'Shark Tank' Season 15: Viewers dub Mark Cuban 'smartest' as ABC investor makes 'quickest deal' with Cup-a-Bug founder
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: When Cup-a-Bug debuted on 'Shark Tank' Season 15, the innovative invention was positively praised by the entire Shark panel. So much so that Cup-a-Bug may have completed the "quickest deal" in show history.
Justin stepped into the Tank looking for $50,000 for a 10% interest in his firm and initiailly struggled with his pitch. Shark Mark Cuban was quite excited about the product, revealing that in his family, he is the bug person since everyone else is terrified.
Shark Mark inquired about Justin's intentions to sell just the bug-a-pult, and Justin expressed openness to the idea if the need arises in the future.
Shark Daymond John made an offer of $50,000 for a 20% stake, and Shark Mark expressed his willingness to match the offer. Shark Daymond chose to do $60,000 for 30%. When Justin invited both Sharks to join him, Shark Mark insisted that he preferred to have Justin exclusively.
Finally, Justin accepted Shark Mark's offer of $75,000 for 20%.
On Reddit, fans said, "Probably the quickest deal I've ever seen made too." Another person added, "I kept thinking this gent is really smart. What he lacks in presentation skills, he makes up in know how. I would invest in him in a heartbeat."
On X, fans noted, "The bug kid - I was ready to give him $75,000 of my own money! Impressive, humble, bright future." Another said, "Lollll 75K for mark cuban is literally pennies."
The bug kid - I was ready to give him $75,000 of my own money! Impressive, humble, bright future. #sharktank 🐞🐜🦗🦟🪲🪳🕷️
— Head Meets Heart 🌎🇺🇸 (@HeadMeetHeart) February 24, 2024
One person snarked, "Check out Mark making moves!" Another person added, " really the smartest of them all."
Check out Mark making moves! 🐞#SharkTank @ABCSharkTank
— Jamie Steinberg ♡ (@NotYerAvgChick) February 24, 2024
#sharktank Will sincerely miss @mcuban when he leaves #Sharktank. He’s really the smartest of them all, imo.
— barb (@savash98) February 24, 2024
Who is Cup-a-Bug's founder?
Cup-a-Justin, Bug's founder, is an entrepreneur with extensive expertise in the sector. In 2010, he graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and joined Astro Flight, where he continues to work today.
He has also gained extensive knowledge on a wide range of topics over time. According to his account, Justin's determination to gain a deeper understanding of engineering has helped him broaden his knowledge base and delve deeply into the fields of electrical, software, and manufacturing engineering, all through self-learning via coworkers, online tutorials, and programs.
In 2016, he put his extensive skills to good use by establishing Solid Factory. Though the manufacture and selling of Dice Tower and Bulbasaur launched the entrepreneur's career, his successors had a less-than-favorable market reception.
Justin then decided it was time to pull back and concentrate on tiny but viable goods, even if it meant he wouldn't be able to express his creativity. Then, one day, a chance encounter inspired him to create a no-kill insect catcher.
Where can you buy 'Shark Tank's Cup-a-Bug?
Though Cup-a-Bug has received a flood of orders, they have opted to take it gradually and observe how the product works in the motherland before expanding to the rest of the globe. Cup-a-Bug's retail price is $49.99.
However, the device is presently available for $39.99 on its website. Additionally, the corporation is providing free delivery to clients across the country.
As of this writing, Cup-a-Bug may only be purchased through the official website or Amazon. Having said that, they intend to extend their business internationally and offer foreign consumers who want to keep their houses bug-free without feeling guilty.
'Shark Tank's Cup-a-Bug founder started Kickstarter campaign to raise funds
In February 2022, Justin launched a Kickstarter effort to raise funding, which eventually resulted in success. In the months after the campaign's launch, Justin provided regular updates to supporters before commencing to ship Kickstarter units in August 2022.
Remarkably, the campaign generated pre-orders for over 700 Cup-a-Bugs. Subsequently, one thing led to another, and in May 2023, the product's first manufacturing run began on the eponymous website.
In July 2023, they displayed the unique insect catcher at the Modern Makers Mart at Woodbury Town Center in Irvine, California.
'Shark Tank' Season 15 airs on Fridays on ABC at 8 pm ET.
For those who missed the episode, it will be available on demand the following day and on Hulu. Additionally, viewers can explore past seasons and episodes on Amazon Prime Video and iTunes.