Pepper Pong Update | Shark Tank Season 16
If you love ping pong but find the setup too bulky or the game too challenging, Pepper Pong is the perfect alternative.
Entrepreneur Tom Filippini introduced this innovative, portable version of ping pong on Shark Tank Season 16, aiming to make the game accessible to players of all skill levels.
But did the Sharks see the potential in his business?
In this Pepper Pong Shark Tank update, we’ll cover Tom’s pitch, the Sharks’ responses, and how the company has grown since the show aired.
Pepper Pong Shark Tank Pitch Recap
- Entrepreneur: Tom Filippini
- Business: Portable ping pong game
- Ask: $150,000 for 10% equity
- Deal: $150,000 for 19% equity
- Shark: Todd Graves
Tom Filippini entered the Shark Tank with a vision to make ping pong more accessible.
His product, Pepper Pong, is a portable, easy-to-set-up ping pong alternative that transforms any flat surface into a playable area. The kit includes:
- A foldable, free-standing net
- Four paddles
- Three foam balls (color-coded for different skill levels)
Tom aimed to secure funding for a second production mold to-scale manufacturing.
He showed strong early traction with $260,000 in net sales in its first year and a projected $600,000-$800,000 in revenue for 2024.
However, the Sharks had mixed reactions. Let’s break it down.
Sharks’ Responses: Who Invested and Why?
| Shark | Offer | Reason for Investment/Rejection |
| Todd Graves | $150,000 for 19% equity (Final Deal) | Believed in the product’s mass appeal and scalability. |
| Daymond John | $150,000 for 30% equity (Withdrawn) | Impressed by Tom’s story but felt retail was the best move. |
| Mark Cuban | No offer | Concerned about scalability and brand differentiation. |
| Lori Greiner | No offer | Liked the product but didn’t see it fitting her portfolio. |
| Kevin O’Leary | No offer | Worried about high customer acquisition costs and profit margins. |
Todd Graves, the founder of Raising Cane’s, ultimately secured the deal.
His expertise in scaling businesses through social media and retail partnerships made him the right strategic partner for Pepper Pong.
Pepper Pong After Shark Tank: Business Update
Pepper Pong has grown significantly since appearing on Shark Tank Season 16, gaining media attention and retail expansion. Let’s take a look at the progress:
Sales and Revenue Growth
| Year | Revenue | Sales Highlights |
| 2023 | $260,000 | First-year sales from the direct-to-consumer website. |
| 2024 | $600,000-$800,000 (Projected) | Increased demand after Shark Tank appearance. |
| 2025 | TBD (Expected Growth) | Likely a surge in sales due to retail expansion. |
While official 2025 revenue figures are yet to be released, the company is on track for significant growth.
Retail Expansion and Distribution Deals
| Retailer | Status |
| Major sporting goods stores | Expanded into nationwide locations. |
| Online (company website) | It continues to be the primary sales channel. |
| Future retail partnerships | Likely in development. |
Pepper Pong has established credibility in the sports community with endorsements from professional pickleball players like Zane Navratil, Simone Jardim, Parris Todd, and Kamryn Blackwood.
What Contributed to Pepper Pong’s Success?
Several factors have played a role in Pepper Pong’s post-Shark Tank growth:
Product Uniqueness
- A portable, all-skill-level version of ping pong.
- Adjustable features make it more inclusive than traditional ping pong.
Media and Endorsements
- Coverage from The New York Post called it “the next pickleball.”
- Professional pickleball players promote the brand.
Strategic Partnership with Todd Graves
- Todd’s expertise in scaling businesses and leveraging social media has helped grow brand awareness.
Retail Expansion
- Moving beyond direct-to-consumer sales into sporting goods stores has significantly increased reach.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While Pepper Pong is growing, some challenges remain:
- High Customer Acquisition Costs ($21-$22 per sale)
- Limited Repeat Purchases (mostly bought as a gift)
- Scaling Beyond Niche Market
However, with increased brand visibility and strategic partnerships, Tom Filippini is well-positioned to expand further in 2025.
Final Thoughts: Is Pepper Pong the Next Big Thing?
Pepper Pong’s Shark Tank appearance significantly boosted visibility, and with Todd Graves as a partner, the company has secured the resources to scale.
While it may not replace traditional ping pong, it has carved out a unique niche in the market, appealing to casual players and sports enthusiasts alike.
We’ll continue to monitor Pepper Pong’s journey, so stay tuned for future updates!
What do you think of Pepper Pong? Would you try it? Let us know in the comments!
