Safe Catch Tuna Update | Shark Tank Season 8

Sean Wittenberg and Bryan Boches saw a key problem in the tuna market: consumers were growing cautious about eating tuna due to mercury concerns, and there wasn’t a reliable solution in place. To tackle this, they developed Safe Catch Tuna, a system that tests each fish for mercury efficiently and at a lower cost. Not only does it make tuna safer, but it also keeps its rich flavor intact. Now, the question is whether the sharks will see the value in this business. Find out in our Safe Catch Tuna update and pitch recap.

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

Sean and Bryan entered Shark Tank Season 8 to pitch Safe Catch Tuna, seeking $500,000 for a 5% equity. Unfortunately, they left without a deal as the sharks declined to invest due to the company’s high monthly cash burn.

In terms of a Safe Catch Tuna update, the company successfully expanded its product line and secured key partnerships, contributing to its rapid growth and recognition in the market. They have grown to around $5 million in annual revenue.

Shark	Result
Kevin O’Leary	No offer
Mark Cuban	No offer
Barbara Corcoran	No offer
Robert Herjavec	No offer
Lori Greiner	No offer
Daymond John	No offer

Shark Tank Season 8 Safe Catch Pitch

• Entrepreneur: Sean Wittenberg and Bryan Boches
• Business: Low-mercury tuna alternative in a can
• Ask: $600,000 for 3% equity
• Result: No deal
• Shark: None

Sean and Bryan highlighted a serious health issue: the high levels of mercury found in seafood.

They were looking for an investment to help scale their technology and expand their market reach.

What sets Safe Catch Tuna apart is its low mercury content. Each fish is individually tested to meet strict standards, staying well below FDA mercury limits.

The tuna is also sustainably sourced, supporting eco-friendly fishing practices.

Unlike many other brands, Safe Catch Tuna is free from fillers, additives, or preservatives, offering a pure, high-quality seafood option.

Additionally, with a range of products, including canned tuna in water or oil, pouches, and flavored varieties, Safe Catch Tuna caters to a variety of tastes and preferences.

Safe Catch Tuna appeals to health-conscious individuals who monitor their mercury intake. It is especially important for pregnant women and young children, who are more vulnerable to mercury exposure.

During their presentation, Sean and Bryan shared that each can of tuna costs them $1.20 to produce, and the retail price is between $3 and $4.

However, the pitch took a turn when they revealed the company’s history. 

They had started the business over a decade earlier and had raised more than $14 million from investors.

Much of this money went towards paying four Ph.D. physicists and three engineering/testing labs to develop their proprietary mercury screening technology.

Despite these efforts, the company eventually ran out of money, frustrating investors.

Sean and Bryan ultimately bought back the company for less than $1 million.

After the buyout, Bryan invested nearly $1 million of his own money in the business. However, despite his investment, Safe Catch Tuna remained $900,000 in debt.

Although the sharks appreciated the taste of the tuna, the technology, and the mission, they were concerned about the financial situation.

They learned that Safe Catch Tuna was selling in 2,100 stores and had made $1.25 million in sales in its first 12 months under Sean and Bryan’s ownership.

However, it was still losing around $75,000 a month.

Kevin O’Leary was the first to exit the negotiations, saying he doubted a quick return on his investment. He also questioned if he would get his money back at all.

Robert Herjavec followed, pointing out that the founders’ valuation was more fitting for a tech company. He believed it didn’t align with the realities of a food business.

Barbara Corcoran highlighted that the company was still burning $75,000 a month after losing $14 million. She decided to opt-out.

The remaining sharks—Daymond John, Mark Cuban, and Lori Greiner—also decided not to invest despite praising the company’s efforts.

Sean and Bryan ultimately left without a deal.

Let’s see how things eventually turn out for the entrepreneurs in our Safe Catch Tuna update.

Shark Tank Safe Catch Tuna Update

Our Safe Catch Tuna update found that the company raised $5 million in seed funding from angel investors Echo Capital and Essential Investments in 2017.

This boost helped them expand their product line, adding new seafood options like spiced tuna and salmon.

In February 2018, they secured another $5 million, which allowed them to roll out even more products, including sardines and Ahi tuna.

Their marketing also got a huge lift when Nick Jonas featured Safe Catch Tuna in an Instagram video, introducing the brand to millions of his followers.

Just two months later, Safe Catch Tuna partnered with Kroger, getting their products on shelves across the country.

In 2021, our Safe Catch Tuna update found that it became the first seafood company to be rePurpose Certified Plastic Neutral, a significant step in its commitment to sustainability.

Safe Catch Tuna faced challenges when the National Advertising Division (NAD) of the Better Business Bureau recommended changes to its marketing claims, prompting the company to make the necessary adjustments.

By 2023, they were the fastest-growing seafood brand in the U.S., with their products in over 12,000 stores and annual revenue topping $5 million.

Their Wild Ahi Yellowfin Tuna Pouches even won the 2023 Good Housekeeping Best Snack Award for Protein-Packed Favorites.

Our research into the Safe Catch Tuna update revealed that the founders have since expanded their entrepreneurial efforts.

Sean started Pure Cravings, a premium cat food brand, while Bryan took on advisory roles with various organizations.

Despite not getting a deal on Shark Tank, we’re calling this Safe Catch Tuna update a success.

For more company updates from Shark Tank Season 8 Episode 7, be sure to check out the links below:

• Eco Flower Update
• The Style Club Update
• Besomebody App Update

Before you go, check out our Shark Tank Season 8 page for more updates.