Cup-a-Bug Shark Tank Update – Shark Tank Season 15
From childhood fear to Shark Tank fame, see how Cup-a-Bug is changing the way we deal with creepy crawlies.
Highlights
- Inspired by his childhood fear of bugs and a desire not to harm them, Justin Huang engineered Cup-a-Bug as a compassionate solution.
- Justin startled the Sharks with fake bugs under dinner plates to make a memorable entrance and demonstrate the product’s relevance.
- After the episode aired, Cup-a-Bug went viral on TikTok, completely sold out, and shifted to pre-orders due to overwhelming demand.
About Cup-a-Bug
| Category | Details |
| Founder | Justin Huang |
| Product Type | Bug catcher that traps and releases bugs safely |
| Funding (Pre-Shark Tank) | $28,883 |
| Investment Asked | $500,000 |
| Equity Offered | 10% |
Video
Justin Huang hoped to catch a Shark with Cup-a-Bug, his contraption for safely catching insects and spiders, in Shark Tank episode 1515. Justin is an engineer and entrepreneur. He has sold products online before with his business called Solid Factory. That business primarily sells accessories for board game players.
This company was a new foray born out of Justin’s fear of bugs as a child. While he was scared of them, he didn’t necessarily want to kill them, so he sought a solution.
Would the Sharks want to invest in this bug catcher?
Brand Name Pitch
Justin entered the Shark Tank seeking $50,000 for 10% of his company. Imagine you’re hosting a dinner party and right as you’re about to serve the food, an unexpected guest arrives. He asked the Sharks to lift their plate covers and dig in. When they lifted them, there were rubber bugs underneath, which startled the Sharks.
He said, “Mr. Wonderful may be all about crushing cockroaches, but what about those of us that don’t want to take a life?” That’s where Cup-a-Bug comes in.
He’s made it more convenient to catch a bug than to kill it. Justin began fumbling with his pitch. The Sharks encouraged him. Using it is super simple: just place the cup over the bug and pull the handle back. This closes the lid, and now your bug is ready to be released back into nature, or on your neighbor’s doorstep.
He got things started with a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised $28,883 back in March 2022. The last products from the campaign shipped in September of the same year. Now, you can buy one from the company website or Amazon for $40. Justin likely wants a Shark’s cash for inventory.
Justin got flustered once again during the pitch. He admitted he was nervous. However, he still carried on. Cup-a-Bug is the hero we’ve all been waiting for.
Then he asked the Sharks: “Who’s ready to see what all the buzz is about and invest in Cup-a-Bug?”
Q&A
Mark said he’s “the bug guy” in his household. His wife and kids won’t go anywhere near a bug and are always yelling for dad when they see one. Each unit sells for $40 including shipping, and they cost $10 landed plus $7 for shipping.
Justin told the Sharks about his Kickstarter that raised $28,000, which was around 800 units. He began his first production run 3 months ago and sold 1,200 units, about $48,000. All sales were organic.
Justin said he’s a bug sympathizer. He studied mechanical engineering and went to work with his dad designing electric motors. The entrepreneur decided he wanted to follow in his dad’s footsteps and become his own entrepreneur, so he studied every night to get the skills to design Cup-a-Bug.
He said he’s terrified of bugs, but he started to feel bad squishing them. He’s also designed board game accessories, planters, desk organizers. That means basically anything under “the nerd umbrella.” He also gave the Sharks a bug catapult he designed, and they loved it.
What Makes Cup-a-Bug Unique?
Cup-a-Bug is basically an advanced version of the cup and paper technique for catching bugs. Once the bug is trapped, simply pull on a lever which slides a piece of plastic under the cup and traps the bug. You can then release it safely outside. It’s designed to work in corners too.
It features a long arm and a tilt mechanism, allowing you to catch bugs from floor to ceiling. There’s even a brush for getting bugs out of corners.
Read more posts about Cup a Bug: The Ultimate Bug-Catching Companion on the Shark Tank Blog.
Did Cup-a-Bug Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
After they discussed the business model and the product, sharks shared their views:
- Mark asked if he was investing in 10% of Justin. Justin said he was, and Mark immediately offered $50,000 for 20%.
- Daymond matched that offer, then went to $60,000 for 30%.
- Justin asked Mark if they’d go in together, but Mark said he wanted Justin to himself.
- Mark upped his offer to $75,000 for 20%—”geek to geek.”
- Justin said, “Geek to geek, Mark, join me in my entrepreneurial journey.”
The entrepreneur finally made the deal with Mark Cuban.
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What Happened to Cup-a-Bug After Shark Tank?
The Shark Tank Blog tracks the businesses that appear on Shark Tank. We provide updates and follow-ups about entrepreneurs and the company, as well as anything that happened after the show.
As of the first re-run of this episode in June 2024 – about 3 months after the initial air date – there is no evidence that the deal with Mark has closed. Mark often takes some time to post his Shark Tank investments on his website, however.
The Cup-a-Bug website got a complete overhaul since the original air date, something that happens a lot with its Shark Tank investments.
Justin’s TikTok has well over 100,000 followers and over 11 million “likes.” Justin completely sold out of inventory, and in June 2024, he’s selling on a pre-order basis for delivery in September 2024.
Based on an average annual growth rate of 10%, Cup-a-Bug is currently valued at approximately $453,450.
The Shark Tank Blog will follow up on Cup-a-Bug & Justin Huang as more details become available.
Where Can You Buy It?
You can buy Cup-a-Bug directly from the official website, cupabug.com. The product is also available on Amazon. After its appearance on Shark Tank, the product quickly sold out. That led the company to offer it on a pre-order basis with expected delivery in September 2024.
The brand’s growing popularity was fueled by viral TikTok videos. That created strong demand for the product after the show. This has made Cup-a-Bug a sought-after tool for humane bug removal.
Check out their Instagram for more updates.
Quick Summary
- Cup-a-Bug appeared on Shark Tank in Season 15, Episode 15, pitched by founder Justin Huang
- Cup-a-Bug is a tool that lets you safely catch and release bugs. This is done without having to touch or harm them.
- Justin secured a deal with Mark Cuban. The deal is made for $75,000 in exchange for 20% equity.
FAQs
1. What happened to Cup a bug after Shark Tank?
Cup-a-Bug sold out quickly after the show. The product is again available for purchase on their official website for $39.99.
2. Does Cup-a-Bug work?
Yes, it safely catches and releases bugs without touching them. Many users say it’s easy and effective.
3. Who is the owner of Cup a bug?
Justin Huang is the owner. He is an engineer and entrepreneur.
