On a recent episode of “Shark Tank,” Fred Zwar and Kirsten Maitland presented their artisan vegan cheese company, Rebel Cheese, seeking a $750,000 investment for a 5% stake in their company. The couple, who had a shared love for cheese and turned vegan, decided to create their own plant-based cheese in 2019 when they couldn’t find suitable substitutes. The company had generated $2.5 million in 2022 and projected $3.5 million by the end of the year.
Interestingly, Mark Cuban, known for his patience and strategic silence during negotiations, broke his own rule by making an offer just five minutes into the episode. Typically, Cuban prefers to listen to other investors’ decisions before deciding himself, leveraging the power of silence to gather information and assess the situation.
Cuban, a vegetarian with a history of investing in vegan food companies, was impressed by the cheese samples provided by Rebel Cheese, calling them “really good.” Contrary to his usual approach, he offered $750,000 for a 10% stake in the company before other investors had a chance to make their offers.
Lori Greiner, another Shark, expressed surprise at Cuban’s early offer but suggested a collaboration based on a deal she had made with a charcuterie board delivery company in the previous season. She proposed Cuban and her teaming up for the investment, providing enhanced distribution and marketing support.
Despite counter-offers and negotiations, Zwar and Maitland ultimately accepted Cuban and Greiner’s offer of $750,000 for a 10% stake, appreciating the passion and expertise the Sharks brought to the table. The deal was sealed, with the entrepreneurs expressing excitement about working with Mark and Lori as they left the show.
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