TurboPup, founded by Kristina Guerrero in 2014, was designed to provide healthy, portable, and nutritious meal options for dogs, especially those who accompanied their owners on outdoor adventures.
Kristina, a former Air Force pilot, came up with the idea when she found it difficult to pack traditional dog food while hiking with her dog.
Her solution was the K9 Meal Bars — portable, nutritionally complete meals for dogs, targeting outdoor enthusiasts who wanted to keep their pets healthy and well-fed while traveling.
Shark Tank Appearance
Kristina appeared on Shark Tank in Season 6, seeking a $100,000 investment for 20% equity. She impressed the sharks with her passion, product innovation, and the potential for growth.
Ultimately, Daymond John offered $100,000 for 35% equity, which Kristina accepted. After the episode aired, TurboPup’s sales skyrocketed, with the company reporting a 400% increase in revenue.
The brand expanded into major retail chains like PetSmart and developed partnerships with outdoor brands, gaining national visibility.
Market Challenges
However, despite initial success, TurboPup faced several obstacles:
- Increased competition in the growing pet food industry.
- Scaling production while maintaining quality was difficult.
Market saturation and changing consumer interests led to a decline in sales.
By 2023, TurboPup ceased operations, and its current net worth stands at less than $5 million, a significant drop from its peak valuation of $10 million in 2020.
Lessons Learned
TurboPup’s journey offers insights into the unpredictable nature of entrepreneurship. Key lessons include the importance of adaptability in response to market challenges, the need for continuous innovation, and the impact of niche targeting in a competitive landscape.
