AirBedz, founded by Jim Pittman, appeared on Shark Tank Season 3, Episode 13, pitching an innovative air mattress designed specifically to fit in the beds of pickup trucks. The mattress features a custom fit that accounts for wheel wells, transforming the truck bed into a comfortable sleeping surface for outdoor enthusiasts and campers. Jim sought $250,000 for 15% equity, valuing the company at approximately $1.6 million.
| Company Name | AirBedz | |
| Founder/Co-Founder | Jim Pittman | |
| Founded | 2010 | |
| Product | Inflatable air mattress for truck beds | |
| Asked For | $250k for 15% equity | |
| Final Deal | No Deal | |
| Shark | No Shark | |
| Episode | S3 E13 | |
| Air Date | January 31, 2013 | |
| Business Status | Active (as Pittman Outdoors) | |
| Website | Visit Website | |
| Headquarters | California, United States | |
| Annual (Revenue) | Estimated $1 million (as of 2025) | |
| Worth / Valuation | $2.5 million (as of 2024) | |
| Buy and Watch | Buy Now | Amazon Prime |
Business Pitch Episode Recap
Jim Pittman demonstrated AirBedz with a live setup inside a pickup truck bed on the Shark Tank stage, showcasing its ease of inflation via a built-in 12-volt battery-operated pump and its durable, custom-fit design. The mattress fits snugly around wheel wells, offering a flat, comfortable surface for camping in trucks.
The Sharks acknowledged the product’s appeal to outdoor enthusiasts but expressed skepticism about the niche market size. Barbara Corcoran made an offer of $250,000 for 50% equity, which Jim countered with 25%. Barbara declined the counteroffer, and the other sharks passed, citing concerns over sales proof and market potential. Mark Cuban encouraged Jim to focus on sales, telling him to “get up off your ass and sell.” Ultimately, Jim left without a deal.
Sharks Offers List
| Sharks | Offers |
|---|---|
| Barbara Corcoran | $250,000 for 50% equity (declined) |
| Mark Cuban | No Offer |
| Daymond John | No Offer |
| Robert Herjavec | No Offer |
| Kevin O’Leary | No Offer |
| Founder’s Counter | No Counter |
| Final Deals | No Deals |
AirBedz Air Mattress Shark Tank Update
Post-show, Jim Pittman’s company, now known as Pittman Outdoors, expanded its product line and distribution channels despite not securing a deal. AirBedz products are sold in major retailers such as Costco, Sears, and Sierra Trading Post across 36 states. The company introduced accessories, backseat mattresses, and a pet line called AirBedz Pets, all using proprietary pump technology.
However, Pittman faced legal challenges over patent infringement claims from TruckBedz, the original patent holder of a similar truck bed air mattress. This dispute brought uncertainty but did not halt the company’s operations.
AirBedz’s valuation increased from $1.6 million at the time of Shark Tank to an estimated $2.5 million by 2024. Due to the company’s growth and diversification, Jim Pittman’s net worth is estimated at around $5 million.
What is AirBedz’s Net Worth?
At the time of the pitch, AirBedz was valued at approximately $1.6 million based on the $250,000 ask for 15% equity. Despite no investment from the Sharks, the company’s valuation grew to an estimated $2.5 million by 2024, driven by expanded retail presence and product diversification.
