“Like Air Puffcorn”, a healthy snack founded by Allison Lin, Steve Atieh, and Kevin Atieh, aired on the 15th season of Shark Tank USA in 2024. The founders were seeking $300,000 for 3.5% equity for their business. However, they secured a deal with Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner, which was $300,000 for 10% equity. In this article, we will explore Like Air Puffcorn’s net worth in 2024, its Shark Tank pitch summary, and more.
Like Air Puffcorn Net Worth
As of 2024, Like Air Puffcorn’s net worth is estimated at $4 million, and its annual revenue was $10 million in 2023.
Net worth | $4 million *estimated |
Annual Sales Revenue | $10 million |
Profits | Not Available |
Lifetime sales | Not Available |
Employees | 11-50 employees |
Like Air Puffcorn Net Worth Timeline
Net Worth 2024 | $4 million |
Net Worth 2023 | $4.5 million |
Net Worth 2022 | $4 million |
Shark Tank Like Air Puffcorn Update from Season 15
Steve Atieh, Allison Lin, and Kevin Atieh founded Like Air. Allison, one of the co-founders, felt concerned about her daughter’s snacking habits when she became a mother. She wanted to ensure her child ate healthy foods, which made her notice a gap in the snack market. With innovative ideas, Allison approached her brother and decided to launch this product together.
The founders came to the Shark Tank with their unique idea. There, they asked for $300,000 for 3.5% equity, valuing the company at $8.5 million. Then, Barbara then asked Allison about her background before starting Like Air Puffcorn.
At that moment, he explained that he had worked as an investment banker and sought investment opportunities for their own business. Allison further shared that she earned a degree in International Politics and specialized in conflict resolution. Moreover, she also mentioned being a Fulbright scholar in Cyprus and working with the United Nations.
During the pitch, Allison highlighted that Americans love snacks but want to avoid the guilt of unhealthy eating. She introduced Like Air Puffcorns as a solution, a light, airy snack that melts in your mouth. There, the founders said it suits people aged six months to 106 years.
Another co-founder, Kevin, explained that Like Air Puffcorn is made with non-GMO corn and contains no artificial ingredients. Moreover, their products come in four flavors, which are Classic, White Cheddar, Cinnamon Bun, and Pancake. Also, Kevin further said it is gluten-free and free from the top eight major allergens and each has only 50 calories per cup.
During the pitch, the sharks tried samples of Like Air Puffcorn. Kevin O’Leary enthusiastically declared there, this is the best-tasting low-calorie snack he had ever had on Shark Tank in 15 years. When Sharks asked the founders about the cost of the product, they said that each bag of Like Air Puffcorn sells for $3.99, with a wholesale price of $2.50. Also, they said that each pack’s manufacturing cost was $0.88.
Steve further shared that the company recently invested in its production line at a new co-packing facility in Chicago and purchased machinery for this setup, which cost around $2.5 million. Moreover, he explained that the company raised $800,000 in 2019 and recently secured an additional $3.5 million in funding.
The sharks then asked about sales, and the entrepreneurs shared that in 2020, the company’s sales reached $100,000. Also, by 2021, they grew to $2.5 million, and in 2022, they exceeded $5 million, although they lost $190,000 in that year. For 2023, they expected to hit $10 million in sales, and their projections for 2024 are $30 million in sales. Then, they expected $50 million and then $80 million in the years ahead.
Mark Cuban believed the entrepreneurs didn’t need a shark’s help. At that moment, Allison argued that having a shark would help them open doors for the popcorn industry’s wider range, but Mark pointed out that, given their strong sales, they could succeed on their own. Mark further asked the founders if being on the show was just a commercial for their brand.
Kevin then commented on their impressive team but said he wouldn’t invest for just 3.5%. Since the deal didn’t interest him, he decided not to invest.
Barbara Corcoran shared her experience with her investment in this industry. She said that although that company initially went well, her equity shrank due to the other investors. She believed this company too would need much more money than expected and didn’t want to face that situation again, so she chose not to invest.
Robert Herjavec was also not interested in the founders’ 3.5% equity offer and he wanted to give up on the deal. Lori Greiner then boldly offered $300,000 for a non-dilutable 7.5% equity offer. In response to that, Steve countered with a dilutable 7.5% equity.
Lori then offered 10% dilutable equity, and Steve asked Mark if he would join the deal with her. Then, Mark accepted his invitation. Ultimately, Allison, Steve, and Kevin took the deal with Mark and Lori for $300,000 in exchange for 10% equity, valuing the company at $3 million.
Company Name | Like Air Puffcorn |
Founders | Allison Lin, Steve Atieh, and Kevin Atieh |
Business | A healthy snack product |
Episode | Season 15, Episode 11 |
Asked Deal | $300,000 for 3.5% equity |
Final Deal | $300,000 for 10% equity |
Shark | Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner |
Business Status | In Business |
Company Website | Visit Website |
Headquarter | Madison, New Jersey, USA |
Summary of the Sharks’ Deal List!
Shark | Offer | Counteroffer |
Mark Cuban & Lori Greiner | $300,000 for 10% equity (Accepted Deal) | No |
Lori Greiner | $300,000 for a non-dilutable 7.5% equity | Steve counters with a dilutable 7.5% equity offer |
Kevin O’Leary | No | N/A |
Barbara Corcoran | No | N/A |
Robert Herjavec | No | N/A |
What Happened to Like Air Puffcorn after Shark Tank?
As of October 2024, the Like Air Puffcorn is still in business. After appearing on Shark Tank, the founders of Like Air had a busy weekend processing orders from viewers. Like Air is expected to get even more orders because the show has a larger audience now. Also, the deal with Lori and Mark was scheduled to be finalized three months after the show.
“Like Air Puffcorn” encourages people to try their product in different recipes and is on a successful path in the snack industry. They focus on creating healthy, innovative snacks, reflected in their product quality and positive customer reactions. The Like Air Puffcorn (Pancake flavor) on Amazon is rated 4.3 stars based on 1,227 reviews.
Currently, the company is thriving and plans to expand its product range and market reach. With its continued growth, Like Air Puffcorn hopes to become a success story like other popular popcorn brands. However, In the last few years, the company has grown significantly. The brand now has over 30,000 followers on Instagram and actively interacts with its audience. They hold regular giveaways on Instagram, which not only entertain their followers but also help create a lively and engaged community of Like Air puffcorn fans.
Like Air Puffcorn Founders
Allison Lin, Steve Atieh, and Kevin Atieh founded Like Air Puffcorn in 2020. Steve Atieh, a graduate of Villanova University, and began his career in investment banking then later served as Chief Financial Officer at Eyetech Inc.
In 2018, he partnered with Allison Lin, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in foreign service from Georgetown University and a Master’s in International Relations from the University of Nicosia. Lin had extensive experience as vice president of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and as global product owner for Symphony at HSBC. Allison Lin, Steve Atieh, and Kevin Atieh’s net worth is unknown as of 2024.
Like Air Puffcorn Achievements and Awards
Year | Achievements and Awards |
2024 | You can find their products in over 3,500 stores across the country, including major retailers like Sam’s Club and Stop & Shop The company was featured on Shark Tank Season 15 and got the deal from Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner |
Conclusion
Shark Tank is a TV show that showcases different business ideas and helps them succeed. Air Puffcorn was one of the ventures featured on the show. They made a deal with Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner, showing that success is possible with the right idea and execution. Now, we eagerly await to see how their success story unfolds in the future.
Before you leave, check out the other company updates in Season 15, Episode 11.