Uprising Bread Alternative
NO DEAL
EPISODE SUMMARY
🕓 Air Date: October 8, 2021
Asking For:
$500,000 for 3%
Investor:
No Deal
Deal:
No Deal
PRODUCT SUMMARY
Uprising Food offers a revolutionary bread called the Uprising Cube, which is keto, paleo, gluten-free, and dairy-free, designed to be healthy and delicious.
WATCH HERE
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Background Story
Uprising Food was founded by the husband-wife duo of William and Kristen in Cincinnati, Ohio, with a transformative mission in mind: to revolutionize how people perceive and consume bread. Their journey is deeply rooted in personal experiences, particularly the profound impact of diet on family health. These experiences served as a catalyst, igniting their unwavering dedication to crafting healthier dietary choices, not just for themselves but for the broader community. Witnessing the transformative power of nutritious eating in their own lives, they felt compelled to share their vision with the world.
At the core of their mission is the Uprising Cube, a product that transcends conventional bread. It symbolizes their commitment to elevating dietary habits and overall well-being. The founders’ passion is rooted in the belief that food should be a source of nourishment, promoting health, vitality, and a sense of well-being. Uprising Food’s journey exemplifies their vision of a world where bread isn’t merely a dietary staple but a catalyst for positive change.
From their headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, they’ve embarked on a mission to provide not just a product but a comprehensive solution for individuals seeking a better, healthier way of eating. Through relentless dedication and innovative thinking, they aspire to inspire and drive meaningful dietary changes, making a lasting impact on the lives of their customers and the broader community.
The Product
Uprising Food introduces the Uprising Cube, a groundbreaking bread that redefines the very essence of this dietary staple. Designed to cater to a wide range of dietary preferences, including keto, paleo, gluten-free, and dairy-free, the Uprising Cube is a testament to innovation in the world of bread.
What sets it apart is the extraordinary combination of qualities that it embodies. The Uprising Cube strikes a harmonious balance between chewiness and sponginess, delivering a distinctive mouthfeel that enhances the overall eating experience.
Priced at $12 per loaf, this premium bread not only offers exceptional taste but also caters to health-conscious consumers looking for nutritious alternatives. It represents a paradigm shift in how we view and consume bread, going beyond the conventional notion of a mere side dish to become a vital component of a healthier lifestyle.
The Uprising Cube isn’t just a product; it’s a transformative culinary experience. Its creation reflects a commitment to nourishing the body with wholesome ingredients and reimagining the role of food in our lives. It represents a bold step towards making bread a source of nourishment, vitality, and the embodiment of healthier dietary choices.
How It Went
The company’s position before Shark Tank
Uprising Food’s early years were marked by impressive growth, showcasing their ability to disrupt the bread industry. In their debut year of 2019, they achieved a commendable $85,000 in revenue, setting the stage for what was to come. However, the pandemic’s arrival in 2020 posed significant challenges for many businesses. Despite these obstacles, Uprising Food nearly breached the million-dollar revenue mark, highlighting their resilience and adaptability.
The momentum continued into the first half of 2021, where they achieved an exceptional revenue of $2.1 million. Yet, the path to profitability remains a hurdle, as they’ve recorded just under a million dollars in net losses. The cost of goods, at $5.25 per loaf, leaves them with a modest margin of approximately 30% after factoring in shipping expenses.
Looking ahead, the founders have set ambitious goals, projecting $5 million in revenue for the current year. This projection has led to a valuation of the company at $16.6 million. While the journey to profitability is ongoing, Uprising Food’s ability to generate substantial revenue, despite challenges, demonstrates their potential in the market. Their commitment to providing a healthier bread alternative resonates with consumers, setting the stage for continued growth and success in their mission to transform how we view and consume bread.
The Negotiations:
During the intense negotiation phase on Shark Tank, the Uprising Food founders faced a panel of experienced investors who had significant concerns about their business model. The Sharks, led by Mark Cuban, expressed reservations about the steep $12 price point for a relatively small loaf of bread. They found it challenging to justify this pricing strategy and raised questions about how it compared to other options in the market.
Furthermore, the lack of a clear profitability strategy raised concerns among the Sharks. Mark Cuban, in particular, advised the founders to shift their focus to profitability earlier in their growth journey. The complex explanations and industry jargon used in their pitch also complicated their message, making it difficult for the Sharks to fully grasp the opportunity. Despite the founders’ evident passion and dedication to their mission, none of the Sharks saw a compelling investment opportunity. This led to a unanimous decision among the Sharks to decline the offer, resulting in no deal being made on the show.
The Uprising Food founders left the Shark Tank with their mission and vision intact, determined to continue their journey to transform the bread industry and promote healthier dietary choices. While the Sharks didn’t see the potential, the founders remain committed to inspiring positive dietary changes in the lives of their customers in their own unique way.
