SEATTLE, WA – November 16, 2023 – A Seattle teenager has completed the sale of his wildly accomplished card game, “Taco vs.Burrito,” to Playmonster for an undisclosed sum, marking a meaningful exit for the young entrepreneur and his family. The deal, finalized last month, concludes a remarkable journey that began with a childhood idea and blossomed into a $1.1 million revenue stream within the first year.
Alex Butler with his parents” width=”700″ height=”750″/>Alex Butler, now 15, created the game at age 7, inspired by popular family games like “Exploding Kittens.” He, along with his parents, Leslie Pierson and Mark Butler, sold the rights to Playmonster last month, as reported by the Seattle Times.
“I never felt very attached to the game. It wasn’t super crucial to me. I just wanted to get as much money from it as possible,” alex stated. He reportedly has his sights set on purchasing a Lamborghini.
The game’s origins were serendipitous, according to Alex, who admitted he didn’t even especially like tacos or burritos when he conceived the idea. He began prototyping the game and testing it with family and friends at local cafes in the Seattle area.
Leslie Pierson, a serial entrepreneur and former contestant on the television show “Shark Tank,” initially doubted her son’s commitment, expecting him to lose interest quickly. Though, Alex’s persistence led to the launch of an online fundraising campaign on an unspecified platform to cover production costs. Within 24 hours, the campaign exceeded $1,000, surpassing Alex’s initial expectations.
The campaign ultimately raised $25,000, boosted by promotion at Comic Con Seattle. This funding enabled the family to establish Hot Taco Inc., with Alex holding the majority ownership stake. The first production run of 30,000 games was listed on Amazon and quickly sold out, generating nearly $1.1 million in revenue during the first year.
From Amazon Bestseller to Playmonster Acquisition
Over the years, “Taco vs. Burrito” has sold over 1.5 million copies, becoming Amazon’s best-selling game and spawning two expansion packs. The game’s success prompted the family to seek a larger distribution partner.
Playmonster, led by CEO Jonathan Berkowitz, emerged as the winning bidder. Berkowitz praised the game’s simplicity, humor, and broad appeal. “It’s amazing when kids can beat their parents in a game, and parents are actually having fun,” he said. Playmonster plans to expand the “Taco vs. burrito” franchise with new versions and international markets, beginning with a collector’s edition launching in November.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Young Entrepreneurship
Alex Butler’s story highlights the growing trend of young entrepreneurs leveraging online platforms and crowdfunding to bring their ideas to market. His success demonstrates the potential for children and teenagers to create viable businesses with minimal initial investment. The Butler family’s experience also underscores the importance of parental support and guidance in nurturing entrepreneurial spirit. The undisclosed sale price to Playmonster is expected to provide Alex and his parents with significant resources for future investments and ventures. Playmonster, headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin, is a leading independent toy and game company.