The Shark Tank hosted four businesses seeking a financial and strategic partnership with the longtime Sharks Barbara Corcoran, Daymond John, Lori Greiner, Mark Cuban, and Kevin O’Leary. While all of the businesses had compelling proposals for the Sharks, only three would make it out of the tank with deals from the Sharks.

Key Takeaways from the Shark Tank Episode

  • Jada Spices: Barbara Corcoran invested $250,000 for 33% in this plant-based chicken substitute and spice company.
  • Surprise Cake: Left without a deal due to concerns over business direction.
  • Mighty Carver: Daymond John invested $100,000 for 25% in this chainsaw-shaped electric knife company.
  • Flipstik: Lori Greiner invested $100,000 for 25%, supporting marketing expansion.

Jada Spices Partner With Barbara Corcoran

College friends, Khasha Touloei and Maynard Okereke, have an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for health and wellness that has lead them to create their company, Jada Spices.

What started out as a mission to improve traditional spices with better-for-you ingredients has expanded to other plant-based healthy food options. Khasha and Maynard came to the Shark Tank in hopes of securing a $250,000 investment in exchange for 20% equity in Jada Spices.

The Sharks were impressed with their products, especially their plant-based chicken substitute which is in the final stages of research and development.

With over $500,000 in projected sales in 2020, Jada Spices caught the eye of Barbara Corcoran who feels that she can help them focus and refine their business model to be even more successful. She offers to invest $250,000 in exchange for 33% of the company. She wants to be an equal partner so that she can help guide the direction of the business.

Because they came to the Shark Tank hoping to partner with Barbara, they accept her partnership offer.

Surprise Cake Strikes Out in The Shark Tank

Mother and son duo, Jordan Long and Elizabeth Charm, came to the Shark Tank to showcase their business, Surprise Cake.

Their inventive and patented cake system can turn any gathering into a surprise with a cake stand that allows you to hide objects and gifts inside of the cake. Hoping to partner with a Shark that will help them shape their business trajectory, Jordan and Elizabeth ask the Sharks to consider investing $200,000 in exchange for 8% of Surprise Cake.

Although the Sharks felt the product was fun and creative, they were concerned about their lack of focus and their proposed direction for the company.

With ideas of expanding into selling gift pods for inside the cake, as well as cakes themselves, the Sharks felt that they are looking at their business in the wrong way and that there are too many challenges involved in the expansion of their proposed business model. They feel as though they are chasing revenue and not profits and there would be little space to get back their investment.

All of the Sharks decline to partner with Surprise Cake.

Mighty Carver Lands a Deal with Daymond John

Lance and Kim Burney have created a unique way to instill some fun and silliness into family dinners.

Their reimagined electric knife, the Mighty Carver, is designed to resemble a chain saw to make cutting turkey, ham, and other food items a breeze. By designing the Mighty Carver to mimic a power tool, there is no more fighting over who will cut fruit, meat, bread, or vegetables.

With hopes of moving into more of the direct-to-consumer business, the Burneys are looking for a Shark willing to invest $100,000 in exchange for 20% equity in Mighty Carver.

Although their sales are not overly impressive, several Sharks like the product and believe that they can help Lance and Kim to expand their sales through targeted ads and marketing. Both Kevin O’Leary and Daymond John extend offers to Mighty Carver.

Ultimately, they accepted Daymond John’s offer of a $100,000 investment in exchange for 25% equity in Mighty Carver, as he may be able to open new markets to them in the fishing industry.

Flipstik Accepts Lori Greiner’s Offer

Saint Louis native, Akeem Shannon, came to the Shark Tank in hopes of landing a Shark willing to invest $100,000 in exchange for 20% of his company, Flipstik.

This paper-thin backing is placed on the back of cell phones to allow them to be quickly and easily stick to any flat surface. The Flipstik is created using an adhesive that is used by NASA and although the material itself could not be patented by Akeem, the product itself has been. By partnering with a Shark he is hoping to expand his marketing campaigns and connect directly with end-users vs. strictly working through retail distributors.

With many possibilities for adhering phones to things such as kitchen tiles to read recipes, walls to take selfies, or glass to entertain kids on the go, the Sharks are interested in partnering with Flipstik.

Kevin O’Leary and Lori Greiner both extended offers to Akeem. He decided to accept Lori’s offer of a $100,000 investment in exchange or 25% equity because she has a clear marketing plan to help expand and sell more product.

Wrapping Up

What did you think of the businesses featured on this episode of Shark Tank? If you were a Shark, which of these businesses would you have chosen to invest in? Do you think that the Sharks missed out by not investing in Surprise Cake? Start the conversation in the comments below!