At just 18 years old, Max Feber stepped into the Shark Tank with a mason jar, a homemade filter, and a dream to revolutionize cold brew coffee at home.
What started as a teenage experiment with screen door mesh evolved into a full-fledged business. Feber’s youthful energy and compelling product pitch captured the attention of three Sharks, and he ultimately secured a deal with Mark Cuban.
But the story of BRUW doesn’t end with a handshake on national television. From patent wins to emotional burnout, and from significant sales growth to a quiet rebranding under SnarkyTea, BRUW’s journey offers a powerful case study in the real-world challenges and victories of entrepreneurship.
So what happened to BRUW after Shark Tank, and how much was it really worth when all was said and done?
BRUW Shark Tank Net Worth: From $50K Deal to Strategic Exit
Estimated Net Worth in 2025: $0 (Brand Discontinued, Product Lives On)
Valuation at Time of Shark Tank Deal (2019): When Max Feber pitched BRUW on Season 10, Episode 9 of Shark Tank, he requested $50,000 in exchange for 25% equity, valuing BRUW at $200,000.
He ultimately accepted Mark Cuban’s counteroffer: $50,000 for 30%, bringing BRUW’s post-money valuation to approximately $166,667.
Post-Show Revenue Spike: The “Shark Tank effect” was immediate. Feber revealed that BRUW generated more revenue in the two days after the episode aired than it had in the previous two years combined, indicating a significant sales surge, though exact figures are not publicly available, as noted in Food Republic.
Sales Estimate Before Acquisition:
- 2018: ~$50,000, as confirmed by Babson College
- 2019: Projected to double 2018 sales, approximately $100,000, per Forbes
- Early 2020: Not publicly confirmed
- Total Lifetime Sales (before sale): Not publicly confirmed, but likely higher due to post-show growth
Profit Margin Estimate:
- Retail Price: $20
- Cost to Manufacture: $4
- Gross Profit Per Unit: ~$16
- Estimated Net Margin: Not publicly confirmed
Acquisition (2020):
- BRUW was acquired by SnarkyTea, a fellow Shark Tank alum, though the exact acquisition price is not publicly disclosed, as reported by Looper.
- Cuban’s 30% stake return is unknown due to lack of public data.
2025 Net Worth Summary:
- BRUW brand is no longer active
- Product is now sold under SnarkyTea’s “The Chill”
- Standalone BRUW net worth in 2025 = $0
- Legacy continues as part of SnarkyTea’s product line and brand value
This summary reflects a transparent approach, showcasing BRUW’s short yet influential journey from high school invention to acquisition by a fellow Shark Tank alum.
From a Screen Door to Shark Tank – The Birth of BRUW
Max Feber first conceived the idea for BRUW at just 15 years old. Frustrated by messy DIY cold brew setups using cheesecloths and sieves, he built a prototype using mesh from a screen door.
The result? A dual-lid filter system that fit on standard mason jars, enabling easy steeping and straining of cold brew coffee, as detailed in Inc. Magazine.
After launching a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised over $10,000, Max gained retail exposure through HSN and The Grommet. He also pitched on a local startup show called Hatched. But it was his Shark Tank debut that propelled BRUW into national conversation.
The Shark Tank Pitch – Mark Cuban’s “Mini-Me”
On Shark Tank, Max delivered an energetic and confident pitch. He asked for $50,000 for 25%, citing a $4 unit cost and a $20 retail price. Daymond John and Mark Cuban offered $50,000 for 30%, while Kevin O’Leary offered the same amount for 50%, as recapped by Business Insider.
Max chose Mark Cuban, a decision rooted in strategy. Cuban praised Max’s entrepreneurial mindset, calling him a “mini-me,” and emphasized the importance of investing in marketing to boost growth. Their partnership added both capital and industry credibility.
RELATED: Top 4 Most Successful Shark Tank Investments of Mark Cuban
Burnout at 20 – When the Dream Becomes Draining
Despite early wins, success brought pressure. As a full-time student at Babson College, Max struggled to balance academics and business. Over time, the excitement gave way to fatigue and stress.
“I woke up every day exhausted. The thought of scaling or fundraising just didn’t excite me anymore.” – Max Feber, as quoted in Entrepreneur
Recognizing that his well-being mattered most, Max chose to sell BRUW. His decision wasn’t about chasing a massive exit. It was about restoring balance.
Snarky Tea Acquisition – From Coffee to Tea
In 2020, Max sold BRUW to SnarkyTea, another Shark Tank alum that had partnered with Kevin O’Leary. Initially rebranded as “BRUW Tea,” the product was later renamed “The Chill”, a mason jar infusion kit for tea lovers, as seen on SnarkyTea’s official site.
While the function remained similar, SnarkyTea repositioned the product to better align with its brand identity. The BRUW name was eventually retired, but its core design and value live on in a new form, as noted in Mashed.
Where Is Max Feber Now?
After earning his degree from Babson in 2021, Max continued building. He worked with brands like Gay Water (a vodka soda company) and Impacked (a startup in sustainable packaging).
In 2022, he co-founded Bellwether, a platform originally aimed at civic engagement that later shifted focus to supporting direct-to-consumer (DTC) businesses.
Today, Max shares his insights on entrepreneurship, burnout, and career pivots. He’s still building—just in healthier, more intentional ways, as highlighted in Fast Company.
BRUW vs. Other Shark Tank Beverage Brands
BRUW occupies a mid-tier space in the Shark Tank beverage legacy:
- Poppi: $100M+ in sales and national retail success
- Brümachen: Strong initial pitch, limited post-show momentum
- Victory Coffees: Still in business with moderate growth
While BRUW didn’t hit mass-market success, it secured a valuable acquisition and continues to contribute to SnarkyTea’s catalog. For Max, BRUW became a launching pad—not an endpoint, as discussed in CNBC.
Final Drip – What BRUW Teaches Us About Startup Life
The BRUW journey is about more than just filters and coffee. It’s about:
- Taking initiative at a young age
- Protecting your inventions through patents
- Respecting mental health and setting boundaries
- Leveraging opportunities like Shark Tank for visibility and growth
“BRUW didn’t fail. It pivoted into peace and left a legacy in cold brew history.”
Whether you’re an aspiring founder, an investor, or a Shark Tank enthusiast, BRUW’s story reminds us that startup success isn’t always defined by billion-dollar exits. Sometimes, it’s knowing when you’ve brewed your best batch and when it’s time to pour into something new.
TL;DR
BRUW, a cold brew coffee startup launched by teen entrepreneur Max Feber, secured a deal with Mark Cuban on Shark Tank. Though the brand was later discontinued after being acquired by SnarkyTea, its legacy lives on through the rebranded product “The Chill.”
FAQs
Is BRUW still in business in 2025?
No, the BRUW brand has been discontinued. The product now exists under SnarkyTea’s lineup as “The Chill.”
Did BRUW get a deal on Shark Tank?
Yes, Max Feber secured a $50,000 deal with Mark Cuban for 30% equity on Season 10, Episode 9 of Shark Tank.
What happened to BRUW after Shark Tank?
After a post-show sales surge, BRUW was acquired by SnarkyTea in 2020 and rebranded as a tea infusion product.
Who owns BRUW now?
The BRUW brand was acquired by SnarkyTea, a fellow Shark Tank company backed by Kevin O’Leary.
Where can I buy the BRUW product?
BRUW’s product is now sold as “The Chill” on SnarkyTea’s official website and Amazon.
What is Max Feber doing now?
Max Feber co-founded Bellwether and works with various startups, focusing on DTC growth and entrepreneurial education.