AquaVault

Each year, 1.3 billion tourists travel internationally. More than 58 million Americans visit a local beach. And more than 500,000 set sail on cruise ships.

These vacationers contribute to the $7.6 trillion global travel and tourism industry. But they also provide thieves plenty of opportunities to steal their personal belongings.

AquaVault has developed a line of products to help protect travelers’ valuables while on vacation. As the company says, AquaVault enables people to “Enjoy the sun without getting burned.”

Its first product is a portable travel safe that locks onto beach furniture and stores valuables. Its other products include a secure travel pack, a waterproof phone case, and a biometric fingerprint lock.

This company is quickly emerging as a top brand in the travel security industry. Since launching in 2014, AquaVault has:

• Had its products sold or available for rent at more than 200 hotels and amusement parks throughout the U.S.

• Been issued 5 patents for its travel safe, with 4 additional patents pending.

• And appeared on ABC’s “Shark Tank,” where it received an investment from “shark” Daymond John.

Now the company is closing in on $10 million in lifetime sales, and is raising capital to implement a three-step plan to get acquired.

The idea for AquaVault originated when its team members had their valuables stolen while they were swimming.

According to one founder, “We turned our back for a few minutes and when we returned, everything was gone. We discovered several other families were also robbed there on the same day. We asked the cops how often this happens and they said ‘You have no idea how many calls we get a day for this same incident.’”

Sensing a need to develop a product that keeps valuables safe for vacationers and tourists, the team started AquaVault.

AquaVault's travel safe features a universal design that fits securely on most beach furniture. It has a reprogrammable lock and can hold wallets, cellphones, jewelry, and keys.

AquaVault began sales and rentals of its travel safe in 2017. That year, the company generated nearly $2 million in revenue. In 2018, revenue increased to $2.9 million. This year, the company projects that revenues will reach an estimated $7 million.

AquaVault has been featured on several TV programs, including Fox News, Good Morning America, the Today Show, and on the Discovery Channel. Notable media recognition includes The Los Angeles Times, CNBC, Forbes, and GQ.

In addition to being available for rent at hotels and amusement parks, AquaVault’s products are available for purchase through a number of channels. These include:

• Retailers like Bed Bath & Beyond, Disney, Bass Pro Shops, and Ace Hardware.

• Direct-to-consumer through its website and Amazon.com.

• And through wholesale distributors.

AquaVault’s products range in retail price from $39.95 to $119.95. The company achieves 15% margins on each product sold.

According to projections, by the end of 2019, AquaVault will earn a total net profit of around $832,000.

In addition to its sales channels, the company participates in more than a dozen annual trade shows. These include the World Waterpark Association, International Association of Amusement Parks, Global Gaming Expo, and Travel Goods Show.

With funds raised, AquaVault will implement a three-step process to get acquired:

The first step involves increasing its marketing budget and sales figures, while trimming its customer acquisition costs.

The second step involves adding more resorts, cruise lines, and waterparks to its list of clients. The company views the international market as its biggest opportunity to grow. It also plans to start exploring selling its business.

The third step, which the company hopes to achieve within three years, is to complete a successful “exit.”

Team Background

Robert Peck - Co-Founder & CEO

Robert has a background in international business and finance.

Early in his career, he was a trading analyst at Lynx Capital Partners, a financial services company. He then became an investment advisor for Edward Jones, where he worked for more than three years.

For 11 years, Robert served as Owner of Blue Rise, an investment consulting company. He worked at this company until starting AquaVault in 2013.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Business from Hofstra University.

Avin Samtani - Co-Founder & COO

Avin is a veteran entrepreneur with experience in the consumer goods industry.

Prior to starting AquaVault, he worked for six years as Principal at Venetian Capital Partners, a consulting company advising early-stage companies with management and product development.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Finance from Hofstra University.

Jonathan Kinas - Co-Founder & CFO

Jonathan has a background in finance and entrepreneurship.

As Chief Financial Officer of AquaVault, he handles most of the company’s day-to-day operations.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Hofstra University.

Co-Investors

Daymond John

Notable American businessman who appears as a “shark” on the investment-based reality show “Shark Tank”.