Pavlok is a smart wearable device that aims to help people break bad habits using a combination of vibrations, beeps, and electric shocks. The company behind Pavlok, Behavioral Technology Group Inc., was founded in 2013 by Maneesh Sethi, an entrepreneur who had previously gained notoriety for hiring a woman to slap him whenever he got distracted while working. In this article, we will explore some of the interesting facts and figures surrounding Pavlok, including its net worth, features, and controversies while still in business.
Pavlok
- The name “Pavlok” is a play on the name of the famous Russian psychologist, Ivan Pavlov, who is known for his work on classical conditioning.
- The device is designed to be worn on the wrist and pairs with a mobile app.
- The device can deliver vibrations, beeps, and electric shocks ranging from mild to intense, depending on the user’s preferences.
- Pavlok can be triggered manually or automatically based on the user’s behavior.
- Pavlok has a social accountability feature that allows users to connect with others for support and encouragement.
- Pavlok has been featured in a number of media outlets, including The New York Times, TechCrunch, and The Today Show.
- The device has been endorsed by celebrities such as Tim Ferriss and Dave Asprey.
- Pavlok has a companion app that allows users to track their progress and set goals.
- The app features a variety of habit-changing programs.
- Pavlok has a number of safety features built in, including an automatic shut-off if the device detects a heart rate above a certain level.
- Pavlok has a “Pavlok Partner” program that allows fitness coaches, personal trainers, and other professionals to incorporate the device into their services.
- The company has a team of “Pavlok Coaches” who provide support and guidance to users.
- Pavlok has a community forum where users can share their experiences and connect with others.
- Pavlok has a “Shock Clock” feature that can be used as an alarm clock, delivering a mild shock to wake the user up.
- The device has a built-in accelerometer that can detect when the user is not moving and deliver a vibration or shock to encourage them to get up and move around.
- Pavlok has a “Tasker” feature that allows users to automate habit-breaking tasks based on specific triggers or conditions.
- Pavlok has a “Pavlok University” program that provides educational resources and training for professionals who want to use the device in their work.
- Pavlok has a “Pavlok Sleep” program that provides guidance and support for people who want to improve their sleep habits.
Net Worth
- Behavioral Technology Group Inc. has not publicly disclosed its net worth, but according to some estimates, the company’s valuation was around $10 million in 2019.
- Pavlok’s net worth may be impacted by factors such as sales, marketing, and product development costs, as well as competition from other wearable technology companies.
- The wearable technology market is expected to continue growing in the coming years, which could bode well for Pavlok’s future growth and success.
Founder
- Maneesh Sethi is the founder and CEO of Pavlok.
- He’s authored 4 books, work in Marketing, Psychology, and Information Technology; had a passion for entrepreneurship and programming growing up.
- At the age of 16, he published a book titled “Game Programming for Teens.”
- He attended Stanford University, where he studied society, technology, and computer science.
- After graduation, he became the editor-in-chief of the blog “Hack the System.”
- Maneesh’s addiction to social media inspired the creation of Pavlok.
- He hired someone to physically stop him from using social media while working in an effort to curb distraction and addiction.
- In 2013, he developed the Pavlok wrist device.
- In 2015, Maneesh Sethi pitched Pavlok on Shark Tank where he offered 3.14% of the company for $500,000.
- The Sharks were skeptical about the company’s sales and Robert Herjavec thought the valuation was too high.
- Kevin O’Leary was interested and offered a $500,000 loan for 3.14% equity at a 7% interest rate.
- Maneesh did not secure a deal on Shark Tank, but his pitch was memorable.
Funding
- The company has received funding from a variety of sources, including angel investors, crowdfunding campaigns, and venture capital firms.
- The company has received funding from investors, including Y Combinator, to support its development and growth.
- Pavlok has raised a total of $3.5 million in funding to date.
- The company has launched several successful crowdfunding campaigns to raise funds and generate buzz around its products.
- One of the most successful crowdfunding campaigns for Pavlok was launched on Indiegogo in 2014, which raised over $280,000 in pre-orders from more than 2,000 backers.
Features and Functionality
- The Pavlok device is designed to be worn on the wrist and pairs with a mobile app that allows users to customize the type and intensity of the stimuli they receive.
- The device can deliver vibrations, beeps, and electric shocks ranging from mild to intense, depending on the user’s preferences.
- The device can also be triggered manually or automatically based on the user’s behavior.
- Some of the key features of Pavlok include:
- Customizable shock intensity and duration
- Activity tracking and goal setting
Social accountability through a community feature - Automated triggers based on behaviors such as smoking, overeating, or procrastination
- Sleep tracking and smart alarm function
Integration with other apps such as Zapier, IFTTT, and Fitbit
Controversies and Criticisms
- Some critics have accused the device of using shock therapy to control people’s actions, which they view as unethical and potentially dangerous.
- Others have raised concerns about the lack of scientific evidence supporting the device’s effectiveness in helping people break bad habits.
- In response to these criticisms, the company has emphasized that Pavlok is not intended to be a replacement for professional therapy or medical treatment.
- Pavlok also point to a growing body of research that supports the use of aversive conditioning techniques, such as electric shock, in certain contexts.
FAQs
What is Pavlok?
Pavlok is a wearable device that uses a combination of vibration, beep, and electric shock to help users break bad habits and form new ones.
How does Pavlok work?
Pavlok works on the principle of aversion therapy, which associates a negative experience with a particular behavior to discourage it.
The device tracks behavior and delivers a mild electric shock or vibration to the user when they engage in a habit they are trying to break.
Who created Pavlok?
Pavlok was created by Maneesh Sethi and a team of researchers, engineers, and entrepreneurs associated with the Behavioral Technology Group.
When was Pavlok invented?
The Pavlok device was invented in 2013 and released to the public in 2015.
How much does Pavlok cost?
The Pavlok device costs $199, and additional features and programs can be purchased through the Pavlok app.
How effective is Pavlok?
Pavlok has been shown to be effective in breaking a range of habits, including nail-biting, smoking, overeating, and procrastination.
Research studies and user testimonials have shown positive results in breaking bad habits and forming new ones.
What types of habits can Pavlok help with?
Pavlok can help users break a wide range of habits, including smoking, nail-biting, overeating, procrastination, and negative self-talk.
Is Pavlok safe to use?
Pavlok is generally considered safe to use, but users with certain medical conditions, such as epilepsy, should consult a doctor before using it.
The device has built-in safety features to prevent overuse and injury.
What are the different features of Pavlok?
The Pavlok device features a range of functions, including shock, vibration, beep, and LED light alerts, as well as a motion detector and a programmable button.
How does the Pavlok app work?
The Pavlok app tracks user behavior and provides feedback and rewards for progress toward habit-breaking goals.
Users can set goals, track progress, and access a range of habit-changing programs through the app.
What programs does the Pavlok app offer?
The Pavlok app offers a range of habit-changing programs, including smoking cessation, weight loss, fitness, and productivity.
What is the Pavlok Partner program?
The Pavlok Partner program allows fitness coaches, therapists, and other professionals to incorporate the Pavlok device into their services.
Who are the Pavlok Coaches?
The Pavlok Coaches are a team of professionals who provide support, guidance, and personalized habit-breaking plans to Pavlok users.
What is the Pavlok community forum?
The Pavlok community forum is a platform for users to connect with each other, share experiences, and receive support and advice.
What is the Pavlok money-back guarantee?
Pavlok offers a 6-month money-back guarantee for the device and a 30-day money-back guarantee for app purchases. Note: do visit their website for changes and confirmations.
What is the Shock Clock feature?
The Shock Clock feature allows the Pavlok device to be used as an alarm clock and delivers a mild electric shock to wake the user up.
How does the accelerometer feature work?
The accelerometer feature detects when the user is not moving and delivers a vibration or electric shock to encourage them to get up and move around.
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Conclusion
Pavlok is a unique wearable device that promises to help people break bad habits using a combination of positive and negative stimuli. While the device has generated controversy and criticism, it has also gained a loyal following of users who swear by its effectiveness. With the company’s net worth continuing to grow and new versions of the device in development, it seems that Pavlok will continue to be a prominent player in the world of behavior change technology.
