When Mylen Yamamoto stepped into the Shark Tank with nothing but bamboo and a big idea, she left without a deal. But not without impact.
But what followed was far more valuable. Her brand, Cropsticks, sparked a quiet but powerful shift in the food service industry. All thanks to one small innovation, a chopstick with a built-in rest.
Cropsticks Net Worth in 2025: Financial Snapshot
Cropsticks is estimated to be worth $1.65 million in 2025. This valuation is based on projected revenue growth and verified public data from 2024.
How This Estimate Was Calculated:
- Estimated Annual Revenue: About $1.32 million, with sales coming from both individual orders and large partnerships with names like Disney, Four Seasons, and Panda Restaurant Group.
- Profit Margins: After scaling and operational costs, a realistic margin today is estimated at 30–40%.
- Valuation Approach: Using a 4x to 5x profit multiplier, a common method for sustainable product companies with strong brand recognition, the estimated value is around $1.65 million.
Funding Summary:
- Kickstarter Campaign: $21,816 (2016)
- Accelerator Grant: $250,000 (2020)
Cropsticks is still a privately-owned business. There are no signs of venture capital backing or a pending acquisition.
| Metric | Value | Source/Year |
|---|---|---|
| Net Worth (Est.) | $1.65 million | Estimated, based on 2024 data |
| Annual Revenue | $1.32 million | Estimated, based on 2024 data |
| Profit Margin | 30–40% (estimated) | Based on scaling trends |
| Kickstarter Raised | $21,816 | Kickstarter, 2016 |
| Accelerator Funding | $250,000 | Pitchbook, 2020 |
| B Corp Certification | Achieved (Score: 98.9) | BCorporation.net, 2019 |
| Top Clients | Disney, Hyatt, Sysco | Cropsticks.co |
| Top Products | Built-in rest chopsticks, bamboo straws | Amazon, Cropsticks.co |
From a Flight Tray Table to a $1.65M Brand
The idea for Cropsticks was born mid-air. On a 2015 flight to Singapore, Mylen Yamamoto’s chopsticks kept rolling off her tray table. Most people would’ve been mildly annoyed.
Yamamoto? She sketched out a fix. Chopsticks with a built in rest a snap-off tab that acts as a hygienic holder.
What began as a sketch turned into a startup grounded in sustainability. Each pair of Cropsticks is made from 100% bamboo, a fast-growing and eco-friendly material that avoids deforestation, unlike traditional wooden chopsticks.
The Shark Tank Rejection That Went Viral
In Season 8, Episode 20 of Shark Tank, Mylen pitched her product with passion. She asked for $75,000 for 12.5% equity, giving the company a $600,000 valuation.
She came prepared. She served sushi. She mentioned $190,000 in purchase orders from Hyatt and food distributors. She also shared her Kickstarter success.
But the Sharks had doubts. Kevin O’Leary infamously called her “Bambi in the bamboo forest”. Others felt restaurants wouldn’t pay extra for chopsticks, no matter how innovative.
The result? No deal.
But millions of viewers saw her pitch. That exposure gave Cropsticks a marketing boost that even a Shark couldn’t buy.
“Shark Tank was like a Super Bowl ad for us.”
— Mylen Yamamoto in an interview with AsianBossGirl Podcast
🦈 If you were a Shark, would you have invested in Cropsticks during Season 8?
From Chopsticks to Crop made: The Expansion
Despite rejection on TV, Mylen didn’t slow down. She grew Cropsticks into a wider brand called Crop made.
The brand now sells:
- Original Cropsticks with the patented rest
- Classic bamboo chopsticks without the rest
- Bamboo straws, both cocktail and large sizes
Big brands took notice. Cropsticks found placement in:
- Disney Resorts
- The Four Seasons Hotels
- Roy’s Restaurants
- Walgreens
- Cost Plus World Market
- Sysco distribution channels
In 2019, Cropsticks also earned Certified B Corporation status, with a strong impact score of 98.9, demonstrating their verified commitment to social and environmental goals.
Social Proof and What Customers Are Saying
Cropsticks has stayed active across social media, using Instagram and TikTok to showcase new product designs and sustainability tips.
- Amazon Reviews: Generally favorable, with ratings between 4.3 and 4.4 stars.
- Reddit Threads: Mixed responses. Some people praise the design, while others debate whether the built-in rest is necessary.
- Search Engine Challenge: The name “Cropsticks” overlaps with a Minecraft farming mod, which has made SEO slightly tricky.
Still, customer love shows through. Many cite the product’s mission and clever design as reasons they’ve become repeat buyers.
What Makes Cropsticks Different?
Unlike typical bamboo chopsticks sold for 1–3 cents a pair, Cropsticks retail for 10 cents with a built-in feature that:
- User hygiene
- Cultural respect
- Environmental impact
- Custom branding potential
With custom-printed/logos like Disney’s Mickey Mouse edition Cropsticks elevates dining from functional to memorable. This kind of product isn’t just about eating. It’s about storytelling, values, and experience.
They sell these features not as chopsticks, but as an experience. And in a world of rising eco-awareness, that difference matters.
Challenges Still on the Table
Even with its growth, Cropsticks faces hurdles:
- Price Competition: Regular chopsticks cost a fraction of the price. Convincing businesses to upgrade takes effort.
- Durability Concerns: Some reviews mentioned the chopsticks snapping too easily.
- Commoditization: Traditional chopsticks are dirt cheap. Cropsticks must continually justify their premium price with sustainability, brand partnerships, and design.
Despite these issues, Cropsticks remains active and forward-thinking in 2025.
Founder Spotlight: Mylen Yamamoto
Mylen is more than a founder. She’s an educator, entrepreneur, and creative leader.
- Former professor of entrepreneurship at Loyola Marymount University
- CEO of Clique-Now, a talent management agency supporting Asian-American creators
- Advocate for sustainable innovation and diverse representation in business
She manages all of this while keeping Cropsticks on mission and on shelves. Her work ethic and purpose-driven mindset continue to shape the company’s story.
Final Verdict: When the Sharks Say No, Swim Anyway
Cropsticks didn’t get a Shark Tank deal. But it got something more valuable a public platform, customer loyalty, and long-term credibility.
From a Kickstarter campaign to a nationwide brand with eco-impact, Cropsticks proves that purpose-led products can thrive without a big investment check.
Its $1.65 million net worth in 2025 is not just a valuation. It’s a reflection of grit, vision, and staying true to values when the easy path said no.
When built with purpose, even something as simple as chopsticks can shape a more sustainable world.
TL;DR
Cropsticks Net Worth in 2025 is estimated at $1.65 million. Despite a Shark Tank rejection, the eco-brand has grown through sustainable design, B2B partnerships, and B Corp certification.
FAQs
Is Cropsticks still in business in 2025?
Yes, Cropsticks is still in business as of 2025, with active retail sales, partnerships, and new product designs under its Cropmade brand.
Did Cropsticks get a deal on Shark Tank?
No, Cropsticks did not secure a deal on Shark Tank. All five Sharks passed on the opportunity during Season 8, Episode 20.
What is Cropsticks’ net worth in 2025?
Cropsticks’ estimated net worth in 2025 is $1.5 million, based on revenue, funding, and B2B distribution growth.
Who owns Cropsticks now?
Cropsticks is still owned and led by founder Mylen Fe Yamamoto, who also runs a talent management firm called Clique-Now.
Where can I buy Cropsticks products?
Cropsticks products are available on their official website, Amazon, and in select retailers like Walgreens and Cost Plus World Market.
What makes Cropsticks different from regular chopsticks?
Cropsticks feature a patented built-in rest that prevents rolling and improves hygiene. They’re also made from sustainable bamboo.