“Keep you from making mistakes:” When Shark Tank investor Mark Cuban claimed he could bring “value” to Vade Nutrition

On Shark Tank season 10 episode 7, Vade Nutrition founders Joe and Megan Johnson were seeking $250,000 for 10% of their business. The entrepreneurs explained how their easy-to-make protein powder was packaged in dissolvable packets. They stated that each pouch had 20 grams of protein and had 90 calories.

Initially, the sharks were not impressed by the total $80,000 in sales, but Mark Cuban liked the concept and the business idea. He was interested in placing an offer and adding "value" to their existing brand. Cuban continued:

"I'm going to make you an offer and I think where I can really deliver value is to keep you from making these mistakes because everything you're looking at is spend some cash to make some cash so I need more than ten percent. So what I'll do is I'll offer you $350,000 for 20%."

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Shark Tank investors Mark Cuban and Alex Rodriguez placed an offer to Vade Nutrition founders

Shark Tank investor Mark Cuban was impressed by the Vade Nutrition's concept and the innovative product pitched by the founders. Despite the founders mentioning the setbacks they faced while trying and testing out their product, Cuban praised the two. He mapped out the founders establishing a brand and "expanding into new products" while stating that they already had evidence that their nutritional products worked. Cuban continued:

"People aren't walking into a drugstore right? Your home run comes from licensing more than anything else and expanding into new products you know because this is where you're testing it right, this is your proof of concept it's everything else that you're going to make a lot of money off."

Cuban also addressed the founders having a patent for their packaging as well as the dissolvable nutritional drink powder. He continued:

"Okay, so where you guys are at when you're grinding and your back is against the wall you take the path of least resistance to cash. And so on one hand, you have a patent and that's your hammer, right? Your hammer is more important than everything else right now."

Lori said she was initially "neutral" about the product Joe and Megan pitched but now was impressed. However, she was unsure if she wanted to place an offer for them.

Then, guest shark Alex Rodriguez placed an offer of $700,000 for 40% equity after Cuban's offer of $350,000 for 20% equity. Alex also asked Cuban if he was willing to join him for this deal, to which he responded with a yes. Alex mentioned that working with these types of businesses is in his wheelhouse and hence he could help Vade Nutrition become a well-renowned brand as he has a sports background.

He continued emphasizing his access to over a thousand gyms and introducing the Vade Nutrition products. Joe and Megan agreed to the offer and secured a deal with both the Shark Tank investors before other sharks could consider placing one.

As of 2022, Vade Nutrition has been making $5 million in annual revenue and the founders have expanded their product range. Shark Tank episodes are available to stream on ABC.