Pips and Bounce Ping Pong Lounge Update | Shark Tank Season 11
The Pips and Bounce Ping Pong Lounge set out to redefine social gaming by combining the excitement of ping pong with a vibrant lounge experience.
Founded by brothers Eugene and Michael Jung, the company appeared on Shark Tank Season 11, hoping to secure an investment to expand their business.
So, what happened after Shark Tank? Did Pips and Bounce thrive despite walking away without a deal?
Let’s look closer at their Shark Tank journey, the Sharks’ responses, and how the company has fared since then.
Pips and Bounce’s Shark Tank Pitch
The Founders & Business Concept
Brothers Eugene and Michael Jung, lifelong ping pong enthusiasts from Portland, Oregon, introduced Pips and Bounce, a unique lounge and party venue.
They aimed to create a social club atmosphere where people could enjoy ping pong, food, cocktails, and a fun night out.
The concept targeted college students, young professionals, and families looking for an interactive entertainment option.
With themed cocktails, ping pong leagues, and event hosting, Pips and Bounce aimed to revolutionize social entertainment.
The Ask & Business Performance
The founders sought $500,000 for 10% equity, valuing their business at $5 million.
They backed their request with promising sales figures:
- Year 1 Revenue: $974,000
- Year 2 Revenue: $1.3 million
- Profit Margin: 7%
Despite impressive revenue, the low-profit margin raised concerns among the Sharks, making it difficult to justify their ambitious valuation.
Shark Reactions & The Final Outcome
Although the business concept intrigued the Sharks, financial concerns led them to opt-out. Here’s a breakdown of each Shark’s response:
| Shark | Response | Reason |
| Daymond John | No Offer | Dislikes ping pong, not interested. |
| Lori Greiner | No Offer | Believes the business is too early for franchising. |
| Kevin O’Leary | No Offer | Thinks the profit margin is too low. |
| Maria Sharapova | No Offer | Likes the concept but sees no strong growth plan. |
| Mark Cuban | No Offer | Doesn’t believe in the business model; valuation is too high. |
Without an offer, Pips and Bounce left Shark Tank without a deal.
The founders overestimated their valuation, and the Sharks saw scaling challenges and profitability concerns as significant roadblocks.
Pips and Bounce’s Growth After Shark Tank
Despite missing out on a deal, Pips and Bounce operated successfully in Portland.
However, their journey was not without challenges—especially when the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to shut down operations temporarily.
Sales & Revenue Growth
There is limited public data on the company’s exact revenue post-Shark Tank, but based on customer reviews and business activity, they appear to be doing well post-pandemic.
| Timeframe | Sales Revenue | Notes |
| Year 1 (Pre-Shark Tank) | $974,000 | Strong first-year revenue. |
| Year 2 (Pre-Shark Tank) | $1.3 million | Increased revenue but low profit margins. |
| Post-Shark Tank (2020-2021) | N/A | Businesses faced temporary closure due to COVID-19. |
| Post-Reopening (2021-Present) | N/A | Business appears to be thriving with a strong customer base. |
Retail Expansion & New Locations
Unlike many Shark Tank businesses that scale nationally, Pips and Bounce remains a single-location business in Portland, Oregon.
There have been no reports of additional locations or franchising efforts.
| Location | Status |
| Portland, OR (Flagship Lounge) | Open & Operating |
| Other U.S. Locations | No Expansion Announced |
The founders originally aimed to franchise their model, but financial and logistical challenges may have slowed expansion plans.
Customer Experience & Community Engagement
Despite not scaling nationwide, Pips and Bounce remains a popular local hotspot.
The business continues to attract ping pong enthusiasts, casual players, and party-goers.
- Positive Yelp & Google Reviews: Customers praise the fun atmosphere, quality tables, and great drinks.
- Local Events & Leagues: The lounge hosts ping pong leagues, tournaments, and corporate events.
- Food & Beverage Offerings: Their menu features cocktails, snacks, and themed drinks for a complete social experience.
Challenges Faced Post-Shark Tank
While Pips and Bounce have stayed in business, they have faced some hurdles:
- Low-Profit Margins – Their 7% profit margin was a significant concern during Shark Tank and may still limit expansion.
- Pandemic Setbacks – COVID-19 forced a temporary closure, likely affecting revenue and growth plans.
- Lack of Franchising Progress – Despite initial plans, no announcements of new locations or franchising deals have been announced.
Key Factors Behind Pips and Bounce’s Journey
Although they didn’t secure a Shark Tank deal, several factors contributed to Pips and Bounce’s continued presence in the market:
1. Unique Social Experience
- Combines ping pong, drinks, and dining in a fun, casual setting.
- Appeals to college students, young professionals, and families.
2. Strong Local Following
- Despite a lack of nationwide expansion, their Portland location thrives with regular customers.
- Engages the community with leagues, tournaments, and private events.
3. Resilience Through Challenges
- Successfully bounced back after COVID-19 shutdowns.
- Continues to adapt and serve a growing customer base.
Challenges to Overcome
- Scaling the business remains difficult due to low-profit margins.
- There is no reported expansion beyond the flagship location.
- We may need a more potent revenue model to attract investors in the future.
Final Thoughts: What’s Next for Pips and Bounce?
Despite leaving Shark Tank without a deal, Pips and Bounce have managed to stay in business and thrive in Portland.
While they have yet to expand beyond their flagship location, the lounge continues to be a popular entertainment destination for ping pong lovers.
Moving forward, the company may need to:
- Improve profitability to make franchising a viable option.
- Consider digital marketing to expand their reach beyond local customers.
- Explore additional revenue streams such as merchandise or online event bookings.
For now, Pips and Bounce remain a beloved local ping pong lounge, proving that passion, community engagement, and a unique concept can help a business survive—even without a Shark Tank deal.
🔹 Want to visit Pips and Bounce? Check them out in Portland, Oregon, or visit their official website for more details!
What do you think about Pips and Bounce’s journey? Let us know in the comments below!
