Cougar Energy Drink was a unique energy drink presented on Season 3 of the popular television show Shark Tank. Aimed at a niche market, it targeted women who identified as ‘cougars,’ offering them an enhanced boost of energy and stamina.
The drink was formulated with proprietary herbal extracts, vitamins, and minerals. It was designed to be consumed before physical activity to help augment energy levels and bolster physical performance.
Cougar Energy Drink stands out from many other energy drinks that use artificial ingredients and excessive sugar. During its presentation on Shark Tank, Cougar Energy Drink sought to capitalize on a pop culture phenomenon, identifying the ‘cougar’ movement as a recognizable brand.
Representing the company, Ryan Custer asked for $150,000 for a 30% stake in his company. Despite this intriguing pitch and a respectable $60,000 in sales, the Sharks were not convinced enough to invest, mainly due to the slow sales progression over three years.
Cougar Energy Drink had unique attributes despite the lack of a deal from the Sharks. The drink was free from sugar and calories, a notable advantage considering that most energy drinks are notoriously high in both.
Moreover, it offered affordability compared to other energy drinks, thus making it an attractive choice for consumers mindful of their budgets. Another distinguishing feature was its specific targeting of women, filling a gap in a male-dominated energy drink market. Lastly, the taste was reported to be pleasant, coming in two different flavors that were both well-received.
However, it is also essential to consider some of its limitations. As a non-traditional energy drink, Cougar Limited may not appeal to those seeking a more conventional energy booster.
There were also potential side effects due to its herbal ingredients, such as increased heart rate, anxiety, and dizziness, which may not sit well with some consumers. Lastly, the product was not FDA-approved, which might raise concerns about its safety and effectiveness.
However, the concept of Cougar Energy Drink remains unique, and the product has distinct advantages. Cougar Energy Drink’s targeted approach, natural formulation, and tasteful design made it a noteworthy contender in the energy drink market.
| Company Name | Cougar Energy Drink |
| Founder | Ryan Custer |
| Product | Energy Drink For Cougar Women |
| Investment Seeking | $150,000 For 30% equity in Cougar Energy Drink |
| Final Deal | No Deal |
| Shark | No Shark |
| Episode | Season 3, Episode 12 |
| Business Status | Out Of Business |
| Website | Cougar Energy Drink Website |
What is Cougar Energy Drink?
Cougar Energy Drink is a popular energy drink designed for those who need an extra energy boost to power through their day. The drink is made from a unique blend of ingredients that enhance mental alertness, physical performance, and endurance.
Cougar Energy Drink is caffeine-infused, containing about 80 mg per 250 ml can, making it perfect for a quick pick-me-up. It also contains several other ingredients, including taurine, guarana, ginseng, and B vitamins, which are crucial for energy metabolism and overall body functions.
The Cougar Energy Drink is a product of Cougar Beverages, a privately owned company that operates from the United Kingdom. The company is dedicated to producing quality drinks that meet the needs of consumers around the world.
Cougar Energy Drink is now available in various countries around the globe, thanks to the brand’s growing popularity. Cougar Energy Drink has a distinctive can design featuring a bold and eye-catching logo, one of its unique features. The can is easy to handle, and its size and shape make it convenient.
In addition, the Cougar Energy Drink brand offers a variety of flavors such as original, cherry, passion fruit, mango, and sugar-free options to cater to the diverse tastes of consumers.
Consumers have also reported experiencing various benefits from drinking Cougar Energy Drink, including increased mental alertness, focus, and feeling less fatigued. It is, therefore, an excellent choice for students, athletes, and those with demanding jobs who require an extra boost of energy to perform at their optimal level.
Cougar Energy Drink is a quality product that provides consumers with a quick and effective energy boost, making it an ideal choice for those looking to stay alert and productive throughout the day.
Who is the Founder of Cougar Energy Drink?
The founder of Cougar Energy Drink is Ryan Custer. Before launching his venture, he worked as a surveillance analyst in Texas, a role that cultivated his knack for understanding trends and discerning gaps in the market.
His professional journey eventually led him to start Custer’s Creations, an information technology and creative services consulting firm for small businesses and online retailers. His accumulated business experience, particularly within the consumer beverage market, laid the groundwork for creating Cougar Energy Drink.
The conception of Cougar Energy Drink traces back to a personal aspect of Ryan’s life. Known to be a “cougar enthusiast,” Ryan was attracted to self-assured, independent women in their forties.
This preference, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit, inspired him to craft an energy drink specifically designed for older, successful, independent women, leading to the birth of Cougar Energy Drink. The brand’s name, “Cougar,” references a popular term to describe such women.
In the early days before Cougar Energy Drink’s appearance on Shark Tank, Ryan dedicated over three years to developing the business. He focused on crafting a unique drink formula, creating a robust business plan, and finding a market segment for his product.
He conceived Cougar Energy Drink as a niche product targeting women in the 30-55 age demographic, a group he felt was underrepresented in the energy drink market.
Despite the crowded field of competitors, Ryan remained determined to turn Cougar Limited into a success. He even lived with his parents to cut costs and direct more resources toward the growth of his business.
He generated some sales and created a small stand for his product in the market while preparing to take his creation to the next level by presenting it to the Sharks on Shark Tank.
Ryan sought the Sharks’ financial backing and marketing expertise on this popular reality show to elevate Cougar Energy Drink to new heights. Despite his best efforts, he did not secure a deal.
Nevertheless, his journey as the founder of Cougar Energy Drink showcases his creativity, resilience, and unique vision for carving out a distinctive space within the crowded beverage industry.
Cougar Energy Drink Before Shark Tank
Ryan Custer is the founder of Cougar Energy Drink. Cougar Limited’s inspiration came after Cougar started dating older women to Ryan Custer. Older women are often called cougars, which is why the product is called that.
He concluded when he dated a woman who was 11 years old. His partner liked him to keep up with her kids, but why couldn’t she be part of the fun?
Ryan dedicated his time and money to Cougar Limited for over 3 years. His first step was creating a drink formula and a business plan. Cougar Energy Drink is a relatively niche product for a 30-55-year-old woman demographic. There are very few women in the market as a whole who fit this description.
It almost doesn’t seem worth it, especially if Ryan already has many energy drink competitors. He is determined, though, to turn Cougar Limited into a success. So much so that he still lives with his parents while trying to grind his business.
After accumulating some sales and creating a small stand, Ryan ultimately auditioned his goods to the Shark Tank. Cougar Limited needs the financial backing and marketing experience of at least one Shark to be successful.
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch of Cougar Energy Drink?
Ryan Custer, the founder of Cougar Energy Drink, appeared on Shark Tank seeking an investment of $150,000 in exchange for a 30% equity stake in his company, valuing the company at $500,000.
He pitched Cougar Energy Drink as the first gender-exclusive functional beverage in the industry, formulated specifically for older women needing an energy boost.
He confidently described the product as benefiting women’s hair, complexion, and nails, helping to maintain hormonal balance, and counteracting signs of aging.
Ryan elaborated on his vision of the brand’s future, intending to extend beyond energy drinks and launch a line of other age-defying items and apparel.
He justified the decision to target the ‘cougar’ demographic (women between 30 and 55), asserting the term’s popularity as a major social trend and implying the vast untapped potential in the energy drink market for a product like Cougar Energy Drink.
Despite Ryan’s enthusiasm, the Sharks were less convinced. Daymond John was the first to bow out after learning the company had only generated $60,000 in revenue over three years and that the product was only distributed in the Dallas region.
Barbara Corcoran sampled the drink and described the flavor as chalky, making her pull out.
Kevin O’Leary was critical of Ryan’s decision to restrict his target market to a specific demographic, arguing it essentially eliminated 75% of potential consumers.
Furthermore, O’Leary warned Ryan that big beverage companies often crush small newcomers like Cougar Energy Drink, leading him to exit the deal.
Robert Herjavec voiced concerns about whether women want to consume a ‘cougar’ drink, as it might make them feel old. Mark Cuban agreed, suggesting that the product could be seen as a novelty or gag gift rather than a serious beverage choice. Neither saw enough potential in the brand to invest.
Ultimately, despite Ryan’s pitch and dedication to the product, no Shark invested in Cougar Energy Drink. The Sharks’ primary concerns were the product’s overly narrow target demographic, the competitive beverage industry landscape, and questions about whether women would embrace a product branded in a way that might be seen as age-defining or even derogatory. Despite Ryan’s arguments, the Sharks remained skeptical, resulting in no deal being made.
Final Deal: No deal between Sharks and Cougar Energy Drink.
Who Invested in Cougar Energy Drink?
Daymond John instantly exits, disinterested in the product. Barbara Corcoran attempts the beverage but describes the flavor as “chalky.” She is out as well.
Kevin O’Leary stated that Custer has “reduced your market in two ways” by targeting older women. You’ve stated that you must be a woman and a cougar, effectively eliminating 75% of the market.”
O’Leary argues that the large manufacturers currently swarming the arena are being compensated handsomely for “crushing insects like you.” He has departed.
Robert Herjavec claims that women may think they appear older if they consume a “cougar” beverage. Mark Cuban concurs and exits.
Herjavec believes the product is a “gag gift,” and the company’s valuation is “ludicrous.” He has left. No Shark invested in Cougar Energy Drink.
What Happened To Cougar Energy Drink After Shark Tank?
Following the appearance on Shark Tank, Ryan Custer continued his pursuit of Cougar Energy Drink despite receiving no investment from the Sharks, who were skeptical about the product’s age-focused branding and market potential.
Initial interest in the product seemed promising due to its exposure on the show. The official Cougar Limited website continued functioning, selling energy drinks and other merchandise like t-shirts.
Unfortunately, Ryan had overestimated the appeal of the brand’s theme to the target demographic, which led to a decline in popularity over time.
Facing immense competition in the energy drink market and having a product catering to a specific niche, the company struggled to maintain momentum. Sales waned, and social media engagement significantly diminished, signaling that Cougar Energy Drink had likely peaked.
By 2014, Ryan Custer decided to sell the Cougar Energy Drink company. He transitioned from the beverage industry to a career in real estate and has been working as a realtor with Pinnacle Realty Advisors in Dallas since 2022.
The Cougar Energy Drink was officially discontinued in 2014, and the company seems out of business. Ryan redirected the Cougar drink website to his site, containing information about his current endeavors and contact information.
Although he gave a valiant effort, the market dynamics and brand perception challenges proved too great for the Cougar Energy Drink to sustain long-term success.
Cougar Energy Drink Shark Tank Update
Cougar Energy Drink, a company that made energy drinks marketed specifically to women, appeared on the ABC show Shark Tank in 2012. The company’s founder, Ryan Custer, sought $150,000 in exchange for 30% of his business. However, none of the sharks were interested in investing in the company.
After Shark Tank, Cougar Energy Drink continued to sell its products online and in select stores. However, the company eventually shut down in 2014. There are a few reasons why Cougar Energy Drink failed. First, the energy drink market is very competitive.
Many other energy drinks are on the market, and it can be difficult for a new company to stand out. Second, Cougar Energy Drink was marketed specifically to women. This limited the company’s potential customer base. Finally, the company’s name was controversial. Some people found the name “Cougar Energy Drink” to be offensive.
Today, Ryan Custer is no longer involved with Cougar Energy Drink. He is a real estate agent in Dallas, Texas.
It is unclear why Cougar Energy Drink failed. However, the company faced several challenges, including competition from other energy drinks, a limited customer base, and a controversial name.
Is Cougar Energy Drink Still in Business?
Cougar Energy Drink is no longer in business. The company was founded by Ryan Custer in 2012 and appeared on the ABC reality show Shark Tank in 2013. The Sharks criticized the company’s pitch, and no one offered to invest. Cougar Energy continued operating for a few years after its Shark Tank appearance but eventually closed in 2014.
The company’s website is now defunct, and its products are no longer available. However, some Cougar Energy drinks can still be sold on third-party websites. Despite its failure, Cougar Energy Drink is still remembered as one of the most memorable pitches in Shark Tank history.
The company’s appearance on the show helped to raise awareness of the issue of sexism in marketing, and it also inspired other entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams, even if they are met with criticism.
What Is the Net Worth of Cougar Energy Drink?
The valuation of Cougar Energy Drink was $500,000 when it appeared on Shark Tank. The net worth of Cougar Energy Drink is $0 since the company went out of business in 2014.