Highlights from Shark Tank Season 16 – Episode 13

The latest installment of Shark Tank, season 16 episode 13, aired on March 14, 2025. Titled Time to Elevate Your Social Game!, this episode showcased a variety of innovative entrepreneurs pitching their business concepts to the show’s investors, commonly referred to as the “sharks.”

Dig World: A Unique Theme Park for Construction Enthusiasts

Among the featured entrepreneurs was Jacob Robinson, co-founder of Dig World. Jacob sought an investment of $200,000 in exchange for a 10% equity stake in his distinctive theme park. This venue allows guests to operate real construction machinery, providing a thrilling experience for families and construction aficionados alike.

Inspiration Behind Dig World

During his pitch, Jacob shared a deeply personal story that inspired the creation of Dig World. He recounted a traumatic experience involving his son, Pierce, who, at the young age of two, suffered from a serious health crisis. Jacob’s wife discovered Pierce unconscious in his crib, leading to a harrowing journey through the medical system.

“We rushed him to the hospital. They weren’t sure he was gonna make it. We learned he contracted bacterial meningitis,”Jacob recalled.

This life-changing event resulted in Pierce spending 12 days in a coma and 75 days hospitalized. His conditions include being non-verbal, having epilepsy, and being deaf, yet Jacob emphasized how Pierce’s love for construction has remained steadfast.

“And that boy still loves construction equipment,”Jacob expressed, showcasing his son’s enduring spirit.

Jacob’s Business Model and Revenue Generation

In his presentation, Jacob expressed a desire to blend childhood nostalgia with a tangible construction experience, describing Dig World as a “family-friendly theme park.”Attendees, including children, can safely operate full-sized construction equipment, such as excavators, without reliance on simulators.

“There’s no simulators here,”Jacob stated, highlighting the authentic experience offered at Dig World.

Jacob outlined that a typical two-hour experience costs a flat rate of $24.99, with options for extended stays. Additionally, the park provides standard theme park amenities such as food and beverages.

Sales Performance and Future Prospects

Jacob, who describes himself as a “serial entrepreneur,”shared his business journey. His background includes establishing a successful commercial cleaning company in Texas, followed by the inception of Dig World in 2019. He revealed significant sales figures, noting that the previous year marked their inaugural operating year, during which they generated $1.2 million in revenue.

“We broke even on that one last year,”Jacob mentioned, indicating a positive trajectory.

With projections estimating $1.5 million in revenue for the current year and a healthy EBITDA margin of 26%, Jacob is actively pursuing growth opportunities, including a franchising model with a hypothetical fee of $100,000.

The Deal and Investor Reactions

The conversation with the sharks initially saw Jacob receive mixed reactions. While Lori Greiner, Kevin O’Leary, and Mark Cuban decided to decline investment, Robert Herjavec offered a lucrative deal: $200,000 for 10% equity in both the original Dig World and its future franchise opportunities.

This collaboration could significantly expand the Dig World brand while providing Robert with a stake in a unique business model. Ultimately, a deal was struck during the episode, which can be streamed on ABC.

For more insights on Jacob’s moving story and business venture, visit this link.