Mrbeast Bets On Ai Toy: Star takes 55% of Ball 2; viral hype must prove lasting demand

YouTuber MrBeast (Getty Images) MrBeast has built a career on turning unusual ideas into viral sensations. Now, the YouTube star is betting that the same formula can sell an everyday object with an unexpected twist. During his debut on Shark Tank, Jimmy Donaldson backed Ball 2, an AI-powered toy that promises to make ordinary play more interactive. The $250,000 investment came despite doubts from other investors, who questioned whether technology alone could convince customers to choose this ball over countless cheaper alternatives. The deal puts MrBeast's marketing instincts to the test, with the product's future depending on whether its novelty can attract lasting demand.MrBeast backs AI-powered Ball 2 with a $250,000 Shark Tank dealEntrepreneurs Andrew Brown and Kevin Langdon pitched Ball 2 as a new take on a familiar toy. Unlike a standard foam ball, their product contains sensors that track its movement when users roll, throw or bounce it. The data connects to a companion app, where artificial intelligence can help create games based on how people use the ball.The idea aims to turn simple physical activity into an interactive experience. Instead of relying on a fixed set of ru...