Biography of Brad Johnston: Founder & CEO of Tanoshi -Entrepreneur
Brad Johnston: From Corporate Leader to EdTech Innovator
Passion for Product Development
Brad Johnston is an experienced product manager and
entrepreneur, known for creating consumer electronics that people love. With a
strong background in product development, he has spent over two decades working
in the industry, making significant contributions to various tech companies.
Educational Foundation
Brad holds a Master’s degree in Commerce from The University
of Sydney Business School. His education laid the foundation for his expertise
in business, product strategy, and marketing, which he later applied to the
tech industry.
Early Career and Corporate Success
His journey began with prominent roles at major tech
companies. At Toshiba, he worked as both a Product Manager and a Marketing
Manager, leading initiatives that significantly increased revenue. His efforts
helped grow retail consumer electronics sales from $500,000 per year to over
$20 million in just two years.
Strategic Growth at VIZIO
Brad later joined VIZIO as a Senior Product Manager, where
he managed the development and launch of high-end HD touchscreen laptops,
all-in-one computers, and tablets. His role involved working with major tech
giants like Google, Microsoft, Intel, and Qualcomm, ensuring that VIZIO’s
products remained competitive in the market.
The Birth of Tanoshi
Driven by a passion for education and technology, Brad
co-founded Tanoshi in 2015. His goal was to create fun, safe, and educational
consumer electronics for school-age children. He recognized the gap in the
market for affordable, kid-friendly computers and aimed to bridge it through
Tanoshi’s products.
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Addressing the Homework Gap
Brad was particularly motivated by the digital divide in
education, where millions of children from lower-income families lacked access
to technology. Tanoshi was founded to provide these kids with affordable
computers that came pre-loaded with educational apps, allowing them to develop
essential digital skills.
Tanoshi’s First Breakthrough Product
In 2018, Tanoshi launched its first product—a 2-in-1
computer designed for children aged 6 to 12. The device was not only
educational but also equipped with best-in-class parental controls. It could
function offline, ensuring that kids without internet access could still
complete their homework.
A Mission-Driven Business Model
Tanoshi was built with a mission to promote equal access to
education. By offering an affordable yet high-quality product, Brad and his
team aimed to provide every child with the opportunity to develop 21st-century
computing skills, such as typing, using productivity apps, and even coding.
Shark Tank Success
In Season 11 of Shark Tank USA, Tanoshi made its way onto
the show, seeking $500,000 for an 8% equity stake. After negotiations, they
struck a deal with Daymond John, who invested $500,000 for 20% equity. This
investment provided Tanoshi with the resources to scale further.
Challenges in the Tech Industry
Despite its success, Tanoshi faced challenges. The
competitive nature of the consumer electronics market made it difficult to
sustain high-profit margins. At $199 per unit, the product offered great value,
but with a manufacturing cost of around $120 per unit, profit margins were
tight.
COVID-19 and Increased Demand
The pandemic in 2020 highlighted the importance of Tanoshi’s
mission. With schools shifting to remote learning, an estimated 16 million K-12
students in the U.S. lacked access to a computer or the internet. Tanoshi’s
devices became even more critical in closing the digital divide.
Market Response and Retail Success
Since its launch, Tanoshi has sold over 17,000 computers,
generating more than $4 million in revenue. The brand quickly established
itself as a leader in the kids’ computing space, proving that there was a
strong demand for affordable, education-focused technology.
Lessons from Shark Tank
While Tanoshi received praise from the sharks, some
hesitated due to the challenges of scaling a hardware business. Mark Cuban was
concerned about competition, while Kevin O’Leary disliked the hardware market’s
low margins. However, the company’s mission-driven approach ultimately won over
Daymond John.
The Future of Tanoshi
With a clear vision and growing demand, Brad Johnston
continues to lead Tanoshi in developing innovative educational tech products.
His journey from corporate tech leader to entrepreneur showcases his commitment
to making a real impact in children’s education through technology.
Timeline for story
2015 – Brad Johnston co-founded Tanoshi.
2018 – Launched the first 2-in-1 computer for kids aged
6-12.
2019 – Appeared on Shark Tank Season 11 and secured a
$500,000 deal with Daymond John.
2020 – COVID-19 increased demand for affordable educational
devices.
2023 – Tanoshi sold over 17,000 computers and generated $4
million in revenue.
