For many vegans and vegetarians, giving up meat means missing out on the crispy, savory taste of bacon. While plant-based alternatives exist, most fail to replicate the real thing. This was the problem Beth Zotter and Amanda Stiles wanted to solve when they created UMARO, the world’s first plant-based bacon made from seaweed. Their goal was simple: make a vegan bacon that actually tastes like bacon while being sustainable and healthy.
When they stepped into the Shark Tank in Season 13, they asked for $500,000 for 2% equity in their company. The sharks were intrigued by the idea of seaweed-based bacon, but not all of them were convinced. Some loved the taste, while others, like Robert Herjavec, immediately spit it out. Despite mixed reactions, the founders managed to secure a $1 million deal with Mark Cuban for 7% equity.
Since their appearance, UMARO has been working hard to expand its reach. Their bacon is now available in select restaurants across the U.S., and they are developing sustainable seaweed farming methods. With celebrity investors like NBA star Chris Paul backing them, UMARO is on its way to becoming a major player in the plant-based food industry.
UMARO Bacon Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Beth and Amanda were looking for an investment of $500k in exchange for 2% equity in the company. At the time of the episode, they valued their company at $25 million. Beth and Amanda successfully secured a deal with Mark Cuban for an investment of $1 million for 7% equity in the company. The investment adjusted the company’s net worth to around $14.29 million. After the show was aired, UMARO saw a big increase in website traffic, sales, and social media exposure. As per my rough estimate, UMARO’s current net worth is around $20 million.
Shark(s) name | Offer & Demand | Counteroffer | Accepted? |
Emma Grede | Out | N/A | N/A |
Lori Greiner | $500K for 4% equity | N/A | No |
Kevin O’Leary | $500K for 8% equity | N/A | No |
Robert Herjavec | Out | N/A | N/A |
Mark Cuban | $1 million for 7% equity | N/A | Yes |
Beth Zotter and Amanda Stiles Backstory + Their Initial Pitch
Beth Zotter and Amanda Stiles met while working in the food science industry. Both were passionate about sustainable food solutions, and they noticed a gap in the market—no plant-based bacon truly captured the taste and texture of real bacon. Most vegan bacon options were made from soy or wheat, which didn’t provide the same crispiness or smoky flavor.
Their breakthrough came when they discovered red seaweed as a key ingredient. Seaweed is not only sustainable but also rich in nutrients like protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. After years of experimentation, they perfected a bacon prototype that sizzled, crisped, and tasted remarkably like pork bacon.
When they entered the Shark Tank, they presented their product with confidence. They explained how their bacon was different from other plant-based options—no artificial flavors, no soy, and completely ocean-friendly. They even brought samples for the sharks to try.
Their initial ask was $500,000 for 2% equity, valuing their company at $25 million. While this was a high valuation for a product with no sales yet, they argued that their patented seaweed technology and the growing demand for sustainable foods justified the price.
Queries + Shark’s Responses, and Final Deal
The sharks had mixed reactions to UMARO’s bacon.
Robert took a bite but immediately spit it out. He said that while it might work in a sandwich, eating it alone was not enjoyable. He also questioned the $25 million valuation, especially since the company had no sales yet. Because of this, he decided to bow out.
Guest shark Emma Grede agreed with Robert. She felt the product was too early-stage and didn’t see enough market proof to justify investing. She also dropped out.
Mr. Wonderful, however, saw potential. He offered $500,000 for 8% equity, which was double the equity they initially asked for. He believed in the product but wanted a bigger stake.
Lori was impressed by the taste and the sustainability angle. She offered $500,000 for 4% equity, but with a condition—no dilution in future funding rounds. This meant her stake wouldn’t decrease even if the company raised more money later.
Mark Cuban, always interested in innovative food tech, saw the long-term potential. He matched their counteroffer of $1 million for 7% equity, which was slightly better than Lori’s deal. The founders accepted his offer, excited to have his expertise and funding.
Product Availability
UMARO is a brand that makes a type of bacon, but it’s different from traditional bacon because it’s made from red seaweed. Since being featured on the TV show Shark Tank, UMARO has been growing in popularity and is now served in select restaurants across the country. If you’re curious to try it, you can visit their website to find out where it’s available near you.
What Makes UMARO Bacon Special?
– It’s made from red seaweed, which is good for the environment and packed with nutrients.
– It doesn’t contain artificial flavors or soy, making it a cleaner option.
– It has a crispy texture similar to regular bacon, so you can enjoy that familiar crunch.
– It’s suitable for vegans, gluten-free diets, and is non-GMO, meaning it doesn’t have any genetically modified ingredients.
Right now, you can only find UMARO bacon in restaurants, not in grocery stores. If you own a restaurant or need it for a food service, you can order samples or buy in bulk through their website.
What Happened To The *Company After Shark Tank?
UMARO, a company that gained attention on Shark Tank, has been doing well and making progress in several areas. Their product, made from seaweed and intended as a bacon alternative, is now available in many restaurants across the United States. Chris Paul, a famous basketball player who follows a vegan diet, has chosen to invest in UMARO, which adds credibility and visibility to the brand.
UMARO is working on creating eco-friendly seaweed farms off the coast of Maine, which is part of their commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing. The company is focused on making seaweed-based proteins a common choice in the food industry, aiming for a significant impact on eating habits.
As of today, UMARO is still operational and growing. Although they haven’t shared specific sales numbers, their partnerships and investments indicate they have a promising future ahead.
Conclusion
UMARO’s journey on Shark Tank was a mix of excitement and skepticism. While some sharks doubted the product’s early-stage status, Mark Cuban saw its potential and invested $1 million for 7% equity. Since then, the company has been steadily growing, with its seaweed-based bacon now available in restaurants nationwide.
With sustainability at its core and backing from high-profile investors like Chris Paul, UMARO is set to revolutionize the plant-based food industry. While it’s still early, their progress suggests that vegan bacon might just become the next big thing.

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.