Cup-A-Bug Humane Bug Catcher Update | Shark Tank Season 15
Cup-A-Bug, an innovative humane bug catcher, caught the attention of the Shark Tank Season 15 panel with its simple yet effective way to remove insects from homes without harming them.
This clever tool, invented by Justin Huang, resonated with animal lovers and those who prefer not to kill bugs.
In this post, we’ll break down Cup-A-Bug’s Shark Tank pitch, review each Shark’s response, and provide updates on how the company has performed since its appearance.
Cup-A-Bug Humane Bug Catcher: The Shark Tank Pitch
- Entrepreneur: Justin Huang
- Business Model: A humane bug-catching tool for homes
- Investment Ask: $50,000 for 10% equity
- Manufacturing & Retail Pricing:
- Production Cost: $10 per unit
- Shipping Cost: $7 per unit
- Retail Price: $40 per unit
- Sales Before Shark Tank:
- Kickstarter Sales: 800 units ($28,000 total)
- Direct Sales (3 months before filming): 1,200 units
- Final Deal: $75,000 for 20% equity with Mark Cuban
How Does Cup-A-Bug Work?
- Place the cup over the bug.
- Pull the lever to close a floor under the insect, trapping it inside.
- Take the Cup-A-Bug outside and release the insect safely.
This simple yet effective tool makes it easy to remove unwanted bugs without resorting to harmful pesticides or squashing them.
Shark Tank: Sharks’ Reactions & Deal Breakdown
Each Shark had a different reaction to Justin’s pitch. Here’s how it played out:
| Shark | Offer | Reason for Investment or Rejection |
| Mark Cuban | $75,000 for 20% equity | Loved the product and wanted to invest in Justin’s future inventions. |
| Daymond John | Initially matched Mark’s offer, then increased to $60,000 for 30% | Interested, but Mark outbid him. |
| Robert Herjavec | No offer | Did not see the market potential. |
| Kevin O’Leary | No offer | Not convinced of scalability. |
| Final Outcome | Justin accepted Mark Cuban’s offer. | $75,000 for 20% equity. |
This was one of the fastest deals in Shark Tank Season 15. Mark Cuban wasted no time making an offer and ultimately secured the deal, beating Daymond John.
Cup-A-Bug Update: Post-Shark Tank Success
Cup-A-Bug experienced a significant boost in sales after appearing on Shark Tank, thanks to the exposure and Mark Cuban’s support.
Sales and Revenue Growth
| Year | Sales & Revenue |
| 2023 (Pre-Shark Tank) | 2,000+ units sold ($28,000 from Kickstarter, additional sales afterward) |
| 2024 (Post-Shark Tank) | Massive sales surge (exact figures TBD) |
Justin’s Kickstarter success and steady sales before the show set a solid foundation, but Shark Tank’s national platform helped the business reach a much wider audience.
Retail Expansion & Distribution Deals
| Retail/Distribution | Status |
| Cup-A-Bug Website | Increased traffic and direct orders |
| Amazon | Listed and gaining traction |
| Retail Stores | In talks with significant home improvement and outdoor retailers |
With Mark Cuban’s backing, Cup-A-Bug can land in big-box retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart.
New Product Launches & Strategic Partnerships
Although it’s still early, Justin’s background in engineering and invention suggests that new products could be on the horizon.
Mark Cuban’s investment also included interest in Justin’s future creations, hinting at potential expansion beyond Cup-A-Bug.
What Contributed to Cup-A-Bug’s Success?
Several key factors have helped Cup-A-Bug thrive:
- Shark Tank Exposure – National TV exposure brought thousands of new customers.
- Mark Cuban’s Investment & Mentorship – Provided funding, guidance, and credibility.
- Strong Market Demand – Many people prefer humane alternatives to killing insects.
- Simple Yet Effective Product – The device solves a common household problem quickly.
- Direct-to-Consumer Sales – Online availability (via Amazon and its website) has driven revenue.
However, challenges remain, including reducing production costs and securing large retail partnerships to scale the business.
Final Thoughts: Cup-A-Bug’s Growth & Future Outlook
Cup-A-Bug’s journey on Shark Tank showcased how a simple yet thoughtful invention can gain massive traction with the right backing.
With Mark Cuban’s support, the company has already seen a surge in sales and online visibility.
Looking ahead, Cup-A-Bug has strong potential to expand into major retail stores, optimize its cost structure, and possibly introduce new product variations.
For those who prefer a humane way to remove bugs, Cup-A-Bug is a must-have home gadget—and thanks to Shark Tank, it’s now available to a much wider audience.
Want to grab your own Cup-A-Bug? Visit their official website or check them out on Amazon!
What do you think about Cup-A-Bug’s success? Would you use it in your home? Let us know in the comments!
