In Shark Tank Season 15, founders Micha Truman and Katey Houstonno pitched their innovative company, Return Home, offering a groundbreaking alternative to traditional burial and cremation methods.
Their mission? To revolutionize end-of-life practices with an environmentally conscious solution called Terramation, a process that composts human remains into nutrient-rich soil.
Did Return Home get a deal on Shark Tank?
Find out all the details in our Return Home Shark Tank update and pitch recap…
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick overview of what happened to Return Home after Shark Tank:
Quick Summary
Katey Houstonno and Micha Truman appeared on Season 15 of Shark Tank but did not secure a deal. As for the Return Home Shark Tank update, the company still in business but it’s too early to provide any info about their sales after the appearance on the show. However, the Washington-based company gained recognition in an article published by The Seattle Times.
Table of Contents
Return Home On Shark Tank
| Shark | Result |
| Mark Cuban | No Offer |
| Kevin O’Leary | No Offer |
| Daniel Lubetzky | No Offer |
| Daymond John | No Offer |
| Lori Greiner | No Offer |
Return Home Shark Tank Deal
- Business: Burial and Cremation alternative
- Entrepreneurs: Micha Truman and Katey Houstonno
- Asked For: $2 million for 5% equity
- Shark Tank Deal: No Deal
- Shark: None
Return Home Company Info
Return Home Overview
Return Home is a Washington-based company redefining how we handle loved ones’ remains. Instead of traditional burial or cremation, they offer Terramation, a sustainable process that transforms human bodies into soil within 60 to 90 days.
This method eliminates the environmental impact of caskets, embalming fluids, and the significant carbon footprint of cremation.
With an eco-friendly mission, Return Home is attracting attention for providing a meaningful and sustainable way to honor the deceased.
Return Home Founders:
Return To Nature Funeral Home Shark Tank Pitch Recap
In Shark Tank Season 15, Micha Truman and Katey Houstonno showcased Return Home, their eco-friendly funeral service business.
Their pitch highlighted their innovative Terramation process, an alternative to traditional burial and cremation that transforms human remains into soil.
Despite the compelling concept, the Sharks were skeptical about the company’s steep valuation and profitability.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Return To Nature Funeral Home Shark Tank Pitch and the Sharks’ reactions.
Return Home: An Innovative Business Idea
Micha and Katey opened their pitch by addressing the environmental concerns of traditional burial and cremation methods.
They explained how caskets and cremation fuel contribute to pollution, offering Terramation as a sustainable alternative.
- Terramation Process: A method that transforms a human body into nutrient-rich soil within 60 to 90 days.
- Cost: Priced at $5,500, making it a cost-effective option compared to traditional burials that average $8,000 or more.
This process not only aligns with eco-conscious values but also provides families with a unique way to honor their loved ones.
Return Home Founders’ Backstory and Motivation
The Sharks were curious about the founders’ backgrounds and the story behind Return Home.
- Katey Houstonno: A seasoned funeral director with a passion for helping grieving families. She highlighted her dedication to providing compassionate and environmentally friendly funeral services.
- Micha Truman: With 20 years of experience running The Knot in China, Micha wanted to create a business that positively impacted the world upon returning to the U.S.
This combination of expertise and motivation laid the foundation for their innovative funeral service.
Return Home Sales Figures and Financial Overview
Micha and Katey revealed their sales data, emphasizing the growth potential of Return Home:
- Sales Performance:
- Prior year: $350,000 in revenue.
- Current year: Already matched last year’s revenue by Q2, signaling steady growth.
- Funding: They had raised $5 million, which had been used to scale operations.
- Profitability: Although the service costs $1,200 per customer, they net a profit of $3,800 per service. However, the company is still operating at a loss.
The Sharks were impressed by the business’s financial transparency but were alarmed by the high $40 million valuation.
Sharks’ Queries On Return Home Shark Tank Pitch
Kevin O’Leary
Kevin focused on the valuation and profitability. He questioned why Micha and Katey kept prices relatively low, suggesting that they charge more given the competitive cost of traditional burials and cremation.
- Kevin’s Argument: “Burials cost over $8,000, and cremation isn’t far behind. Why not increase your pricing to improve profitability?”
- Entrepreneurs’ Response: Micha emphasized accessibility, stating that keeping prices low aligns with their mission to make Terramation a feasible option for more families.
Kevin ultimately found the valuation and pricing strategy unconvincing and opted out.
Mark Cuban
Mark was the first to go out, citing skepticism about the business model and valuation. He didn’t see the scalability potential to justify such a high valuation.
Lori Greiner
Lori was intrigued by the concept but challenged the founders to justify their $2 million for 5% equity offer. She urged them to reassess their valuation, stating:
- Lori’s Comment: “You need a valuation evaluation. The numbers just don’t add up.”
Despite her interest in the eco-conscious angle, Lori shared the concerns of the other Sharks and bowed out.
Daniel Lubetzky
Guest Shark Daniel also appreciated the idea but couldn’t overlook the valuation. He felt it was unrealistic given their current sales and profitability. He was the next to decline.
Daymond John
Daymond admitted that the business didn’t resonate with his personal passions, making it difficult for him to invest. He followed the other Sharks in opting out.
Final Result of Return Home Shark Tank Deal
Despite the Sharks’ consistent critiques of the valuation, Micha and Katey stood by their figures. They defended their pricing model and the company’s long-term vision, highlighting their commitment to making eco-friendly funeral services more accessible.
Unfortunately, their persistence wasn’t enough to secure a deal. The Sharks unanimously agreed that the business had potential but needed to reassess its valuation and strategy before seeking additional investment.
What happened to Return Home following the Shark Tank Show? Keep reading our Return Home update to find out!
Return Home Shark Tank Update
So, what happened to Return Home after Shark Tank?
In terms of the latest Return Home Shark Tank Update: Although Return Home didn’t secure a deal on Shark Tank, their appearance has undoubtedly boosted their visibility.
Media Attention and Public Response
Since the episode aired, Return Home has gained media coverage, including a feature in The Seattle Times, which highlighted the company’s innovative approach and its growing customer base.
Public interest in eco-friendly burial options has surged, with many intrigued by the concept of composting human remains as a sustainable alternative to traditional practices.
Updated Services and Pricing
Post-Shark Tank, Return Home has introduced new packages and lowered their service price slightly, demonstrating their commitment to making Terramation more accessible. Their website now offers comprehensive resources, helping families explore this unique end-of-life option.
Return Home Shark Tank Net Worth
During their pitch on Shark Tank Season 15, Return Home founders Micha Truman and Katey Houstonno sought an investment of $2 million for 5% equity, valuing the company at a staggering $40 million.
This ambitious valuation raised eyebrows among the Sharks, as it significantly exceeded what their current sales and growth justified. While the business had generated $350,000 in revenue by the second quarter of the year, the valuation was difficult for the Sharks to align with their financial metrics and profit margins.
Despite their innovative Terramation process and eco-conscious mission, the Sharks felt the company’s net worth was overestimated. The consensus was that Return Home needed a more realistic approach to valuation to attract potential investors.
Although the founders left without a deal, their Shark Tank appearance brought valuable exposure, which could positively impact their market position and long-term growth.
Did Return Home Get A Deal On Shark Tank?
Despite their compelling pitch and eco-friendly innovation, Return Home did not secure a deal on Shark Tank.
The founders, Micha Truman and Katey Houstonno, aimed to revolutionize the funeral industry with their unique Terramation process but struggled to convince the Sharks of their ambitious $40 million valuation.
While the company demonstrated promising growth, with $350,000 in revenue by mid-year and a significant profit margin on their $5,500 service, the Sharks found the valuation unrealistic and unsustainable.
Each Shark raised concerns during negotiations, with Kevin O’Leary frustrated over their pricing strategy and Mark Cuban turned off by the high valuation. Lori Greiner and Daniel Lubetzky echoed similar sentiments, ultimately deciding not to invest.
While Daymond John admitted a lack of personal passion for the business, he also chose to bow out. In the end, the founders left without a deal but gained invaluable exposure for their groundbreaking concept.
Return Home Terramation Cost
The cost of terramation with Return Home varies depending on the service and location.
A standard terramation costs $4,950, while the terramation with a lay-in service—a ceremonial placement of the deceased into the vessel—is priced at $5,450.
For clients residing out of state, the terramation cost starts at $4,925, with an additional estimated $2,500 for shipping. Notably, terramation services for children aged 17 or under are offered at no fee, highlighting the company’s compassionate approach.
The comprehensive price includes the terramation process, assistance from their service team, filing necessary permits, refrigerated body storage if needed, and returning any excess soil to local lands.
Additionally, Return Home provides a pre-purchase plan, enabling individuals to make arrangements in advance at a fixed cost that will never increase. The Terramation process, which converts human remains into compost, is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cremation and burial.
It is carbon-neutral, eliminates the need for coffins and embalming chemicals, and produces minimal waste and pollution.
Powered by renewable energy, terramation aligns with Return Home’s mission of providing sustainable, environmentally-conscious end-of-life services.
Challenges And Future Outlook Of Return To Nature Funeral Home
Like many pioneering businesses, Return Home faces challenges, including public awareness and skepticism around unconventional funeral methods. However, the increasing demand for sustainable solutions presents a significant growth opportunity.
Financial Hurdles
While the company has raised $5 million in funding, they continue to operate at a loss, a concern that contributed to the Sharks’ hesitations. Their focus on affordability over profits may hinder short-term financial stability but positions them as a leader in ethical and sustainable funeral services.
Expanding Awareness
Educating the public about Terramation is key to their success. As climate change and sustainability become central to consumer decisions, Return Home could play a crucial role in reshaping societal norms around death care.
Why Return Home Matters?
Return Home introduces a groundbreaking alternative to traditional burial and cremation methods, offering an eco-friendly option called Terramation, which composts human remains into soil within 60-90 days.
This innovative process addresses growing concerns over the environmental impact of traditional funeral practices, such as the use of caskets, chemicals, and fossil fuels for cremation. By providing a more sustainable end-of-life option, Return Home contributes to reducing the ecological footprint of the funeral industry.
Beyond its environmental benefits, Return Home also fills a gap in the funeral market, offering grieving families a unique and respectful way to honor their loved ones.
The company’s approach aligns with the increasing demand for sustainable practices and could be the beginning of a broader shift in how society handles death and its environmental implications.
This makes Return Home an important player in the growing movement toward more sustainable and conscious living, even in death.
FAQs On Return To Nature Funeral Home Shark Tank Update
Who Is The Owner Of Return Home?
The owners of Return Home are Micha Truman and Katey Houstonno. Micha Truman previously worked at The Knot in China for 20 years, while Katey has extensive experience as a funeral director. Together, they founded the company to offer a more sustainable alternative to traditional burial and cremation methods.
Is Return Home Still In Business?
Yes, Return Home is still in business. Since their appearance on Shark Tank, they have continued to grow, gaining more attention and expanding their services.
While they did not secure a deal on the show, their innovative approach to eco-friendly funeral alternatives remains a key part of their business model.
Did Return Home Get A Deal On Shark Tank?
No, Return Home did not secure a deal on Shark Tank.
Despite their innovative business model and eco-friendly approach, the Sharks were concerned about the company’s high valuation and low-profit margins, leading all of them to back out.
Is Return Home Successful?
Return Home has achieved partial success by establishing the first large-scale human composting facility, offering their innovative Terramation process. However, their overall financial success and profitability remain uncertain, especially after a controversial appearance on Shark Tank, where investors were hesitant due to their high valuation request.
What Happened To Return Home After Shark Tank?
After appearing on Shark Tank, Return Home did not secure a deal with any of the Sharks due to disagreements over valuation. However, the company gained significant exposure, leading to increased attention and interest in their eco-friendly Terramation process. While their current financial status is unclear, the publicity has likely helped boost their presence in the market.
Is Human Composting Cheaper Than Cremation?
Yes, human composting (Terramation) is generally cheaper than cremation. The service typically costs around $5,500, while cremation can range from $6,000 to $8,000 depending on the region and additional services. However, prices may vary based on location and specific services offered by each provider.
How Much Does Terramation Cost?
Terramation through Return Home costs $5,500 per service. This price includes the entire process of transforming human remains into nutrient-rich soil within 60-90 days, offering an environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional burial or cremation.
Conclusion: Return To Nature Funeral Home Update
According to the latest Return Home Shark Tank Update: Although Return Home left Shark Tank without a deal, their mission to transform the funeral industry resonates with environmentally conscious individuals.
By offering a meaningful and sustainable option for handling loved ones’ remains, they are paving the way for a more compassionate and eco-friendly future.
As of now, Return Home is gaining traction, and their story is far from over. Whether you’re considering this unique service or simply intrigued by their journey, the rise of Return Home is a testament to the power of innovation and purpose-driven business.
Stay tuned for future Return To Nature Funeral Home updates because we will definitely come up with another story when get more information.
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