Pepper Pong Update | Shark Tank Season 16

Traditional ping pong is challenging for casual players due to its bulky setup, need for a dedicated table, and difficulty mastering the game. Tom Filippini’s solution, Pepper Pong, reinvents the game by introducing a portable version that works on any flat surface. It features adjustable fences and customizable balls, making it suitable for players of all skill levels. Will this unique take on ping pong impress the sharks? Read our Pepper Pong update and pitch recap to find out!

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick overview of what happened to Pepper Pong after Shark Tank.

Tom entered Shark Tank Season 16, seeking $150,000 for 10% equity in his portable Ping Pong game, Pepper Pong. After his pitch, he secured a deal with Todd Graves for $150,000 for 19% equity.

In terms of a Pepper Pong update, the company gained significant media attention and endorsements from professional pickleball players. Further, they expanded their retail presence to major sporting goods stores across the U.S.

Shark	Result
Todd Graves	Accepted offer of $150,000 for 19% equity
Daymond John	$150,000 for 30% equity
Mark Cuban	No offer
Lori Greiner	No offer
Kevin O’Leary	No offer

Shark Tank Pepper Pong Pitch

• Entrepreneur: Tom Filippini
• Business: Portable Ping Pong game
• Ask: $150,000 for 10% equity
• Result: $150,000 for 19% equity
• Shark: Todd Graves

Tom began his pitch by introducing Pepper Pong, a portable twist on the classic game of ping pong.

The game is designed for convenience and fun, allowing players to transform any flat surface, even the floor, into a playable area.

He sought $150,000 for 10% equity, intending to use the funds for a second production mold to scale manufacturing and meet increasing demand.

Tom’s vision was clear: make ping pong accessible, adaptable, and engaging for players of all ages.

The Pepper Pong kit includes a foldable, free-standing net, four paddles, and three foam balls in varying densities.

Each ball, color-coded for different skill levels, ensures an inclusive and challenging experience for everyone.

During his pitch, Daymond John, Kevin O’Leary, Lori Greiner, and guest shark Todd Graves eagerly participated in a demonstration and were impressed by the product’s concept.

After the pitch, Lori asked about Pepper Pong’s sales.

Tom shared that the company generated $260,000 in net sales within its first year and projected revenue of $600,000 to $800,000 for the current year (2024).

When Mark Cuban inquired about online sales, Tom explained that Pepper Pong is sold exclusively on the company’s website.

This approach allows him to control the customer experience, a strategy reflected in over 160 five-star reviews.

Tom revealed he had invested $500,000 of his own money into the business, largely to create multi-cavity molds for production.

He has 10,000 units of inventory remaining.

However, the customer acquisition cost of $21 to $22 per unit is a concern, given that most customers purchase only one game.

Kevin commented on this challenge, stating that Tom was sacrificing too much margin for single-purchase customers.

Tom responded that Pepper Pong sees frequent repeat purchases because it’s a popular gift item.

When Kevin asked about costs, Tom explained that each Pepper Pong set retails for $70 and has a $20 production cost.

The product’s patented foldable fence sets it apart, and Tom plans to use future funding for a second mold, estimated at $100,000.

Todd then asked about Tom’s background. Tom shared his inspiring journey of achieving sobriety and rebuilding his life to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams.

The sharks praised his resilience. Lori acknowledged the product’s appeal and advised Tom to grow cautiously before investing in a second mold.

However, she didn’t see the product aligning with her investment strategy and exited the negotiations.

Mark expressed admiration for Tom’s progress but voiced concerns about the product’s ability to scale beyond its personal connection to Tom.

Seeing no clear path to his desired returns, Mark also declined to invest.

Similarly, Kevin acknowledged the product’s potential but felt it wasn’t likely to grow at the level required for a significant return on investment and chose to step out.

Daymond, moved by Tom’s story, shared his own struggles with sobriety and offered $150,000 for 30% equity, aiming to help the product succeed in retail.

However, after Tom expressed hesitation about entering retail too soon, Daymond withdrew his offer, respecting Tom’s vision for his brand.

Todd, impressed by Pepper Pong’s portability and mass appeal, offered $150,000 for 25% equity, emphasizing his expertise in scaling products through social media and retail partnerships.

Tom countered with 17.5% equity, leading to back-and-forth negotiations.

Ultimately, Todd agreed to 19% equity, and Tom accepted the deal.

Was this the right move for Tom? Find out in our Pepper Pong update.

Shark Tank Pepper Pong Update

Our Pepper Pong update found that the company’s innovative blend of pickleball and ping pong garnered substantial media attention.

The New York Post described it as “the next pickleball that can be played anywhere, anytime, by anyone.” 

Since airing on Shark Tank, Pepper Pong has expanded its retail presence. The game is now available in major sporting goods stores across the United States.

Professional pickleball players, including Zane Navratil, Simone Jardim, Parris Todd, and Kamryn Blackwood, have endorsed Pepper Pong.

While Tom remains dedicated to Pepper Pong, he also engages in public speaking, sharing his personal journey and the game’s role in addiction recovery.

While our Pepper Pong update didn’t uncover any new revenue numbers, we are pretty confident that Tom will crush his 2024 revenue goals and see a big boost in sales in 2025.

We will be back for another Pepper Pong update when we get some more news!

For more updates from Shark Tank Season 16 Episode 6, be sure to check the links below:

• Taverns To Go Update
• Kaans Design Update
• FOAM Coolers Update

Before you go, be sure to check out our list of all the Shark Tank Season 16 products.