Ever wished you could instantly transform a digital snapshot into a tangible memento? Postcard on the Run dared to bridge that gap, aiming to redefine personal communication in the digital age.

Postcard on the Run made its debut on Shark Tank in 2013, during Season 5, Episode 1, seeking to capture the attention of the Sharks with its innovative approach. The premise was simple yet compelling: an app that allowed users to send real, physical postcards using photos directly from their smartphones. This blend of modern technology and traditional snail mail aimed to offer a unique and personalized experience.

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Josh Brooks
Education	University of Arizona (1994-1998)
Company	Postcard on the Run
Shark Tank Appearance	Season 5, Episode 1 (2013)
Pitch	$300,000 for 5% equity
Deal	$300,000 for 7.5% equity with Robert Herjavec
Business Type	Mobile App (Postcard Creation and Mailing)
Company Status	Closed (in 2015)
Net Worth (at time of Shark Tank)	Estimated $4 million
Reference Link	Shark Tank Season

Josh Brooks, the owner of Postcard on the Run, stepped into the Shark Tank arena with a proposition that valued his company at a striking $6 million. He requested $300,000 in exchange for 5% equity. The app itself was designed to be user-friendly. It enabled users to snap a photo, customize it with a message and their signature, and then have it printed and mailed as a physical postcard to anywhere in the world.

Brooks, who studied at the University of Arizona from 1994 to 1998, had always aspired to work in the technology sector. The concept behind Postcard on the Run was to modernize the traditional postcard experience by leveraging the convenience of smartphones.

The innovative app not only transformed smartphone photos into physical postcards sent through snail mail, but it also incorporated an interactive element. Each postcard featured a code that the recipient could scan with their phone, unlocking access to additional video and audio content. This feature aimed to enhance the personal connection and make the experience more memorable.

Despite the app's innovative features and ease of use, Postcard on the Run faced stiff competition in the crowded market of photo-based services and communication platforms. While Brooks hoped that the Sharks would see the potential and invest to help scale the business, the reality of the Shark Tank proved to be challenging.

The Sharks expressed concerns about the company's valuation, with some believing that it was significantly overvalued. They questioned the long-term viability of the business model and the ability to compete effectively in the face of established players. Four out of the five Sharks declined to invest, citing concerns about the scalability and market saturation.

However, Robert Herjavec saw something in Postcard on the Run and offered Brooks a deal. Ultimately, Brooks secured an investment from Robert Herjavec for $300,000, but in exchange for 7.5% equity in the company, slightly more than what he had initially offered. This investment valued the company at a lower, though still substantial, amount.

Despite securing an investment on Shark Tank, Postcard on the Run ultimately closed its doors in 2015. The reasons for the closure are not explicitly detailed, but likely involved a combination of factors, including competition, marketing challenges, and the overall difficulty of sustaining a mobile app business.

The companys website URL has since been acquired by a competing postcard sending business, highlighting the dynamic and competitive nature of the online marketplace. Postcard on the Run is no longer operational, serving as a case study of a company that experienced a moment in the spotlight on Shark Tank but ultimately struggled to achieve long-term success.

While Shark Tank has been a launchpad for numerous successful products and companies over the past decade, Postcard on the Run's journey illustrates that not every appearance guarantees lasting prosperity. The show itself does not specifically highlight Postcard on the Run as either a best or worst episode, but rather as one of the many ventures that have sought funding and guidance from the Sharks.

Other companies that have appeared on Shark Tank with similar concepts, such as personalized greeting card apps like Felt (Season 7), have also navigated the challenges of the market. Tomer, the founder of Felt, sought $200,000 for 6% equity and ultimately secured $225,000 for 10% equity with Kevin O'Leary. Similarly, Lovepop, another company in the personalized card space, made a deal with Kevin OLeary for $300,000 for 15% equity. These examples showcase the varying degrees of success and challenges faced by entrepreneurs in the greeting card and personalized communication industry.

Barbara Corcoran, a business mogul and one of the Sharks, is known for sending thank you postcards to clients as part of her customer service strategy. This practice underscores the enduring value and impact of personalized, tangible communication in building relationships and fostering customer loyalty.

In contrast to Postcard on the Run, some companies that didn't secure a deal on Shark Tank have gone on to achieve significant success. Getaway, for instance, defied the odds and became a success despite not getting an investment from the Sharks. This demonstrates that while a Shark Tank deal can provide valuable funding and exposure, it is not the sole determinant of a company's future.

The story of Postcard on the Run serves as a reminder of the complexities and uncertainties of the entrepreneurial journey. While the app offered a unique blend of technology and tradition, it ultimately succumbed to the challenges of a competitive market. Its appearance on Shark Tank, though memorable, did not guarantee its long-term survival.

Other examples of Shark Tank companies that have been acquired include Truffle Shuffle, which was acquired by ButcherBox, demonstrating the potential for successful exits even after appearing on the show. Additionally, updates on companies like Super Potty Trainer and Float 'n' Grill from Season 12 highlight the ongoing stories and evolutions of businesses that have pitched their ideas to the Sharks.

The success of a product on Shark Tank is not always correlated with the amount of investment received. The most successful Shark Tank product is a subject of debate, with various companies achieving significant sales and market penetration after their appearances on the show. Royal Keto Gummies, for example, have been marketed as a Shark Tank product, although the specific details of any potential deal may vary.

The journey of Postcard on the Run, from its innovative app concept to its appearance on Shark Tank and eventual closure, offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of the startup world. While the company is no longer in business, its story remains a part of the Shark Tank legacy, illustrating the unpredictable nature of entrepreneurship and the enduring appeal of personalized communication.

Josh Brooks' vision for Postcard on the Run was undoubtedly innovative, tapping into the desire for personalized communication in an increasingly digital world. The app's ability to transform smartphone photos into physical postcards with interactive content was a unique selling proposition. However, the challenges of scaling a mobile app business, coupled with intense competition and differing opinions on valuation, ultimately led to the company's demise.

Despite its closure, Postcard on the Run's story continues to resonate with entrepreneurs and Shark Tank enthusiasts alike. It serves as a reminder that even the most promising ideas require a combination of factors, including effective marketing, strong execution, and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions, in order to achieve long-term success. The legacy of Postcard on the Run lives on as a cautionary tale and a testament to the risks and rewards of pursuing innovation in the digital age.