Whatever Happened To Ghia After Shark Tank?

Melanie Masarin enters the "Shark Tank" with more than fond memories of family vacations. She also has an impressive resume that includes positions at Sweetgreen, Glossier, and Goldman Sachs. More importantly, Masarin displays tenacity as a business owner. Although she anticipated launching Ghia in bars and restaurants, the pandemic forced her to pivot to a direct-to-consumer format that was 75% online. Nevertheless, Ghia quickly developed an online community, and the company made $2.5 million in sales in its first year and fundraised $3.5 million. Still, it wasn't yet profitable and lost a little under $1 million.

After raising an additional $6.5 million in funding, Masarin owns 57% of the business at the time of her Season 14 "Shark Tank" appearance, where she is seeking $250,000 for a 5% stake in Ghia. Though the business has an overall valuation of around $40 million, Masarin pitches "Shark Tank" knowing the equity would come directly out of her shares.

Daymond John and Lori Greiner drop out first, since both Sharks are averse to acidic and citrus-forward flavors. Mark Cuban also passes on the product, not wanting to enter the expensive and highly competitive beverage industry.

Robert Herjavec, meanwhile, is a fan of Ghia and commends Masarin's business savvy. "You've somehow picked the hardest category to get into, and you're killing it," he says before offering her the exact deal she is requesting. He drops out, however, when she wants to hear Kevin O'Leary's deal, which turns out to be $250,000 for 10% equity — a deal she is unwilling to make.