Ryan Bethencourt, the founder of Wild Earth, is a passionate vegan and animal lover who sought to revolutionize the pet food industry. Wild Earth, a biotech company, produces vegan pet food using koji, a fungus-based protein. Mark Cuban, a renowned investor, invested $550,000 in Wild Earth for 10% equity after the company appeared on Shark Tank. Mars Petcare, a major player in the pet food industry, also supported Wild Earth through a startup accelerator program. The company’s mission is to provide clean, sustainable, and cruelty-free pet food. Wild Earth’s journey has been marked by significant funding rounds, including investments from Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund and VegInvest.
Entities Related to Wild Earth
- Ryan Bethencourt – Founder of Wild Earth.
- Mark Cuban – Investor who partnered with Wild Earth.
- Mars Petcare – Major pet food company supporting Wild Earth.
- Wild Earth – The company itself, specializing in vegan pet food.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Wild Earth
- Shark Tank Experience
- Post-Shark Tank Developments
- Bankruptcy and Future Plans
- Lessons Learned from Shark Tank
Introduction to Wild Earth
Wild Earth was founded by Ryan Bethencourt in 2017 with the goal of transforming the pet food industry by offering vegan alternatives. Bethencourt, a vegan and dog lover, was motivated by the desire to provide pets with cleaner and more sustainable food options. The company uses koji, a type of fungus, to create protein-rich pet food that is both cruelty-free and environmentally friendly.
Key Features of Wild Earth Products
- Sustainable Protein Source: Uses koji, a fungus-based protein.
- Vegan and Cruelty-Free: Aligns with vegan values and avoids animal-derived ingredients.
- Clean and Sustainable: Focuses on reducing environmental impact.
Shark Tank Experience
Ryan Bethencourt appeared on Shark Tank seeking $550,000 for 5% equity in Wild Earth. At the time, the company had no sales but had an $11 million valuation due to extensive research and development efforts. The Sharks were skeptical, but Mark Cuban saw potential and offered $550,000 for 10% equity, which Bethencourt accepted.
Shark Tank Pitch Highlights
- Valuation Concerns: Sharks questioned the high valuation without sales.
- Mark Cuban’s Investment: Cuban offered $550,000 for 10% equity.
- No Sales at Pitch Time: Wild Earth had no commercial sales when pitching.
Post-Shark Tank Developments
Following the Shark Tank appearance, Wild Earth secured additional funding through Series A and A+ rounds, bringing total funding to nearly $50 million. The company expanded its product line, launched online and in retail nationwide, and achieved significant revenue growth. By 2023, Wild Earth had generated over $10 million in revenue.
Expansion and Growth
- Product Line Expansion: Introduced multiple vegan pet food products.
- Retail Expansion: Available in major online platforms and retail stores.
- Revenue Growth: Achieved substantial revenue increase post-Shark Tank.
Bankruptcy and Future Plans
Despite its initial success, Wild Earth faced financial challenges and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2025. The company listed $2.4 million in assets and $12.6 million in liabilities. Espresso Capital is set to acquire Wild Earth, which plans to continue operations without disrupting customer service. Ryan Bethencourt remains optimistic about the company’s future, aiming for a “leaner, meaner” operation
Bankruptcy Details
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Assets | $2.4 million |
| Liabilities | $12.6 million |
| Largest Creditor | Espresso Capital |
Lessons Learned from Shark Tank
Ryan Bethencourt shared several key lessons from his Shark Tank experience:
- Know Your Pitch: Practice your pitch extensively to ensure confidence.
- Know Your Numbers: Be prepared to discuss financials and projections.
- Be Yourself: Show passion and integrity to attract investors.
- Close the Deal: Be ready to accept an offer if it aligns with your goals.
Applying Shark Tank Lessons
These lessons are crucial for entrepreneurs facing similar challenges:
- Preparation is Key: Both in pitch and financial knowledge.
- Authenticity Matters: Investors invest in people as much as ideas.
- Adaptability: Be open to negotiations and offers.
Thanks for reading about Wild Earth’s journey from Shark Tank success to bankruptcy and beyond! It’s been quite a ride for this innovative pet food company. We hope you found this update informative and engaging. Feel free to visit again for more updates on your favorite Shark Tank companies and other interesting stories!