Autio Travel App Shark Tank Episode 17 Update & Net Worth
Autio Travel App Shark Tank Episode 17 Update & Net Worth Autio, a storytelling app that transforms road trips into captivating journeys, made its debut on Shark Tank Season 14, Episode 17. Co-founder Woody Sears pitched the app, seeking $1 million for 5% equity, valuing the company at $20 million. The app, which was originally…
Autio Travel App Shark Tank Episode 17 Update & Net Worth
Autio, a storytelling app that transforms road trips into captivating journeys, made its debut on Shark Tank Season 14, Episode 17. Co-founder Woody Sears pitched the app, seeking $1 million for 5% equity, valuing the company at $20 million.
The app, which was originally named HearHere, offers users audio stories about the history, culture, and natural wonders of the locations they travel through, narrated by celebrity voices such as Kevin Costner.
Despite the app’s impressive features and growing user base, the Sharks were hesitant about the high valuation. Kevin O’Leary made an offer of $1 million for 10% equity, but Woody refused to go above 7%, resulting in no deal.
However, the exposure from Shark Tank boosted the app’s popularity, and Autio continues to thrive with an estimated net worth of $20 million as of July 2024.
What Is Autio? How Does It Work?
Autio is a mobile app that turns your smartphone into a personal tour guide, offering audio stories about the places you visit.
Whether you’re driving through a small town or exploring a national park, Autio provides narrated tales about the local history, culture, landmarks, and even quirky facts that you might otherwise miss. The app uses your GPS location to deliver stories relevant to your surroundings, making every road trip an enriching experience.
Autio offers users a selection of 10,399 stories from coast to coast, narrated by famous voices like Kevin Costner, Phil Jackson, and John Lithgow. The app is free to download, and users can listen to five stories for free.
After that, a subscription is required, with options ranging from $36 per year to $99 for three years. Stories can be streamed live or downloaded for offline listening, making it a versatile companion for any traveler.
Autio Travel App Shark Tank Episode 17 Season 14: What Happened at Shark Tank Pitch?
In Season 14, Episode 17 of Shark Tank, Woody Sears stepped into the tank with a bold pitch for Autio, seeking $1 million for 5% equity. He explained that Autio is more than just an app—it’s a gateway to exploring America’s rich tapestry of stories, all narrated by iconic voices. The app had already garnered over 500,000 downloads and boasted 210,000 registered users with 15,000 paid members.
Woody highlighted the app’s financial performance, sharing that Autio generated $200,000 in 2021 and was on track to exceed $700,000 in 2022. The company had also raised $3.5 million in prior investments. Despite the promising numbers, the Sharks were skeptical about the high valuation, given the competitive landscape of mobile apps and the app’s reliance on subscription revenue.
Kevin O’Leary showed interest, offering $1 million for 15% equity. After some negotiation, Woody managed to get Kevin down to 10% equity, but he ultimately decided to walk away from the deal, unwilling to give up more than 7% of the company.
Autio Travel App Shark Tank Pitch Summary
| Company Name | Autio |
| Founder | Woody Sears, Bill Werlin, Kevin Costner |
| Product | Mobile audio travel app |
| Amount Asked For | $1,000,000 for 5% equity |
| Final Deal | No Deal |
| Investor | None |
| Season & Episode | Season 14, Episode 17 |
| Lifetime Sales | $700,000 estimated |
| Business Status | In Business |
| Current Net Worth | $20 million |
What Happened To Autio After Shark Tank?
After Shark Tank, Autio experienced a surge in downloads and interest, thanks to the national exposure. The app’s unique offering and celebrity narrators continued to attract new users, and the company focused on expanding its content library and improving user experience.
Despite not securing a deal on the show, Woody Sears and his team leveraged the Shark Tank appearance to secure additional funding and partnerships outside of the show.
The company rebranded from HearHere to Autio in June 2022 to better align with its mission of providing audio stories for travelers. This rebranding, along with the Shark Tank boost, helped solidify Autio‘s position in the market as a go-to app for travel enthusiasts looking to enrich their journeys.
How Much Is Autio Worth?
As of July 2024, Autio is estimated to be worth $20 million. The company has raised approximately $4.8 million in funding and continues to grow its user base. The app’s unique value proposition, combined with the backing of high-profile investors and celebrity narrators, has positioned Autio for continued success in the competitive travel app market.
Is Autio Still in Business?
Yes, Autio is still in business and thriving as of July 2024. The company, headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, continues to expand its content offerings and enhance its app to provide users with the best possible travel experience.
With over 500,000 downloads and a steadily growing subscription base, Autio remains a popular choice for travelers looking to explore the stories behind the places they visit.
The app’s success is also reflected in its media coverage, with features in major publications like Forbes, The New York Times, and TechCrunch. The company continues to innovate and expand, ensuring that users have access to rich, engaging content as they travel across the United States.
Which Episode Number Was Autio Travel App Shark Tank?
Autio appeared on Shark Tank during Season 14, Episode 17, which aired on March 17, 2023. The episode marked a significant milestone for the company, providing it with national exposure and setting the stage for its continued growth in the travel app market.
