What is BRUW and how does it work? BRUW is a simple cold brew coffee filter system that uses a double-sided mason jar lid with a filter in the middle. You fill one jar with coffee grounds and water, seal it with the BRUW lid, and attach an empty mason jar on top. After the coffee brews, you flip it over and let gravity filter the coffee into the clean jar. This creates a less acidic and smoother cold brew coffee.
Summary
- BRUW is a cold brew coffee filter system using mason jars.
- Max Feber, the founder, appeared on Shark Tank Season 10.
- He secured a deal with Mark Cuban for $50,000 for 30% equity.
- BRUW was acquired by Snarky Tea, a company backed by Kevin O’Leary.
- The product is currently unavailable, but Max Feber’s entrepreneurial journey is considered a success.
BRUW Shark Tank Update | Shark Tank Season 10
What is BRUW?
BRUW is a simple, innovative solution for making cold brew coffee at home. It’s essentially a specially designed filter lid that fits on standard mason jars.
This allows coffee lovers to easily brew cold brew coffee without any mess or expensive equipment.
The Story Behind BRUW
Max Feber, a young entrepreneur with a passion for cold brew coffee, founded BRUW. Frustrated with the lack of convenient and affordable cold brew methods, he invented the BRUW filter.
He launched a successful Kickstarter campaign to fund his idea, and soon, BRUW was born.
BRUW on Shark Tank
1. The Pitch
Entrepreneurs | Max Feber |
---|---|
Business | BRUW (Cold Brew Coffee Filter) |
Ask | $50,000 for 25% equity |
Deal | $50,000 for 30% equity |
Sharks | Mark Cuban |
Season – Episode | Season 10 – Episode 8 |
Original Air Date | November 11, 2018 |
Website | BRUW |
Key Points of Pitch |
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Why Sharks Accepted |
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2. Offers from the Sharks
Max’s impressive pitch and strong business model caught the attention of several Sharks. Here’s a breakdown of the offers:
- Kevin O’Leary: Offered $50,000 for 50% equity.
- Daymond John: Offered $50,000 for 30% equity with a focus on licensing the product.
- Mark Cuban: Offered $50,000 for 30% equity with a focus on maintaining profit margins and investing in advertising.
3. The Deal
After careful consideration, Max accepted Mark Cuban’s offer. He felt that Cuban’s expertise in scaling businesses and his focus on advertising would be invaluable to BRUW’s growth.
BRUW After Shark Tank
1. The Acquisition
While BRUW initially saw success after appearing on Shark Tank, with increased sales and brand awareness, the journey took an unexpected turn.
In April 2020, BRUW was acquired by Snarky Tea. This meant that Max Feber sold his company, giving up ownership to pursue other opportunities.
2. The Snarky Tea Connection
Snarky Tea, a company specializing in flavored loose leaf tea, had also appeared on Shark Tank (Season 9) and secured a deal with Kevin O’Leary (“Mr. Wonderful”).
It’s unclear why Snarky Tea acquired BRUW, a company in a different beverage niche. However, it’s possible they saw potential in expanding their product offerings or leveraging BRUW’s existing customer base.
3. The Future of BRUW
Unfortunately, BRUW is no longer available for purchase. It seems that Snarky Tea discontinued the product after the acquisition.
While this may be disappointing for fans of the BRUW filter, it’s important to remember that Max Feber achieved a successful exit by selling his company. This allowed him to move on to other ventures and continue his entrepreneurial journey.
The story of BRUW serves as a reminder that the entrepreneurial path can be unpredictable. Even with a successful Shark Tank appearance and a promising start, businesses can evolve and change direction.
BRUW Product Overview
1. How BRUW Works
BRUW simplified the process of making cold brew coffee at home. Here’s how it worked:
- Step 1: Grind and Add. Users would grind their favorite coffee beans to a coarse consistency, similar to what you’d use for a French press. They’d then add the grounds to a mason jar.
- Step 2: Fill and Steep. Cold, filtered water would be added to the jar with the coffee grounds. The BRUW lid, which contained a built-in filter, would be securely screwed onto the jar. This would then be placed in the refrigerator to steep for 12-24 hours.
- Step 3: Filter and Enjoy. After steeping, users would take a second, empty mason jar and screw it onto the top of the BRUW lid. By simply flipping the jars over, gravity would draw the coffee through the filter into the clean jar, leaving the grounds behind. The result was a smooth, ready-to-drink cold brew coffee.
2. Benefits of Using BRUW
BRUW offered several advantages over traditional cold brew methods:
- Simplicity: BRUW eliminated the need for messy filters, cheesecloth, or specialized equipment. The process was straightforward and easy to follow.
- Affordability: Compared to expensive cold brew makers on the market, BRUW was a budget-friendly option. It utilized readily available mason jars, making it an accessible choice for coffee lovers.
- Convenience: The compact design of BRUW made it easy to store in the refrigerator. The brewing process required minimal effort, allowing users to enjoy cold brew without any hassle.
- Versatility: While designed for cold brew coffee, BRUW could also be used to brew tea or infuse water with fruit. This added to its appeal for those who enjoy a variety of beverages.
Although BRUW is no longer available, it left a mark on the cold brew coffee landscape by offering an innovative and user-friendly solution.
FAQs
Is BRUW still available for purchase?
Unfortunately, no. While BRUW was a popular product for a time, it was acquired by Snarky Tea and is no longer being produced or sold.
Where can I find a similar product to BRUW?
Several other cold brew coffee makers on the market utilize a similar concept to BRUW. You can find a variety of options online or in stores that use a filter system and mason jars or similar containers.
What happened to Max Feber after BRUW was sold?
While there isn’t much public information available about Max Feber’s current endeavors, selling BRUW likely provided him with the resources and experience to pursue new entrepreneurial projects.
Was the BRUW filter compatible with all types of mason jars?
BRUW was designed to fit standard, regular-mouth mason jars. It’s always a good idea to double-check the specifications of any similar product to ensure compatibility with the jars you have.
The Bottom Line
BRUW’s journey, from a young entrepreneur’s idea to a Shark Tank success and eventual acquisition, provides valuable lessons for aspiring business owners. It highlights the importance of innovation, the potential of crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter, and the impact a show like Shark Tank can have on a brand.
While BRUW itself may be gone, its story serves as a reminder that even simple solutions can find a market and achieve success. It also demonstrates that the entrepreneurial path can be full of unexpected twists and turns.