UMARO Bacon Update | Shark Tank Season 13
Most vegans miss bacon. Beth Zotter and Amanda Stiles came together to create the first plant-based bacon that tastes like the real thing—but it’s made from seaweed! After pitching it on
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick overview of what happened to UMARO after
Beth Zotter and Amanda Stiles appeared on
| Shark: | Result: |
| Mark Cuban | Accepted deal of $1 million for 7% equity |
| Lori Greiner | $500,000 for 4% equity |
| Kevin O’Leary | $500,000 for 8% equity |
| Robert Herjavec | No Offer |
| Emma Grede | No Offer |
Shark Tank UMARO Update
- Entrepreneurs: Beth Zotter and Amanda Stiles
- Business: Bacon made from seaweed
- Ask: $500,000 for 2% equity
- Result: $1 million for 7% equity
- Shark: Mark Cuban
Beth Zotter and Amanda Stiles are changing the way people eat proteins. Their company, UMARO, creates vegan bacon made from red seaweed that has all the tasty crispness of the real thing.
After a pitch describing how seaweed-based proteins are the next, most sustainable option, the sharks try the bacon. While most seem to enjoy it, Robert Herjavec immediately spits it out.
While he says it works in a sandwich, it’s not worth eating on its own. Although the crispy version works best, he thinks the chewy one is lacking.
However, Beth and Amanda tell the sharks this is a prototype batch. It is the first plant-based bacon made from seaweed.
While they do have food service orders lined up, unfortunately, the bacon doesn’t have any sales numbers yet.
In addition to the taste, Robert Herjavec also takes issue with the valuation. He can’t see it, especially when the company doesn’t have any definitive sales numbers and because of this, he drops out.
Next, guest shark Emma Grede agrees with Robert’s assessment and also goes out.
Kevin O’Leary is interested, though. He offers them $500,000 for an 8% stake.
When the sharks ask what equity they would consider, Beth and Amanda say they would be happy with $1 million for 8%.
After hearing this, Mark Cuban jumps in and immediately makes that offer.
At the same time, Lori Greiner decides that she wants in. She offers $500,000 for 4% equity but with no dilution through funding rounds.
Hoping to find a compromise, Beth and Amanda ask Mark if he would do $1 million for 7% equity. Mark agrees, and UMARO leaves
So, what has the seaweed-centric food company been up to since their Season 13 episode aired? Let’s find out in our UMARO update.
UMARO’s vegan bacon began debuting in a handful of restaurants in the second half of 2022. Since then, the list of partner restaurants has expanded and is now served at locations nationwide.
On the UMARO website, you can do a search to find the bacon at a nearby restaurant and even get a peek at how the product is used in the menu.
While no new sales numbers are available for our UMARO update as of now, the company is working hard to expand its product reach. Additionally, the website has the option for restaurants to order products or samples directly.
The UMARO website also details some future goals for the company, including efforts to build a sustainable seafood farming operation off the coast of Maine in addition to the San Francisco-based seaweed sourcing.
In addition to the
So, after a well-received debut and no signs of slowing down, we think UMARO will be making waves in the vegan food space very soon. We’re excited to see what our next UMARO update has in store!
Curious about the other company updates from Season 13 Episode 18? Check them out below:
Meanwhile, you can check out our Season 13 products page for other Season 13 company updates.
Kimberly is a writer for Shark Tank Recap. She has written episode summaries and updates across multiple seasons of Shark Tank, with a focus on complete and accurate information since 2021. She believes that getting the business aspects of each deal correct is extremely important for viewers and fans. Her favorite Shark Tank products are The Wobbles and Rocketbook!