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Entrepreneurship Has No Age to Start, and Some Stories Surprise with Early Success. In 2024, an 8-Year-Old Boy Managed to Generate US$ 150,000 with His Coffee Business
A young boy from the United States, named Ethan Sanborn, at just 8 years old, became a successful entrepreneur. In 2024, his company, Kiid Coffee, generated US$ 150,000 and secured a five-digit investment on the program Shark Tank on ABC.
Ethan and his father, David Sanborn, presented the product to the investors of the reality show and received offers from well-known names.
The Kiid Coffee is a beverage created for kids. Unlike traditional coffee, it has an insignificant amount of caffeine and includes nutrients like prebiotic fibers, iron, and calcium.
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The idea came from a simple observation: Ethan noticed that he liked the taste of his father’s coffee and imagined that other kids might like it too.
The Emergence of Kiid Coffee
The business started in April 2024, but Ethan’s interest in the world of entrepreneurship came earlier.
Since he was little, he showed curiosity about business, selling lemonade and Pokémon cards. His father, David, is also an experienced entrepreneur and saw a natural talent in his son.
The idea for a kids’ coffee emerged unexpectedly. One day, Ethan took a sip of his father’s coffee and liked it.
He suggested creating a version for kids, but David had doubts. “Parents will go crazy,” he initially thought. However, Ethan insisted: “If I like it, other kids will like it too.”
To validate the idea, Ethan asked friends at school, while David researched children’s interest in coffee. They both realized there was a potential audience and decided to move forward.
Over 100 recipes were tested, combining types of decaffeinated coffee, flavorings, and vitamins. Production began in their home kitchen, with Ethan and his brother as the main taste testers.
The first batches were packaged in plastic bags and distributed to neighbors. The response was positive, and the business gained traction.
Rapid Success and Sales
In a short time, Kiid Coffee began being sold in coffee shops and online. The differentiator is the composition, which allows kids to consume the beverage without the negative effects of caffeine. The product focuses on health, including essential nutrients.
In 2024, the company generated US$ 150,000. The profits are being reinvested into the growth of the business. David still works a full-time job, relying on three part-time employees to manage the company.
The Big Opportunity on ‘Shark Tank’
On the show “Shark Tank,” the investors had doubts about the business’s viability due to the company’s lack of experience.
Mark Cuban was one of those who initially declined to invest. However, he changed his mind upon learning that Kiid Coffee was already in coffee shops, not just in e-commerce.
Cuban and Lori Greiner made a joint offer of US$ 50,000 for 20% of the company. Investor Daniel Lubetzky, founder of Kind Snacks, offered the same amount for the same percentage, but with a twist: if David took on the business full-time, he would return 5% equity. Kevin O’Leary made a final proposal of US$ 50,000 for 15%, reducing his original offer of 30%.
David and Ethan chose to close with Lubetzky. “He is a great human being,” David said. “Furthermore, his experience in the food industry is very valuable to us.”
Ethan’s Involvement and the Future of Kiid Coffee
Even with a child’s routine, Ethan is actively involved in the business. He handles digital marketing and creates content for social media, especially on TikTok, where the brand has nearly 10,000 followers.
Additionally, he and David dedicate about 30 minutes daily to analyze customer feedback and plan new offerings.
Despite his involvement, David assures that Ethan still has time to play. “He really enjoys the business, but he also knows when to just be a kid,” he states.
With the new investment and Lubetzky’s guidance, Kiid Coffee is set to grow even more. The goal is to expand distribution to more coffee shops and explore new market possibilities.
Ethan, at just 8 years old, has already shown that he has the entrepreneurial vision and creativity to take his idea even further.
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