Surprise Ride: A Fun and Educational Subscription Service for Kids
Surprise Ride, a monthly subscription service founded in 2013 by sisters Donna and Rosy Khalife, caters to children aged 5 to 11. The company’s mission is to inspire kids to learn, explore, and discover the world around them through hands-on activities and experiences.
Surprise Ride is a company that offers a unique subscription service that delivers hands-on educational activities directly to your doorstep. Each kit is thoughtfully curated to explore various captivating subjects, ranging from fantasy to science.
The packages contain all the necessary project supplies, a reading book related to the theme, a special keepsake or toy, and easy-to-follow photo instructions for a seamless experience.
Surprise Ride is designed to spark children’s curiosity, creativity, and engagement through screen-free learning experiences. Surprise Ride encourages kids to explore the world around them through interactive exploration and discovery.
Surprise Ride subscribers have access to a creative and educational platform offering a variety of activities suitable for kids of all ages.
From puzzles and geography lessons to painting and building projects, Surprise Ride ensures that there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy together.
With Surprise Ride, parents can easily engage their children in offline, interactive activities that not only entertain but also educate them.
The monthly kits, curated by child development experts, include age-appropriate crafts, games, books, and resources designed to stimulate children’s curiosity and creativity.
Donna and Rosy Khalife, the visionary founders behind Surprise Ride, drew inspiration from their own childhood experiences and the challenges parents face in finding engaging and educational activities for their kids.
Their dedication to providing quality products and fostering a love for learning shines through in every Surprise Ride package.
In a world where electronic devices often dominate children’s attention, Surprise Ride stands out as a beacon of creativity and hands-on learning.
By offering a subscription service that encourages families to explore, learn, and create lasting memories together, Surprise Ride is revolutionizing the way kids engage with the world around them.
The acquisition of Surprise Ride by Fat Brain Toys in 2018 further solidified the company’s commitment to providing monthly entertainment that sparks creativity and broadens young minds.
As parents continue to seek ways to keep their children engaged in meaningful activities, Surprise Ride remains a vital resource for unlocking the secrets of offline, hands-on learning in today’s digital age.
Surprise Ride on Shark Tank: The Entrepreneurial Journey of Rosy and Donna Khalife
Rosy and Donna Khalife, two sisters with a passion for helping kids break away from screens and engage in enjoyable learning experiences, introduced a unique concept: a children’s book and activity subscription service.
They were seeking an investment of $110,000 in exchange for a 10% stake in Surprise Ride from the Sharks to help sustain their operations over the next year.
They outlined their strategy to leverage the marketing company’s expertise in converting mothers into customers.
The idea behind their venture was to carefully curate collections of books and interactive kits, pack them into boxes, and deliver them to monthly subscribers eager to foster a love for reading and creative exploration among children.
Surprise Ride sells its subscription boxes for $24.99 to $29.99, depending on the plan chosen, under the brand Surprise Ride.
They shipped over 800 boxes and kept a subscriber base of 220 active members within just four months of their appearance.
They partnered with a fulfillment center for efficient assembly and shipping of the boxes, with a profit margin of 50%.
During their pitch to the Sharks, Donna disclosed that Surprise Ride had secured $100,000 in funding from an angel investor, Irwin Jacobs, the founder of Qualcomm.
The plan involved allocating $40,000 for a 12-month campaign targeting 5-10 million moms, with the remaining $60,000 earmarked for maximizing web traffic monetization.
Despite the Sharks’ reservations regarding Surprise Ride’s $1.1 million valuation at an early stage of development, the Khalife sisters remained determined.
While some Sharks opted out due to concerns about scalability and marketing strategies, Robert Herjavec recognized the potential in their business idea.
Although an offer was made, the negotiation took an unexpected turn, leading to Surprise Ride leaving the tank without a deal.
In the end, Rosy and Donna Khalife’s innovative approach to children’s education through interactive subscriptions showcased their dedication to inspiring young minds and fostering a love for learning beyond traditional boundaries.
Despite the outcome, their journey exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit and determination required to bring creative ideas to life in a competitive market landscape.
The Success Story of Surprise Ride: From “Shark Tank” to Acquisition by Fat Brain Toys
After its feature on “Shark Tank,” a surge of parents visited the Surprise Ride website to sign up for the new subscription service.
The “Shark Tank” Effect propelled the company to achieve its $500,000 sales target by the end of 2014, which doubled to $1 million by the end of 2015.
The remarkable growth caught the attention of Kevin O’Leary, who had initially been hesitant due to the company’s valuation. However, impressed by their success, he seized the opportunity to get involved.
In 2016, two years after their initial pitch, the sisters were invited to film a follow-up segment on “Beyond the Tank.”
During filming, Kevin made a surprise offer of $50,000 for 2.5% equity and a 6% royalty until $150,000 was recouped. The Khalifes, recalling their experience, swiftly accepted the offer.
Kevin O’Leary championed Surprise Ride towards a successful exit. He committed to supporting the company by driving traffic to the site and reducing customer acquisition costs.
With his guidance, Surprise Ride’s sales soared to over $3 million within two years. Kevin even showcased the company on The View, further expanding its reach. In an interview in January 2018, he expressed optimism about the company’s future sales potential.
In November 2018, after just five years in operation, Surprise Ride was acquired by Fat Brain Toys. Donna Khalife expressed excitement about the acquisition, stating it was a realization of their hard work and the American Dream.
As of now, Surprise Ride continues its operations with a slightly reduced monthly subscription cost of $24.95. Following the successful exit from Surprise Ride, Donna and Rosy Khalife pursued new opportunities.
They stepped down from their roles at Surprise Ride in 2019, with Rosy founding Launch Sisters Ventures and Donna joining Google’s innovation department.
Their journey continued with roles at New Enterprise Associates and involvement in Girls Who Start International. In 2021, Donna joined Google, while Rosy became the COO of Nexus Labs.
Surprise Ride is still in business and thriving, with an estimated net worth of $3 million.