Guard Llama Net Worth
Guard Llama was a key fob-sized device that paired with a user’s smartphone and sent an emergency message to the police with their location when the button was pushed.
The company was valued at $2 million during its Shark Tank pitch in 2022 but is no longer operating and its net worth is unavailable.
Joseph Parisi, who pitched Guard Llama on Shark Tank, was later arrested with more than $80,000 worth of drugs at his Illinois home.
What is Guard Llama and Who is the founder of Guard Llama?
Guard Llama is a safety device that communicates with your phone via Bluetooth. In case of an emergency, pressing the button twice contacts both the police and ambulance services through the emergency dispatch center.
Your photo and medical information are sent, and your friends and family are notified. GPS tracking is used to locate you within nine feet of the device.
In 2015, Joe Parisi, a graduate of the Northern University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, founded Guard Llama in Chicago. He came up with the idea after noticing a need for personal security devices, particularly following abductions and school shootings involving his fellow graduates.
The device is the size of a key fob and links to your smartphone via Bluetooth. When you push the button, a message containing your location and description is sent directly to the police, eliminating the need to dial 911.
The company name, Guard Llama, comes from the animals who would defend their group with loud screams and powerful kicks.
Parisi created the device primarily for realtors who frequently meet strangers in vacant homes, but anyone who wants an extra layer of security would benefit from it.
Customers must purchase the fob before subscribing to the service, with the basic plan costing $2.95 per month and only functioning when the phone is turned on.
The premium plan costs $9.95 a month and operates within 150 feet of your phone, even when it is turned off. The family plan bundles four premium plans for a monthly price of $29.95, which is ten dollars less than purchasing them separately.
It is worth noting that Parisi has not been in the public eye since his arrest in 2019 on drug-related charges.
Guard Llama Shark Tank pitch
In season 8 episode 23 of Shark Tank, Joe Parisi, and Nick Nevarez pitched Guard Llama, their personal protection equipment that is enabled by a smartphone app. Their goal was to find a Shark who could help them quickly expand their business.
They asked for $100,000 in exchange for a 5% stake in their $2 million company. They explained that their technology, like llamas, is gentle in nature but can become aggressive when predators approach.
They also shared that the gadget operates within 150 feet of your phone and had around 2,000 active customers paying $10 per month or $100 per year at the time of filming.
They partnered with the National Association of Realtors to deliver the gadgets to realtors. If you hit the button and don’t respond, the police are called. Mark Cuban and Lori both passed on the deal due to concerns about liability in case of a malfunction.
Chris Sacca thought it would be difficult to scale, and Barbara Corcoran offered a $100,000 interest-free loan with a $2 royalty until she recouped her investment in exchange for 20% equity in the company. They ultimately reached a deal with Barbara for a $100,000 loan, 18% equity shares and a $2 royalty per unit sold until repaid.
However, the deal with Barbara did not go through after the broadcast aired, and it was later revealed that Joseph Parisi was a drug addict. In 2019, police seized 600 grams of ecstasy, 7 grams of mushrooms, cocaine, and 65 grams of cannabis from his residence.
The company is still operating as of May 2021, but past customers have reported poor customer service, and the Better Business Bureau claims that the company is no longer in business.
Competitors of Guard Llama
The main Competitors for Guard Llama are; Greenville, Alert Sentry, Lakeville, FireTracks, iLuv Wireless, and Freehold Borough among the companies represented.
Net Worth of Guard Llama
The company was valued at $2 million during the pitch, since then the company is no longer operating and hence the company net worth is unavailable.
Summary Table: Guard Llama Net Worth 2013
| TOPIC | SUMMARY |
| Company | Guard Llama was a personal safety device that paired with a user’s smartphone to send an emergency message to the police with their location when the button was pushed. |
| Founder | Joe Parisi, a graduate of the Northern University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, founded Guard Llama in Chicago in 2015. |
| Shark Tank | Guard Llama was valued at $2 million during its Shark Tank pitch in 2022. They asked for $100,000 in exchange for a 5% stake in their company, but the deal fell through after the show. |
| Competitors | Competitors of Guard Llama include Greenville, Alert Sentry, Lakeville, FireTracks, iLuv Wireless, and Freehold Borough. |
| Net Worth | The current net worth of Guard Llama is unavailable since the company is no longer operating. |
| FAQs | Guard Llama is a personal security gadget that connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth. Joe Parisi invented Guard Llama. They asked for $100,000 for 5% of their company on Shark Tank. |
Guard Llama FAQs
What is Guard Llama?
Guard Llama is a smart phone app-enabled personal security gadget that connects to your smart phone through Bluetooth. When you press the button, a message containing your position and description is sent directly to the police. It is not necessary to phone 911.
The gadget’s name was taken from genuine llamas that would defend their group with fierce kicks and a loud, screaming sound.
Who is the inventor?
Joe Parisi of Chicago invented Guard Llama. – He is the founder of Guard Llama Inc.
How much were they asking on Shark Tank?
Joseph and Nick asked for $100,000 for 5% of their company.
Did they have the deal?
Yes, they did a deal with Barbara Corcoran.
How much was the deal?
Barbara Corcoran offered $100,000 loan, 18% equity shares of the firm, and a $2 royalty each unit sold until repaid.
Is Guard Llama still in business?
According to the Better Business Bureau, the company is no longer in business.
Where is Guard Llama located?
Guard Llama is located in Chicago, IL.
What is the telephone number for Guard Llama?
The phone number for Guard Llama is not listed.
How can I contact Guard Llama?
The best way to contact Guard Llama is by their website https://www.guardllama.com
Is it safe to get Guard Llama?
Yes, Guard llama is safe as long as it has some sort of professional counseling and good management.
Can Guard Llama be made for mass distribution?
Yes, but it should be tested properly before making them for mass distribution.
Can anyone use Guard Llama?
No It is exclusively for people who are in contact with strangers selling or buying property.
What happens if I don’t respond to the app message?
If one doesn’t respond to the app message, the police are called.
What is the official website?
The company’s official website can be found here: www.guardllama.com
What does Guard Llama do?
Guard Llama helps people notify the police and avoid dangerous situations. Their call is routed through their secure, encrypted network, which ensures their information reaches the right party in the event of an emergency.
Can I download Guard Llama?
Yes, but user can only use Guard Llama for testing purposes. They cannot use it for their own personal safety.
Is Guard Llama shipping?
Yes, but one must have a verified address prior to shipping.
What is Guard Llama made of?
Guard llama is made of a button, speaker and microphone in combination with the app on the smartphone.
Do I need to be online for it to work?
No, users should not. The device will work even when the network is down or internet available.
How does Guard Llama work?
When one pushes the button, a text message will be sent to their specified contacts which include police and family members.
What is the net worth of Joe Parisi?
Joe Parisi’s net worth is estimated to be $1.5 million.
