Luke and Liam, the founders of CupKings, transformed a simple idea into a growing business. The idea sparked when Perth banned single-use plastics.
This motivated them to create reusable stainless-steel cups for parties.
“Over 500 billion single-use plastic cups are used worldwide every year”. “These cups take over 450 years to decompose, and our goal is to save the environment, one cup at a time.”
Luke and Liam
CupKings cups are perfect for parties, events, and corporate branding. They are stylish, durable, and eco-conscious. These cups meet the needs of people who want to have fun without harming the environment.
With a history of successful e-commerce ventures, Luke and Liam made a memorable appearance on Shark Tank. Their pitch proved that combining fun with sustainability is a recipe for success.
CupKings Journey Before Shark Tank
Luke and Liam were already experienced entrepreneurs before launching CupKings. When faced with the challenge of finding beer pong cups that aligned with environmental standards, they developed a solution.
This solution was reusable stainless-steel cups. These cups are food-grade, dishwasher-safe, and built to last. They offer a practical alternative to disposable plastic.
Their beer pong kits include 12 metal cups and balls and are priced between $25 and $65.
Since starting, CupKings has sold over 65,000 cups and earned $360,000 in revenue, with $21,000 in profit. “Our cups are durable, dishwasher-safe, and fully recyclable,” the founders proudly shared.
Beyond the product itself, Luke and Liam found success in organizing beer pong tournaments. These events helped showcase their brand.
Partnerships, such as with Dan Murphy’s where their steel red party cups are sold, also boosted credibility. “We’ve always had e-commerce hustles,” they said. “But this is our most exciting venture yet.”
Shark Tank Pitch Recap
Luke and Liam confidently entered the Shark Tank asking for $50,000 in exchange for 10% equity. They explained how their stainless-steel cups offered a sustainable alternative to disposable party cups.
Despite their strong numbers, the Sharks were initially unsure about the business’s direction.
“Is this about sustainability, or is this just a non-disposable beer pong game?” one Shark asked, pointing to a potential identity conflict.
The tension eased during a playful beer pong demonstration. The Sharks, including Rob, enjoyed the fun but skepticism remained.
“What are you, fun or sustainability?” Rob pressed, challenging the founders to clarify their vision.
When Luke and Liam revealed that they had also hosted beer pong tournaments, Rob saw the potential. “Let’s run beer pong tournaments on college campuses!” he exclaimed.
His excitement led to a deal: $50,000 for 25% equity. For Luke and Liam, this moment was the breakthrough they needed. “For us, it was a dream come true,” they said.
CupKings Shark Tank Update
The exposure from Shark Tank brought an immediate boost to CupKings. Website traffic spiked, and sales surged as customers flocked to purchase their customizable, reusable cups.
“We’ve seen an incredible boost in orders since the show aired,” Luke and Liam shared.
Their partnership with Dan Murphy’s further strengthened their market presence. This made their product more accessible to a larger audience.
The Shark Tank deal also opened doors for new opportunities. These included partnerships with event organizers and expanded beer pong tournaments.
The founders leveraged their success story to connect with college campuses and eco-conscious brands.
Future Plans
CupKings has big plans for the future. They aim to expand their product line with new designs and colors, appealing to a broader audience.
“Customization is key to our success,” they emphasized. They currently offer unique options for orders of 50 cups or more, such as laser engraving and painted designs.
Global expansion is also on the horizon. The team plans to take their brand to international markets.
Additionally, they plan to host large-scale beer pong tournaments. These events will not only promote their products but also advocate for sustainable practices at social events.