In today’s fast-paced world, many people find it challenging to brew a fresh cup of coffee during their busy mornings. Whether commuting to work, managing household chores, or rushing to meetings, brewing a quality cup of coffee often takes a backseat.
Recognizing this common problem, entrepreneurs Kweku Larbi and Ross Smith introduced a solution: the Brumachen portable coffee maker. Their innovative device aimed to provide coffee lovers with the convenience of brewing a fresh cup anywhere, anytime.
This idea led them to pitch their product on Season 12, Episode 11 of “Shark Tank,” seeking a substantial investment to bring their vision to a wider audience. They asked $1 million investment for a 10% equity stake, valuing their company at $10 million.
Brumachen Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Kweku and Ross were looking for an investment of $1 million in exchange for 10% equity in the company. At the time of the episode, they valued their company at $10 million. Kweku and Ross did not secure a deal with any of the Sharks. The investment adjusted the company’s net worth to around $0 since no deal was made. After the show was aired, the company experienced a good boost in exposure. As per my rough estimate, the current net worth of Brumachen is $0, as the company shut down in 2021 and is no longer in operation.
Shark(s) name
Offer & Demand
Counteroffer
Accepted?
Daniel Lubetzky
Out
N/A
N/A
Lori Greiner
Out
N/A
N/A
Kevin O’Leary
Out
N/A
N/A
Robert Herjavec
Out
N/A
N/A
Mark Cuban
Out
N/A
N/A
Kweku Larbi Backstory + Their Initial Pitch
Kweku Larbi, originally from Ghana, moved to the United States with just $2,000 to his name. While working as a civil engineer on construction sites, he noticed that workers often spent considerable time seeking coffee, leading to decreased productivity. This observation inspired him to develop a portable coffee maker that could be used on-site.
Utilizing his engineering background, Larbi created a prototype using a 3D printer. The device was designed to brew coffee using standard pods and could be powered through various means, including car adapters and USB ports.
To promote his invention, Larbi partnered with Ross Smith, a social media influencer known for his comedic videos featuring his grandmother. Smith’s vast online following was seen as a valuable asset for marketing the product. Together, they launched a Kickstarter campaign in 2020, raising over $41,000 from 470 backers.
Encouraged by this initial success, they appeared on “Shark Tank” seeking a $1 million investment for a 10% equity stake, valuing their company at $10 million.
During their pitch, the entrepreneurs showcased the Brumachen’s features, emphasizing its portability and compatibility with standard coffee pods. They also introduced their biodegradable coffee pods, aiming to address environmental concerns associated with traditional plastic pods.
Queries + Shark’s Responses, and Final Deal
Sharks raised several concerns.
Kevin O’Leary questioned the high valuation, especially given the company’s limited sales of approximately $42,000. He found the $10 million valuation unrealistic and advised the founders to reassess their business strategy.
Mark Cuban and Robert Herjavec expressed reservations about the product’s design, suggesting it appeared overly complex and might deter potential users.
Lori Greiner and Daniel Lubetzky also declined to invest, citing similar concerns about valuation and product design.
Despite the founders’ enthusiasm and the product’s potential, none of the Sharks extended an offer, leading Larbi and Smith to leave the Tank without a deal.
What Went Wrong With Brumachen Company On Shark Tank?
Several factors contributed to Brumachen’s inability to secure an investment. The $10 million valuation was deemed excessive, especially given the company’s limited sales history. This discrepancy raised doubts about the founders’ business acumen and understanding of market dynamics. The Sharks felt the device’s design was not user-friendly.
Its reliance on external power sources, such as car adapters and USB ports, limited its portability. Additionally, the brewing process was considered more complicated than necessary.
With sales primarily from the Kickstarter campaign, the product lacked broader market validation. This absence of consistent sales data made it challenging for the Sharks to assess the product’s potential success. While Ross Smith’s online presence was substantial, the Sharks were skeptical about translating social media popularity into tangible sales, especially without a clear marketing strategy.
Product Availability
The Brumachen was designed as a portable coffee maker compatible with standard coffee pods. It featured a compact design, allowing users to brew coffee on the go. The device could be powered through various means, including car adapters and USB ports. Additionally, the founders introduced biodegradable coffee pods, aiming to offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic pods.
Initially, the product was available for purchase through the company’s website. However, as of early 2021, the website became inactive, and the product was no longer available for sale. Social media accounts associated with Brumachen also ceased activity around the same time, indicating a halt in operations.
What Happened To The Brumachen Company After Shark Tank?
Following their appearance on “Shark Tank,” Brumachen faced several challenges. Despite the initial exposure, the company struggled with order fulfillment, especially for international backers from their Kickstarter campaign. Many customers reported not receiving their orders or receiving defective units. The company cited unexpected shipping costs and financial constraints as reasons for these issues.
By late 2021, Brumachen had effectively ceased operations. The company’s website became inactive, and social media accounts were no longer updated. Indiana business records indicate that the company was formally dissolved in December 2021.
Post-Brumachen, Kweku Larbi founded Baxter Wood Company, a sustainable clothing brand focusing on eco-friendly apparel. He also established the Green Board Organization, a non-profit aimed at funding education in developing countries. Ross Smith returned to his career as a social media influencer, continuing to create content and collaborate with various brands.
Conclusion
Brumachen’s journey from a promising startup to its eventual dissolution underscores the challenges entrepreneurs face in bringing a product to market. While the idea of a portable coffee maker addressed a genuine need, factors such as an unrealistic valuation, design complexities, and operational challenges hindered the company’s success.
Their experience serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough market research, realistic business planning, and effective execution in the entrepreneurial world.
Hey, I’m Amna Habib, an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. Shark Tank has always been one of my favorite TV shows because it offers a unique glimpse into the world of entrepreneurship. The way entrepreneurs present innovative solutions to everyday problems aligns with my academic interests and fuels my curiosity about business strategies. Each pitch showcases creativity and strategic decision-making, which I find both insightful and inspiring. Watching the show has deepened my passion for business and motivated me to explore the world of entrepreneurship even further. Beyond business and writing, I love food, shopping, and spending time with my friends and family.
