Boulder startup Wildcoat on revenue impacts following Shark Tank appearance

Wildcoat Overcomes Tariff Challenges and Snowfall Shortages

Carlo DiMeo found himself facing a major hurdle just three months into ordering samples of animal-themed ski coats for his Boulder-based startup, Wildcoat. President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs hit the business hard, causing delays in production and a spike in prices.

Manufactured in a factory in China, Wildcoat’s lion, tiger, and bear-looking outerwear were impacted by a 150% increase in export levies. This forced DiMeo to raise prices to $525 per coat, a significant jump from the original $460. The pause in production lasted six to eight weeks, causing further delays in shipments to the U.S.

Despite the challenges, Wildcoat, which gained recognition on ABC TV’s “Shark Tank,” experienced a successful year in 2025 with increased revenue and growth expectations. The addition of eagle and lion designs, along with kids’ sizes, further expanded the brand’s offerings.

However, the business faced additional obstacles with limited snowfall in the West affecting exposure for Wildcoat’s gear. Pop-up events and demo showcases helped generate interest, but a decline in group purchases impacted sales for the season.

While the “Shark Tank” appearance provided a boost to Wildcoat, the deal with Robert Herjavec has not been finalized due to his focus on a new AI venture. Despite the uncertainty, DiMeo remains optimistic about the brand’s future and potential product expansions.

Looking ahead, Wildcoat is considering introducing a shorter parka length and new animal designs for the upcoming season. The goal is to continue growing the brand and reaching a wider audience, showcasing the unique and stylish features of Wildcoat’s apparel.

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