After Scott Cramton was born, the doctor told his parents that he had a severe cleft palate, which would make it difficult for him to communicate properly. However, Scott underwent surgery and speech therapy to improve his communication skills. He then started an entertainment company called The Murder Mystery Co. that hosts Murder mystery parties.
The impact of COVID-19 heavily affected his business, so he appeared on Shark Tank Season 15, Episode 18, seeking help from the Sharks. Did the Sharks invest in his business? Let’s find out.
| Company Name | The Murder Mystery Co | |
| Founder/Co-Founder | Scott Cramton | |
| Founded | 2002 | |
| Product | Entertainment Show | |
| Asked For | $350k for 5% equity | |
| Final Deal | $350k for 10% equity | |
| Shark | Jason Blum | |
| Episode | S15 E18 | |
| Air Date | March 15th, 2024 | |
| Business Status | In Business | |
| Website | Visit Website | |
| Headquarters | Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States | |
| Lifetime Worth (Sales) | $80M *estimated | |
| Buy and Watch | Buy Now | Amazon Prime |
What Is the Background of The Founder?
Scott Cramton is the founder of The Murder Mystery Co. and also owns four other entertainment companies: American Immersion Theater, Princess Party Company, Famous for a Day, and Camp Dragon Online.
He was born into an ordinary family and struggled with a severe cleft palate from childhood, making it difficult for him to communicate. He improved his communication skills through seven surgeries and 20 years of speech therapy.
Scott completed his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Theater from Grand Valley State University in 2004.
Business Pitch Episode Recap
Scott and his team demonstrated their business on Shark Tank by solving a murder mystery, declaring Kevin as the killer. He explained the scope and plans for his business to the Sharks.
Scott revealed that their business has been around for 20 years, but it began operating properly in 2017. They currently provide services in 23 different cities. As of 2017, their total sales have reached $50 million, with last year’s sales at $7 million. They kept $800,000 in profit. This year, they estimate that sales could reach $2 million, potentially yielding around $2 million in profit.
Kevin asked Scott why he needed the Sharks’ help.
Scott explained that in 2019, they had conducted 1,200 individual public shows. However, after COVID-19, their venues stopped operating, so he needs the Sharks’ help to partner with hotels and restaurants to continue hosting public shows.
They charge $499, $2,000, $5,000, and $10,000 for private shows, with the cost increasing based on the size and quality of the show and its theme.
Each show lasts about 2 hours, but it can be extended by an extra 30 minutes if needed.
One public show can accommodate around 120 people, with each ticket costing between $60 and $90, which includes food.
Guest Shark Jason Blum offered $350,000 for 10% equity, and Scott happily accepted the offer with a dance.
Sharks Offers list!
| Sharks | Offers |
|---|---|
| Jason Blum | $350k for a 10% stake |
| Kevin O’Leary | No Offer |
| Mark Cuban | No Offer |
| Daymond John | No Offer |
| Lori Greiner | No Offer |
| Founder’s (Countered) | No Counter |
| Final Deals | $350k for a 10% stake |
The Murder Mystery Co Shark Tank Update
After the episode aired, Scott’s business saw a positive impact, and the deal with Jason Blum went through. Shelby Stremus, COO of American Immersion Theater, updated the murdermysteryco website, stating that three months after the episode aired, the company had expanded significantly.
Scott signed a deal with Jason Blum, giving 5% equity in The Murder Mystery Co. Initially, Jason and Scott worked on launching ticketed shows across the United States. Currently, The Murder Mystery Co. has 25 venues open nationwide, and a total of 30 shows have sold out.
Check out Shark Tank Season 15 Business Update.
If you want more updates on the businesses that appeared in Season 15, visit here.
