Shark Tank Season 16 Finale Recap: Mark Cuban’s Farewell and Unique Pitches
The eagerly anticipated finale of Shark Tank Season 16, which aired on May 16, 2025, marked a significant moment as it featured Mark Cuban’s heartfelt farewell to his fellow panelists after years of contributions to the show. The episode showcased a fresh group of entrepreneurs, each eager to win over at least one Shark and secure a partnership for their innovative ideas, though not all succeeded in their quest.
Entrepreneurs Face Tough Questions and Competitive Bidding
Throughout the episode, various entrepreneurs encountered a range of challenges, from valuation concerns to disappointing sales figures. Some businesses captivated the Sharks, prompting competitive offers and intense negotiations to secure a deal.
Official Synopsis
“For the Season 16 finale and Mark Cuban’s farewell, entrepreneurs pitch unique products like luxe candles, gourmet deviled eggs, a tick-removal mitten, and invisible underwear.”
Highlights from the Season Finale Pitches
Bigg A** Luxuries: A Candle Empire
Kicking off the finale, a Texas-based candle company, Bigg A** Luxuries, introduced its line of handcrafted natural candles, marketed as “affordable luxury.”The entrepreneurs aimed to raise $500,000 for a 5% equity stake, valuing their business at $10 million. They revealed that the majority of their sales—95%—came from their Shopify website.
The pricing of their candles ranged between $179 and $284, which surprised the Sharks positively. However, due to a conflict of interest, Daymond Roberts decided to withdraw from negotiations, and Mark Cuban also opted out, expressing he wasn’t an expert in home décor. Ultimately, Lori Greiner proposed $250,000 along with a $250,000 loan for a 15% stake, to which the entrepreneurs successfully countered, reducing her equity ask to 13% and completing the deal.
Deviled Egg Co.: A Culinary Treat
Next to pitch was Deviled Egg Co., presented by Alexi Wellman and Rachel Van Buskirk. They showcased a selection of gourmet deviled eggs and sought $150,000 for a 5% stake to launch grab-and-go models. After starting as a food truck, the company had amassed nearly $1 million in sales to date.
Daymond opted out, stating he wasn’t a suitable investor, while Barbara Corcoran extended an offer of $150,000 for 15% equity, and Kevin O’Leary proposed the same amount but for 20%. In a surprising twist, Mark Cuban and Barbara teamed up to make a joint offer of $250,000 for 20%, which the entrepreneurs accepted, turning down Kevin’s offer.
TiCK MiTT: A Solution for Tick Removal
The third pitch featured TiCK MiTT, a product designed for easy tick removal. Founders Stevie and Olivia Abrams sought $250,000 for a 10% stake, with production costs significantly low at $1.64 per mitt sold for $19.99. Despite their valid effort, both Mark and Lori decided not to invest due to market overlaps with existing partnerships. Barbara proposed a hefty 30% equity deal, which the founders declined, along with Kevin’s offer of the same cash but with a 20% stake and ongoing royalties.
Invisible Underwear: The Game-Changer
Finally, Olivia and Elvira presented their innovative product, dubbed “invisible underwear,”designed to conform seamlessly to the body. Seeking $300,000 for a 5% equity stake, the Sharks acknowledged the product’s appeal but expressed skepticism toward its $6 million valuation. Kevin proposed a deal that included a $1 royalty per unit sold, which they initially countered, further negotiating their offer successfully with Barbara, who eventually accepted the revised terms.
A Heartfelt Farewell
As the episode concluded, viewers were treated to a montage of Mark Cuban’s most memorable moments from previous seasons. An emotional farewell scene featured his fellow panelists rallying around him, culminating in a spirited cheer:
“Chevaliers du Tastevin!”
Fans of Shark Tank can catch up on this thrilling season finale and other episodes available for streaming on Hulu.