If you’ve ever wished for a faster cleaner way to store leftovers PlateTopper probably caught your attention. The innovative food storage lid created a buzz during its memorable appearance on Shark Tank. With its promise to turn any plate into a sealed container PlateTopper seemed destined for kitchen stardom. But behind the scenes the path was anything but smooth.
Despite securing a deal on air internal conflicts and founder disagreements led to one of the most talked-about post-pitch collapses in the show’s history. Yet more than a decade later PlateTopper or rather its rebranded form MyTopper is still around.
So what is PlateTopper’s net worth today and how did it go from Shark Tank darling to underdog survival story?
Let’s explore the highs the lows and the enduring legacy of this kitchen gadget as we uncover PlateTopper’s net worth in 2025.
Founder Profile: Who’s Behind PlateTopper?
Michael Tseng is not your typical kitchen product entrepreneur. With a PhD in bioengineering from Princeton and a medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania Tseng brought serious academic credibility to the table. PlateTopper wasn’t just a clever hack it was a product born from Tseng’s fascination with design and efficiency.

Tseng’s interest in product innovation began during his graduate studies. He once said “I wanted to create something simple but powerful something that could solve a real-world problem without overcomplicating the solution.” Plate Topper was his answer to the common kitchen dilemma how to store food quickly without dirtying another dish or fiddling with plastic wrap.
Though Tseng’s background is rooted in science and medicine entrepreneurship has significantly boosted his personal wealth. While his exact net worth isn’t public estimates suggest it’s between $2 million and $4 million much of it tied to his continued business ventures including MyTopper.
The Shark Tank Pitch: High Stakes in the Tank
Michael Tseng walked into the Tank during Season 4 asking for $90000 in exchange for 5 percent equity valuing PlateTopper at a bold $1.8 million. At the time Tseng claimed PlateTopper had $1 million in sales much of which came through QVC and Walmart.
Tseng’s pitch was compelling a reusable silicone and plastic lid that suctions tightly onto plates converting them into instant food storage containers. The Sharks were intrigued particularly Lori Greiner who saw massive QVC potential.
The pitch quickly turned into a power play. Lori made an offer of $90000 for 5 percent equity matching Tseng’s ask. But Tseng hesitated seeking more Shark involvement. That hesitation didn’t sit well with Lori.
“You have a golden ticket here” Lori warned. “I’m not going to beg.”
Robert Herjavec jumped in with an offer too but the moment was tense. Eventually Lori’s deal was accepted on camera. But off-camera things unraveled.
In follow-up interviews Lori explained “He kept changing the terms. It was impossible to move forward. The deal never closed.” Tseng was later criticized for being difficult to work with leading to one of Shark Tank’s most infamous deal failures.
Plate topper Pitch on Shark Tank (Quick Info Card)
Company name | PlateTopper’s |
Product | Airtight plate covering |
Episode | Season 04 Episode 08 |
Founder | Michael Tseng |
Asked for | $90,000 for 5% equity |
Final deal | $90,000 for 8% equity |
Shark | Lori Greiner |
Location | 615 Hampton Drive, Suite A101, Venice, FL, United States |
RELATED: How Much Lori Has Earned from Shark Tank?
What Happened After Shark Tank?
Although the Shark Tank deal fell through Tseng rode the wave of national exposure. PlateTopper generated over $1 million in sales within days after the episode aired. Retail giants like Walmart Bed Bath and Beyond and QVC quickly picked up the product.
However internal management issues plagued the company’s growth. Tseng’s tight control over decision-making coupled with struggles to scale led to instability. Within a few years the product disappeared from major retail shelves.
Rather than shut down completely Tseng rebranded and pivoted
What Is PlateTopper’s New Name?
After facing challenges with retail partnerships and brand reputation Tseng rebranded the product as MyTopper. The design and functionality remained largely the same but the new name marked a fresh chapter for the company. MyTopper now sells primarily through Amazon and direct-to-consumer channels
PlateTopper Reviews: What Customers Are Saying
While the concept was praised for its innovation reviews of PlateTopper have been mixed. Early users loved the idea of a quick-seal lid but pointed out common complaints such as
- The suction seal weakening over time
- Difficulty fitting onto certain plate sizes
- Lid warping after repeated microwave use
One customer noted “It worked great at first but after a few weeks it wouldn’t stay sealed anymore.” These issues while not deal-breakers for all users likely contributed to reduced repeat purchases and retailer dropouts
What Went Wrong with PlateTopper?
Several factors contributed to PlateTopper’s decline
- Founder Rigidity Tseng’s unwillingness to compromise or accept outside leadership reportedly frustrated investors and partners
- Product Quality Issues Inconsistent suction performance affected customer retention
- Deal Fallout The public collapse of the Shark Tank deal damaged trust with potential collaborators
- Retail Exit Once major retailers stopped restocking PlateTopper visibility and volume declined sharply
The downfall wasn’t due to lack of demand it was a case of founder missteps and scaling failure
Did the Sharks’ Investment Pay Off?
Despite the deal falling through PlateTopper experienced a post-show sales surge. Immediately after the episode aired Tseng reported $1 million in sales within a week. Major retailers stocked the product and QVC featured it multiple times.
In a strategic pivot Tseng rebranded the product as MyTopper and shifted focus toward direct-to-consumer sales via Amazon and the company’s own website.
“I learned that scaling a business takes more than a good product. It takes humility teamwork and the ability to adapt.”
Tseng
As of 2025 PlateTopper now MyTopper has generated an estimated $5 million in total lifetime sales and is still profitable through online channels
RELATED: BEST SHARK TANK PITCHES FROM EACH SEASON
How Much Did Lori Greiner Make from PlateTopper?
In short nothing. Since the deal never closed Lori Greiner did not receive equity royalties or any financial return. While she saw the potential early the inability to finalize terms with Tseng meant she exited without earnings.
“I really believed in the product but the business relationship just wasn’t viable”
Lori
Lori Greiner’s Other Shark Tank Wins
Though PlateTopper was a missed shot Lori has scored big with other Shark Tank ventures. Her most notable wins include
- Scrub Daddy Over $250M in revenue
- Squatty Potty Viral sensation with strong retail presence
- Sleep Styler Generated over $100M in sales
Lori’s ability to spot scalable consumer-friendly products has made her one of the most profitable Sharks on the panel
Final Verdict: What Is PlateTopper’s Net Worth in 2025?
As of 2025, PlateTopper’s net worth is estimated at $1 million. While far from the mega-success stories of Shark Tank it’s a testament to resilience and rebranding.
Here’s a breakdown
- Total Lifetime Sales approximately $5 million
- Current Brand MyTopper Revenue approximately $200000 per year
- Estimated Company Value approximately $1 million
- Founder’s Estimated Net Worth $2M to $4M
PlateTopper didn’t explode like Bombas or Scrub Daddy but it didn’t vanish either. It reinvented itself stayed in the game and continues to serve a loyal customer base.
For entrepreneurs it’s a powerful reminder that even deals that fall apart can lead to success if you’re willing to evolve
TL;DR
PlateTopper’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at $1 million. Though the Shark Tank deal with Lori Greiner fell through, the product rebranded as MyTopper and still sells online today.
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