Umaro Shark Tank Update – Shark Tank Season 13
Beth Zotter and Amanda Stiles pitched Umaro, seaweed-based vegan bacon, on Shark Tank Season 13. They secured a deal with Mark Cuban.
Beth Zotter and Amanda Stiles hope the Sharks bite on Umaro, their bacon made from seaweed protein, in Shark Tank Season 13 Episode 18.
Check out other Shark Tank Season 13 Episodes.
About Umaro
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Name | Umaro |
| Founders | Beth Zotter and Amanda Stiles |
| Industry | Plant-Based Foods |
| Product | Vegan bacon made from seaweed protein |
| Funding | $3 million in venture funding |
| Deal Status | Deal secured with Mark Cuban |
| Investment Asked | $500,000 for 2% equity |
| Deal Outcome | $1 million for 7% equity |
| Valuation | $25,000,000 (at the time of Shark Tank pitch) |
Zotter is a former tech entrepreneur who worked for a seaweed-based biofuels startup. Stiles has a PhD in plant biochemistry.
The women believe seaweed is the protein source of the future. It is a highly sustainable source of protein, and it requires no fertilizer or fresh water. It also absorbs large amounts of carbon dioxide and is high-yielding.
Stiles says a seaweed farm that covered an area around the size of Massachusetts would yield enough protein to replace all beef consumed worldwide.
The women are also building technology that will allow seaweed farming to grow to the point of becoming the most productive and planet-friendly source of protein on earth. Most of their research is done in the San Francisco Bay Area.
At the time of the pitch, they were planning the first generation of mass seaweed farming in the Gulf of Maine. They don’t have a product for sale yet, but they plan to have their bacon available to the food service industry by the end of 2022.
Stiles and Zotter focus on red seaweed because it is high in protein and, when processed, has a meat-like color and texture. The Department of Energy is funding some of their research since seaweed can also be used as fuel.
In March 2022, they received $3 million in venture funding from Alexandria Venture Investments, Impact Science Ventures, Ponderosa Ventures, Clear Current Capital, Ahimsa Foundation, and Sustainable Food Ventures.
This occurred one week before the original air date for Shark Tank. Whether they catch a Shark or not, this company is going places.
Umaro Shark Tank Recap
Beth and Amanda enter the Shark Tank seeking $500,000 for 2% of their businessThey explain their seaweed protein venture and the benefits of harvesting seaweed as a protein source.
Next, they introduce their bacon, and the Sharks try it out. Robert says it doesn’t really taste like bacon. Mark thinks it does. The Sharks all like it in the BLTs provided.
The two women explain their backgrounds and mission. Both have experience with seaweed: Beth with seaweed as fuel and Amanda with seaweed as food.
They have multiple patents on their technology, and they are pre-revenue. The cost to produce is $7.30 per pound, but they can bring it down to $5.20. They sell to distributors for $12.60 and food service companies for $18.99. Future plans include seaweed pepperoni and salami, and other imitation cured meats.
Did Umaro Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
Robert doesn’t like the valuation, and he wants to know how they’ll differentiate; he’s out. Emma says they’re impressive, but she doesn’t like the valuation; she’s out.
Kevin offers $500,000 for 8%. They counter with 8% for $1 million, and Mark says, “I’ll do that deal.”
After a break, Lori tries to get in on the deal. She calls them badass women. She offers $500,000 for 4% if she stays undiluted during the next fundraising round.
Lori pitches hard, and they ask Mark if he’ll go to $1 million for 7%. Mark agrees.
Umaro Shark Tank Update
The Shark Tank Blog constantly provides updates and follow-ups about entrepreneurs who have appeared on the Shark Tank TV show. The first re-run of this episode in July 2022 airs just four months after the original air date. As of that time, the deal with Mark has not closed.
Since the original air date, the company has its bacon in Sorrell Restaurant in San Francisco, The Egg Shop in New York City, and D’Andrews Bakery in Nashville.
In the second half of 2022, Beth and Amanda will expand further into food service markets, and they hope to be in grocery stores “soon.”
In September 2022, the company announced that the NBA star Chris Paul invested in the business. At this point, they’re in a total of 17 restaurants, and Paul’s investment will help them grow that footprint.
In April 2023, they are now in 32 restaurants, and you can buy a five-pound case of the “bacon” for $79.99 on their website. As of 2023, it appears the deal with Mark did not close.
In March 2024, the company raised $3.8M in seed funding from AgFunder, Alexandria Ventures Investments, Climate Capital Bio, Ponderosa Ventures, and NBA all-star Chris Paul.
They plan to use the funds to get their bacon into supermarkets, automating their manufacturing process and moving production closer to their raw material source in Asia. The company is also looking into making seaweed-based pepperoni, salami, and other cured meats.
By July 2024, the company was selling its bacon directly to consumers on Amazon and California Whole Foods Markets. You can also find the products in over 250 restaurants in the USA.
While not yet profitable, the estimated net worth of Umaro ranges between $70 million and $75 million. With growing market presence and continued funding, Umaro is a promising startup in the plant-based protein space.
The Shark Tank Blog will follow up on Umaro & Beth Zotter and Amanda Stiles as more details become available.
Posts about Umaro on Shark Tank Blog
Where Can You Buy It?
Umaro bacon can be bought online through their official website. They are also available on Amazon and at Whole Foods Markets. Check out their social media pages for more updates: Facebook and Instagram.
Crispy, Delicious Applewood Bacon - Easy to cook in an air fryer, skillet, or oven, and simple to store in your fridge or pantry. Perfect for BLTs, breakfast sandwiches, or snacking. Made without soy, gluten, or preservatives.
Quick Summary
- Umaro produces vegan bacon made from seaweed protein. Red seaweed, used in their products, is high in protein and, when processed, mimics the color and texture of meat. Seaweed is a highly sustainable protein source, requiring no fertilizer or fresh water, and absorbs large amounts of carbon dioxide.
- Beth Zotter is a former tech entrepreneur with experience in seaweed-based biofuels. Amanda Stiles has a PhD in plant biochemistry and extensive knowledge of seaweed as a food source.
- They plan to launch their bacon to the food service industry by the end of 2022 and received $3 million in venture funding in March 2022. Their product is aimed at replacing traditional meat products with sustainable, plant-based alternatives.
Curious to know about other businesses that appeared on this episode? Check out their business updates!
