Pitch Introduction
1920 Convertible became a viral sensation on social media with their innovative puffer jacket that doubles as a tote bag. The Arizona-based founders, Ashley and Zach Sankar, appeared on Shark Tank seeking $250,000 for 10% equity in their company. Their convertible fashion product addresses the common travel problem of overweight baggage fees while combining style with functionality. The husband-wife team’s pitch resonated with investors, leading to a successful deal with Robert Herjavec.
Business Overview
Product/Service: 1920 Convertible offers innovative fashion products that transform from jackets into tote bags, solving the problem of overweight baggage fees for travelers. The company’s signature items include puffer jackets, windbreakers, and skirts that can be converted into functional carrying solutions. Problem It Solves: Travelers frequently face expensive overweight baggage fees when flying. Traditional clothing takes up significant luggage space, creating unnecessary costs for consumers. 1920 Convertible addresses this market gap by creating multi-functional apparel that reduces luggage weight and volume. Target Market: The primary customer base consists of frequent travelers, fashion-conscious consumers, and individuals seeking practical yet stylish clothing solutions. The brand appeals to both men and women who value innovation and functionality in their wardrobe. Unique Selling Proposition (USP): 1920 Convertible stands out by combining 1920s-inspired fashion with modern functionality. Their products are the only convertible jackets on the market that seamlessly transform into fully functional tote bags while maintaining stylish appeal. Additionally, their commitment to social responsibility through their one-for-one donation model adds another distinctive element to their brand.
| Company Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company Name | 1920 Convertible |
| Founders | Ashley and Zach Sankar |
| Industry | Fashion/Beauty |
| Location | Arizona, USA |
| Website | heynineteentwenty.com |
| Founded | 2020 |
About Founder’s
Ashley and Zach Sankar, the visionary couple behind 1920 Convertible, are passionate entrepreneurs dedicated to merging fashion with functionality. Ashley’s background as a clinical mental health counselor and her experience working with less fortunate youth and individuals with mental disabilities deeply influenced the company’s social mission. Zach brings entrepreneurial acumen and business expertise to complement Ashley’s creative vision. Together, they launched 1920 Convertible in 2020 from their home base in Arizona, operating initially from GCU campus in a startup incubator.
- Ashley’s clinical mental health counseling background drives their social mission
- Zach brings business expertise and entrepreneurial skills to the partnership
- The company was founded in 2020 during the pandemic
- Initial operations began from GCU campus startup incubator in Arizona
Shark’s and Founder’s QnA
What inspired you to create 1920 Convertible?
I was always dealing with overweight bags and paying those baggage fees. I thought there had to be another way. I actually took a hoodie, tied it up, and stored some clothes in there. That whole flight, I thought about how there’s got to be a better way to do this. That’s when the convertible product was born.
How does your product work exactly?
Our jackets are designed with specific panels and zippers that allow you to completely transform the garment from a fashionable jacket into a functional tote bag. You can pack clothes, shoes, or other travel essentials inside, zip it up, and carry it like a regular tote bag. It’s that simple.
What’s your background and how did you get into fashion?
I was a clinical mental health counselor working with less fortunate youth and those with mental disabilities. I understand how important it is to have products that could serve multiple purposes – something you could sleep on or keep warm with. This has been my way to find my way back to my original passion which is giving to people who don’t have. My husband Zach brings the business expertise to complement my creative vision.
How much are you asking for and what do you offer in return?
We’re asking for $250,000 for 10% equity in our company, which values us at $2.5 million.
What are your current sales figures and growth trajectory?
We’ve been packing non-stop for the past several days here in Arizona. Hundreds of orders are being fulfilled at our headquarters. We’ve seen tremendous growth, especially with our viral social media presence and multiple viral videos creating the perfect storm ahead of the busiest shopping week of the year.
What makes your product different from existing alternatives?
Our product is inspired by the 1920s – that decade that loved fashion but designed to be fashionable and functional. We’re not just making a jacket that holds a few items. We’ve engineered our products specifically to transform completely into functional tote bags, and we’re doing it with style and quality materials.
How do you plan to use the investment?
Our primary goal is actually to get our costs down, which we believe with our recent investment from Shark Tank that will help us to do. We want to get to a point where we can offer our one-for-one match program more effectively. For every purchase that comes in, we’ll be able to donate one jacket to someone in need.
What’s your social impact mission?
While I still work a full-time job and grow the business, my goal is to get these convertible jackets to those experiencing homelessness. I understand how important it is to have products like this that could serve as something for you to sleep on or something to keep you warm. This has been my way to kind of find my way back to my original passion which is giving to people who don’t have.
Key Stats & Financials
The financial details presented during the 1920 Convertible Shark Tank pitch reveal a company with strong potential. The founders demonstrated impressive sales momentum and a compelling valuation request that reflected their confidence in the business model. The investment terms ultimately secured show the company’s growth trajectory and market appeal.
- Sales: Hundreds of orders being fulfilled daily at their Arizona headquarters
- Margins: Not specifically disclosed but implied to have room for improvement
- Valuation: Originally requested $2.5 million valuation for 10% equity
- Investment Request: $250,000 for 10% equity stake
- Use of Funds: Primary focus on reducing costs to enable one-for-one donation program
| Financial Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Original Ask Amount | $250,000 |
| Original Offered Equity | 10% |
| Valuation Requested | $2,500,000 |
| Final Deal Amount | $250,000 |
| Final Equity Offered | 25% |
| Final Valuation | $1,000,000 |
Business Potential and TAM
The market potential for 1920 Convertible is substantial, given the growing travel industry and increasing consumer demand for multifunctional products. The total addressable market includes frequent travelers, fashion-conscious consumers, and environmentally conscious buyers seeking sustainable solutions. The company’s unique positioning at the intersection of fashion, functionality, and social responsibility provides multiple growth avenues. With the global travel accessories market expanding and consumers increasingly valuing practical clothing solutions, 1920 Convertible is well-positioned to capture significant market share.
- Travel industry growth creates expanding demand for baggage solutions
- Fashion-conscious consumers seeking multifunctional clothing options
- Environmentally conscious buyers attracted to sustainable travel solutions
- Social impact component appeals to conscious consumer segments
1920 Convertible: Ideal Target Audience & Demographics
| Demographic | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Age Group | 25-45 years old |
| Income Level | Middle to upper-middle class |
| Gender | Both men and women |
| Geographic Focus | Primarily US market, expanding internationally |
| Lifestyle | Frequent travelers, fashion-conscious, socially aware |
| Purchasing Behavior | Online shoppers, value innovation and quality |
Marketing and Distribution Strategy
1920 Convertible’s marketing strategy focuses on social media engagement, influencer partnerships, and viral content creation. Their strategy capitalizes on the visual nature of their product transformation, making it highly shareable across platforms. The viral videos and social media presence have been instrumental in driving brand awareness and sales. Distribution primarily occurs through their e-commerce website, which operates from their Arizona headquarters. Future expansion plans include strategic retail partnerships and continued growth in online marketplaces. The company’s roadmap emphasizes scaling production capabilities, expanding product lines, and enhancing their donation program reach.
- Social media marketing with viral video content showcasing product transformation
- Influencer partnerships with travel and fashion influencers to demonstrate practical use
- E-commerce focused distribution through their website with direct-to-consumer model
- Strategic retail partnerships planned for future expansion beyond online-only sales
1920 Convertible Deal Outcome
The pitch resulted in a successful deal with Robert Herjavec, who invested $250,000 for 25% equity in 1920 Convertible. This represented a significant adjustment from the founders’ original ask of $250,000 for 10% equity at a $2.5 million valuation. The final deal valued the company at $1 million, reflecting the negotiation process and investment terms agreed upon between the founders and the Shark. Herjavec’s investment and business expertise were seen as valuable assets for the company’s growth trajectory.
| Deal Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Shark Investor | Robert Herjavec |
| Deal Amount | $250,000 |
| Equity Percentage | 25% |
| Company Valuation | $1,000,000 |
| Number of Sharks | 1 |
1920 Convertible Post-Show Update
Following their Shark Tank appearance, 1920 Convertible experienced significant growth and momentum. The company continues to operate from their headquarters in Arizona, fulfilling hundreds of orders daily. Ashley still maintains her full-time job while growing the business, with plans to expand the team as operations scale. The company has enhanced their social mission focus, working toward their goal of providing one jacket donation for every purchase made. Their continued presence on social media and viral content creation has sustained brand awareness and customer engagement well beyond their initial pitch appearance.
Business Analysis & Lessons
The 1920 Convertible pitch demonstrates several key business principles that contributed to their success in securing investment. Their unique value proposition addressing a common pain point (overweight baggage fees) combined with the visual appeal of their product transformation created compelling content that resonated with both investors and consumers. The founders’ complementary skill sets – Ashley’s creative vision and social mission focus paired with Zach’s business expertise – presented a well-rounded leadership team. Their authentic storytelling and clear social impact mission added emotional depth to their business pitch, differentiating them from purely profit-focused ventures.
Their journey also illustrates the importance of adaptability in negotiations. While their initial ask represented their desired valuation, they successfully closed a deal at a lower valuation that still provided the capital needed for growth. This flexibility, combined with their demonstrated product-market fit through viral social content and growing sales, proved attractive to investors.
- Authentic storytelling and social mission enhance brand appeal and investment attractiveness
- Complementary founder skill sets create stronger leadership foundation for investors
- Visual product transformation makes for compelling marketing content and viral potential
- Flexibility in deal terms while maintaining core business objectives shows maturity
Pitch Conclusion
The 1920 Convertible Shark Tank pitch represents a successful blend of innovation, social consciousness, and market opportunity. From Ashley’s initial inspiration during a frustrating travel experience to their appearance on one of television’s most prestigious business platforms, their journey demonstrates how identifying common problems and creating elegant solutions can lead to significant success. The company’s ongoing commitment to their one-for-one donation program, combined with their innovative product offering, positions them well for continued growth. Their story serves as inspiration for entrepreneurs seeking to build businesses that combine profitability with positive social impact.