Who invested in Funky Mello? Shark Tank's Daniel Lubetzky regrets not competing as fellow investor bags $50K deal
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Dietary restrictions can prevent us from consuming appetizing-looking foods. Fortunately, we now have healthy delights like Funky Mello, a vegan marshmallow cream devoid of sugar, animal products, and most allergies.
Founders Delisa and Zach Harper recently pitched their product on 'Shark Tank' and secured a deal with Daymond John for $50 for 15%.
Fellow Shark Daniel Lubetzky quickly headed to X, wondering if he shouldn't have dropped out of the race and allowed Daymond to secure the deal.
Right after the March 1 episode, Daniel took to X to write, "Here is an accurate representation of when @funkymello makes a deal with a different Shark. Luckily, @TheSharkDaymond is not just one of my favorite Sharks, but one of of my favorite people in the world! Should I have competed with him for this deal or is it okay I let that one go?"
Here is an accurate representation of when @funkymello makes a deal with a different Shark. Luckily, @TheSharkDaymond is not just one of my favorite Sharks, but one of of my favorite people in the world! Should I have competed with him for this deal or is it okay I let that one… pic.twitter.com/hvK0QcuBu0
— Daniel Lubetzky (@DanielLubetzky) March 2, 2024
Fans felt, "Compete or else it’s rigged against the entrepreneurs."
On Reddit, fans also argued, "Wish they had more time to think and ask questions lol!" Another added, "Geez that deal happened so fast lol."
Who are the founders of Funky Mello?
Delisa and Zach Harper are a husband-and-wife pair who had worked in different professions before becoming entrepreneurs. They met at a music festival and hit it off right away because they shared a love of music and eating.
Before Funky Mello, Delisa worked as an event marketing professional for HP, OpenText, and Search Engine Journal. Zach worked in the pharmaceutical industry, mostly as a manager and a sales representative.
Despite their passion for eating, the Harpers were unable to indulge in their favorite childhood treats. The couple tried nutritious food but found it tasteless and lifeless.
Funky Mello raised $10,500 from Kickstarter before appearing on 'Shark Tank' Season 15
The couple's negative experience led them to make marshmallow crème from chickpeas. It is said to be the most underappreciated allergen-friendly component, and the product, according to the inventors, is free of the top eight allergens.
They were pleased with the product and began selling it at local farmers' markets. Six months into their romance, the couple founded their business.
The items gained significant popularity locally, but they intended to expand nationwide. Delisa and Zach began a Kickstarter campaign in 2021, and 168 backers contributed more than $10,500.
Production and delivery began in September 2021, and development was lightning-quick. 76% of pre-orders were fulfilled within a month.
What is the cost and how to buy Funky Mello?
You can purchase a Funky Mello from their website or Walmart's online shop. They are also available in-store at more than 100 Whole Foods stores.
On exceptional occasions, the company collaborates with Sprouts Farmers Market. Regular bundles cost between $20.97 and $33.96.
However, everything is presently on sale at FunkyMello.com, which sells products such as shirts and mugs.
'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.