Lori left due to difficulties seeing the firm. The timely return on investment didn’t persuade Kevin. Robert says the offer was greater than he was willing to make as Mark steps up and offers the requested money for 25% stock. Even though Don initially seemed dissatisfied with the offer, he ultimately accepted it.
FAQs
What does Dino Don do?
Dino Don is a company that creates and manufactures animatronic dinosaurs. Apart from the animatronic dinosaurs, Dino Don provides informative programs and displays about these prehistoric creatures and their ancient times.
Who founded Dino Don?
Don Lessem, a well-known dinosaur expert and author of several dinosaur books, founded the company. Founder Don Lessem has exceptional expertise in creating lifelike dinosaur models through animatronics.
Is Dino Don successful?
Dino Don’s gross revenue has substantially increased to almost $5 million since appearing on the show, according to Lessem. The business has launched multiple traveling dinosaur roadshows and organized events generating millions of dollars in sales. Dino Don has also completed filming for a documentary series called “The Dinosaur Factory,” which premiered in the fall of 2022. There are more exciting events scheduled for 2023.
What happened to Dino Don?
The transaction was eventually completed, and the company was listed on Mark’s website in October 2021. Revenue for 2021 was announced in January 2022: $4 million. No official reports of sales have been declared for 2023. The company did film a documentary series and premier it. The company successfully launched its traveling dinosaur roadshow in February 2022 at the Bishop Museum of Science in Bradenton, Florida.
Who is the Dino guy on Shark Tank?
Don Lessem (Husband), the Dino guy, and his wife Val Jones entered the stage seeking $500,000 in return for a 10% share of their business. All the sharks were impressed when Val told Don’s story about his reputation in the dinosaur world and his passion for this business industry. The couple secured a deal of $500,000 for a 25% stake in the company with Mark Cuban.
What dinosaur is named after Dino Don?
Lessemsaurus, the sauropodomorph dinosaur, is named after the CEO and founder of dinosaur animatronics company Dino Don, Inc.