Cougar Energy Drink
NO DEAL
EPISODE SUMMARY
🕓 Air Date: May 18, 2012
Asking For:
$150,000 for 30%
Investor:
No Deal
Deal:
No Deal
PRODUCT SUMMARY
Cougar Energy Drink for Women, a gender-specific functional beverage infused with 13 super fruits for stronger hair, skin, and nails, hormonal balance support, and long-lasting energy boost.
WATCH HERE
IN A RUSH?
Click these to jump to the section you want to read.
Background Story
Founded by Ryan Custer from Trophy Club, Texas, Cougar Limited emerged from his personal experiences and observations. Ryan, a young entrepreneur, found inspiration in his relationship with his older girlfriend. Recognizing the attributes and preferences of mature women, he embarked on a journey to create products tailored to their needs.
After investing three and a half years and all his savings into Cougar Limited, Ryan developed Cougar Energy Drink for Women. His goal was to cater to the modern, confident woman seeking age-defying products in the fast-growing food and beverage market.
Ryan’s dedication to Cougar Limited stemmed from his belief in the potential of the modern cougar movement. With his girlfriend’s support and encouragement, Ryan poured his heart and soul into developing a product that reflected the values and desires of his target demographic. Despite facing challenges, including financial strain and skepticism from peers, Ryan remained steadfast in his vision.
The Product
Cougar Energy Drink for Women is a carefully crafted beverage infused with 13 super fruits, offering a myriad of benefits. From promoting stronger hair, skin, and nails to supporting hormonal balance and providing a long-lasting energy boost, Cougar Energy Drink aims to empower women to embrace their vitality and confidence.
Additionally, the drink can be used as a mixer for cocktails, adding versatility to its appeal. Despite its zero-calorie and zero-sugar formula, some users have noted a chalky taste, attributed to ingredients like niacin. Nevertheless, Cougar Energy Drink has garnered attention for its innovative approach to female-centric nutrition and wellness.
The product is currently available in select locations, including 7-Eleven and Smoothie King outlets, and can also be purchased online through platforms like Amazon. However, Cougar Limited faces challenges in distribution, with Ryan personally handling sales efforts. Despite these hurdles, Ryan remains committed to expanding the brand’s reach and introducing new age-defying product lines under the Cougar umbrella.
How It Went
The company’s position before Shark Tank
Cougar Limited has achieved modest success, generating approximately $60,000 in sales over three years, primarily in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. While the product has secured distribution in select outlets, including 7-Eleven and Smoothie King, the company lacks a dedicated distributor, relying on direct sales efforts. Ryan’s personal investment in the company extends beyond financial contributions, as he has taken on various roles, from product development to marketing and sales.
Despite the company’s growth potential, Cougar Limited faces challenges in scaling its operations and increasing market penetration. With limited resources and competition from established players in the beverage industry, Cougar Limited must strategically navigate the competitive landscape to achieve sustainable growth and profitability.
The Negotiations:
In the Shark Tank, Ryan presented Cougar Limited’s pitch, seeking $150,000 for 30% equity in the company. However, his proposition faced skepticism from the sharks, who questioned the market appeal and viability of Cougar Energy Drink for Women. Despite highlighting the product’s unique features and benefits, including its gender-specific formulation and potential for brand expansion, Ryan struggled to convince the sharks of its commercial viability.
The sharks raised concerns about the product’s limited distribution and sales figures over three years, suggesting that Cougar Limited had yet to establish a strong foothold in the competitive beverage market. Ultimately, none of the sharks were convinced of the product’s potential, and Ryan left the tank without a deal. Undeterred by the outcome, Ryan remained determined to pursue his entrepreneurial vision, vowing to continue his efforts to grow Cougar Limited and empower women through innovative age-defying products.
