180 Cup Update | Shark Tank Season 5
Solomon Fallas brought his innovative 180 Cup to Shark Tank Season 5, hoping to land an investment for his unique party cup design.
With a built-in shot glass at the bottom, the product was a hit among college students and had already achieved impressive sales before appearing on the show.
But was that enough to convince the Sharks?
In this 180 Cup Shark Tank update, we’ll recap Solomon’s pitch, break down each Shark’s response, and explore what happened to 180 Cup after the show.
180 Cup on Shark Tank: Pitch Recap
Founder & Product
- Entrepreneur: Solomon Fallas
- Business: Party cups with built-in shot holders
- Ask: $300,000 for 15% equity
- Deal: $300,000 for 25% equity with Daymond John
Solomon’s inspiration came from his college experiences, where he realized partygoers often needed a regular cup and a shot glass.
He designed the 180 Cup, which seamlessly combined both functions.
With a patented design and a unique marketing strategy involving college students and liquor stores, Solomon managed to get his product into 570 retail stores.
Shark Responses & Deal Outcome
| Shark | Response |
| Daymond John | Offered $300K for 20%, later withdrew. Came back with a final offer of $300K for 25% equity, which Solomon accepted. |
| Lori Greiner | Declined due to concerns about college drinking. |
| Mark Cuban | Rejected, calling it a niche product with an unrealistic valuation. |
| John Paul DeJoria | Praised Solomon’s dedication but didn’t feel passionate about the product. |
| Kevin O’Leary | Declined without much explanation. |
Solomon initially hesitated on Daymond’s first offer, prompting the Shark to withdraw.
However, with no other offers, Daymond re-entered negotiations, eventually securing the deal at 25% equity.
180 Cup: What Happened After Shark Tank?
Although the 180 Cup secured a deal with Daymond John, the partnership didn’t last. Here’s a look at what happened after the episode aired.
Sales & Revenue Growth
Solomon had already achieved impressive sales before Shark Tank, moving 5 million units in under six months. However, growth slowed in the following years.
| Year | Sales Revenue |
| 2013 (Pre-Shark Tank) | $385,000 |
| 2014 | Increased distribution but no exact revenue figures available |
| 2016 | Business closed |
Retail Expansion & Distribution
Solomon successfully got 180 Cup into hundreds of stores before Shark Tank, but the business struggled to maintain momentum despite the deal with Daymond.
| Retail Partner | Status |
| Liquor Stores (570 locations pre-Shark Tank) | No significant post-show expansion |
| Online Sales | Limited success |
| Major Retail Chains | Did not secure large-scale retail partnerships |
Challenges & Business Closure
By 2016, 180 Cup was out of business. Reports suggest Solomon and Daymond parted ways three years after the show due to disagreements over company direction.
Without sustained growth or major retail deals, the business was ultimately discontinued.
Key Takeaways from 180 Cup’s Journey
Although 180 Cup had a strong start, several factors contributed to its downfall:
- Limited Market Expansion – Despite early success, the product didn’t break into major retail chains like Walmart or Target, limiting long-term growth.
- Niche Product Appeal – The cup was popular among college students, but its market was limited compared to more general-use drinkware.
- Partnership Challenges – Solomon and Daymond couldn’t align on the business strategy, leading to an eventual split.
- Competitive Industry – The disposable cup market is highly competitive, with well-established brands dominating.
Final Thoughts on 180 Cup’s Shark Tank Journey
While 180 Cup Shark Tank fans were excited about its potential, the company couldn’t sustain its early momentum.
The story of 180 Cup is a lesson in the challenges of scaling a niche product and the importance of strategic partnerships in long-term success.
Despite its short-lived run, 180 Cup remains a memorable example of creative product innovation and the unpredictable nature of post-Shark Tank success.
