Denver native, Caroline Creidenberg, was tired of being one of the only female software engineers in an industry dominated by men, so she decided to leave the world of finance and focus her time and talents in a market she felt particularly passionate about.
Through the creation of her wedding planning app, Wedfuly, Caroline has been able to help hundreds of couples that otherwise may not have been able to tie the knot with their families and friends throughout the pandemic.
Wedfuly allows guests to attend weddings from anywhere.
The appeal of virtually streaming a wedding allows couples to ditch the traditional big, white wedding in favor of a smaller, more intimate wedding while allowing the couple to still share their special day with their loved ones.
Key Takeaways: Wedfuly on Shark Tank
- Entrepreneurial Pivot: Caroline Creidenberg transitioned from finance to wedding tech, creating Wedfuly to address gender imbalances in software engineering.
- Pandemic Success: Wedfuly facilitated over 700 virtual weddings during the pandemic, generating $1 million in sales with a 75% profit margin.
- Shark Tank Decision: Caroline chose Robert Herjavec’s offer of $200,000 for 10% equity over Kevin O’Leary’s offer, valuing the right partnership fit.
- Business Growth: Wedfuly’s appeal lies in its ability to blend traditional weddings with modern technology, allowing global participation.
Are you saying ‘I Do’ to this virtual wedding program? #SharkTank
— Shark Tank (@ABCSharkTank) November 6, 2021
Quick Company Overview
When couples sign up for Wedfuly, they are guided through a workbook to help plan their wedding.
On the day of the wedding, couples set up tripods and cellphones from multiple angles while those attending enter a virtual waiting room. The guests experience a multimedia presentation with pictures, music, slideshows, and more until the ceremony begins. Since March 2020, Wedfuly has assisted over 700 couples, brought in over $1,000,000 in sales at a 75% margin, and has already achieved profitability.
Caroline came to the Shark Tank hoping to land a partnership with a Shark willing to invest $200,000 in exchange for 5% equity in Wedfuly.
I love Caroline @wedfuly – her confidence, her feistiness, her energy. Concerned her valuation came in high. But she is holding strong in #SharkTank pic.twitter.com/fbNzXcu2hM
— Daniel Lubetzky (@DanielLubetzky) November 6, 2021
The Sharks React to Wedfuly
Because he is already in the wedding business, Kevin O’Leary is very interested in the customer database that Caroline has created.
He is also interested in the menu of add-ons that Wedfuly offers and feels that his businesses could be a feeder for Wedfuly and vice versa. He offers to invest $200,000 in exchange for 20% of the company. Robert Herjavec offers Caroline $200,000 for 10% equity. Because she owns 100% of the company, she is very cautious about how much ownership she gives away.
She quickly accepts Robert’s offer, making him the first male partner in Wedfuly.
Interesting concept.. Do you know someone who had to cancel their wedding during the pandemic? #SharkTank
— Daymond John (@TheSharkDaymond) November 6, 2021
Shark Tank Update: Where is Wedfuly Now?
Wedfuly has continued to grow since its appearance on Shark Tank in 2021.
The company, which specializes in virtual wedding services, has seen a significant increase in demand, particularly as couples seek to include loved ones from around the globe. By 2024, Wedfuly has facilitated over 1,000 weddings and generated approximately $4.8 million in sales.
They have also introduced new features like live chats and virtual toasts to enhance the interactive experience for guests, further solidifying their position in the virtual wedding industry.
Wrapping Up
What do you think of Caroline’s decision to partner with Robert over Kevin who already has contacts in the wedding industry and could help her grow and expand her business?
If you were a Shark, would you have invested in Wedfuly? Begin the conversation in the comments below!
Read more: Shark Tank: Bohana Accepts $200,000 From Kevin O’Leary