If you’ve ever watched Shark Tank, you’ve probably seen entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to a panel of investors, hoping to secure funding and guidance to take their businesses to next level. Among many hopefuls who have appeared on show, Michael Tseng, creator of Plate Topper, made a notable appearance. product was innovative, pitch was memorable, and show did wonders for his brand visibility. But what happened to Plate Topper after cameras stopped rolling? Let’s dive into story of Plate Topper, its rise to fame, and its eventual decline.
Plate Topper Pitch on Shark Tank
Michael Tseng, a biochemist and engineer, appeared on Shark Tank in 2012, bringing with him an interesting solution to an everyday kitchen problem: Plate Topper. This simple, but effective device was designed to be a see-through, airtight lid that could fit over dinner plates, turning them into convenient food storage solutions. best part? It was microwave-safe, dishwasher-friendly, and stacked easily, making it much more practical than traditional food storage containers or plastic wrap.
In his pitch, Michael explained how Plate Topper could also prevent food splatter when microwaving and eliminate hassle of searching for lids to plastic containers. It was a perfect pitch for Shark Tank audience. But while product intrigued sharks, there were some bumps along way.
Michael’s ask was for $90,000 in exchange for a 5% stake in company. However, after his pitch, Lori Greiner, one of sharks, saw potential and made a big offer: $900,000 for 30% of company. Michael wasn’t ready to accept such a large stake in exchange for funding. However, after some back-and-forth, they eventually agreed to a deal. Lori would invest $90,000 for an 8% stake, and Michael walked away from show with backing of one of most influential sharks in business world.
What Happened After Deal?
When Shark Tank episode aired, Michael’s phone and website were flooded with interest. exposure on show gave Plate Topper a significant boost in sales and visibility. It seemed like product was on path to success, but unfortunately, things didn’t go as smoothly after cameras stopped rolling.
While product had all potential in world, Michael’s lack of negotiation skills and inability to capitalize on his deal with Lori seemed to hold him back. Lori expressed her frustration on Twitter after show aired, revealing that Michael had declined her offer to help manage company and take charge for next 12 months. Without strong leadership, business struggled to gain momentum needed for long-term success.
Despite increase in sales, Plate Topper was not able to maintain its position in market. Its reviews remained mixed, with many customers giving product an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. concept was innovative, but it lacked durability and practicality that customers wanted. As a result, Plate Topper quickly disappeared from shelves of major retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and QVC. In fact, product was eventually pulled from both online and in-store inventory.
Why Did Plate Topper Fail?
While idea was solid, Plate Topper faced challenges that prevented it from becoming a household name. For one, product’s core concept – a flexible, airtight cover for plates – just didn’t seem to resonate with consumers in long term. There was also issue of competition. As time passed, other food storage solutions and microwave covers flooded market, and Plate Topper couldn’t keep up.
Furthermore, Michael’s shifting focus may have contributed to product’s downfall. After show, he started moving his attention toward a new company, Prestagon LLC, which specializes in various products for kitchen, gym, and home fitness industries. As a result, Plate Topper was slowly phased out, and Michael no longer included it in his product portfolio.
Michael Tseng’s Net Worth and Personal Life
Michael Tseng’s net worth is difficult to pinpoint, but given rise of Plate Topper on Shark Tank and his later ventures, it’s clear that he has had some success as an entrepreneur. However, it’s worth noting that he moved on from Plate Topper and focused on new ventures. His current net worth is not widely available, but his shift to Prestagon LLC suggests that he continues to work in product development space, applying his background in biochemistry and engineering to create new innovations.
As for his personal life, Michael is relatively private. We know that he is highly educated, holding degrees in biochemistry and engineering. Before deciding to take entrepreneurial plunge, Michael was set to begin a medical career. However, he took a different path, and that’s when idea for Plate Topper came to him. He’s married and is a family man, though details about his family life remain scarce.
Is Plate Topper Still in Business?
As of 2025, Plate Topper is no longer in business. product has been discontinued, and website has been stripped down to just a “team” and “contact us” page. It seems that Michael’s focus has completely shifted away from kitchenware industry. His new company, Prestagon LLC, offers a variety of products, but Plate Topper is no longer a part of that portfolio.
Interestingly, despite product’s demise, Michael has continued to innovate in other industries, proving that he hasn’t abandoned his entrepreneurial dreams. He has ventured into different sectors like home fitness, pet products, and bedding, leveraging his expertise in creating useful products. Though Plate Topper is no longer on market, it’s clear that Michael’s inventive spirit hasn’t waned.
Birth of PlateTopper
PlateTopper emerged from a brilliant concept aimed at transforming conventional method of food storage. It was conceived to address common problem of maintaining food freshness directly on plates without necessity of transferring it to separate containers.
Innovative Design Concept
PlateTopper’s inception stemmed from a desire to provide a practical solution for preserving food directly on plates. Its design was crafted to offer an airtight seal, effectively sealing in freshness of food and extending its shelf life. This innovation revolutionized way we approach food storage, offering convenience and efficiency to users.
Key Features of PlateTopper
PlateTopper boasts several key features that enhance its functionality and usability:
| Feature | Description |
| Airtight Seal | One of standout features of PlateTopper is its ability to create an airtight seal on plates. This seal ensures that food remains fresh for an extended period, reducing need for frequent replacements and minimizing food wastage. |
| BPA-Free Construction | Safety is paramount when it comes to food storage products. PlateTopper is manufactured using BPA-free materials, guaranteeing that it is safe for storing a variety of foods without posing any health risks. |
| Dishwasher Safe | PlateTopper’s design incorporates convenience into its functionality. It is dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean and maintain, thus streamlining user experience and ensuring hassle-free usage. |
Benefits of PlateTopper
PlateTopper offers numerous benefits to users, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen:
| Benefit | Description |
| Extended Food Freshness | airtight seal created by PlateTopper helps to prolong freshness of stored food, reducing need for frequent replacements and saving both time and money. |
| Convenient Storage Solution | PlateTopper eliminates need for transferring food to separate containers, simplifying food storage process and minimizing use of additional kitchenware. |
| Versatile Usage | PlateTopper is suitable for use with various types of plates, making it a versatile solution for storing leftovers, prepped meals, and more. |
Marketing Strategies Post Shark Tank
PlateTopper implemented several strategic marketing initiatives to capitalize on its newfound fame and expand its market reach. These strategies were aimed at leveraging exposure gained from show and strengthening brand’s online presence. Some notable strategies included:
Social Media Campaigns
PlateTopper intensified its presence on social media platforms as part of its post Shark Tank marketing strategy. Leveraging widespread popularity of social media channels, company engaged with its audience through various interactive campaigns, including:
- Content Creation: PlateTopper created engaging and informative content related to food storage tips, kitchen hacks, and product demonstrations. This content aimed to educate consumers about benefits of using PlateTopper and showcased its versatility in preserving food freshness.
- User-generated Content: Encouraging customers to share their experiences with PlateTopper through user-generated content campaigns. This not only fostered a sense of community among users but also served as authentic testimonials for product.
- Contests and Giveaways: Organizing contests and giveaways on social media platforms to incentivize engagement and attract new followers. These initiatives helped increase brand visibility and generate excitement around PlateTopper product line.
Collaborations and Partnerships
PlateTopper strategically collaborated with influential brands and partners to amplify its reach and credibility in market. By aligning with complementary brands, PlateTopper leveraged their existing customer base and gained access to new audiences.
Entrepreneur Behind PlateTopper
Michael Tseng is innovative entrepreneur who spearheaded creation and development of PlateTopper. His journey from conceptualization to iconic appearance on Shark Tank and beyond serves as a testament to his vision, perseverance, and dedication to innovation.
Conclusion
journey of Plate Topper, a product featured on famous TV show Shark Tank, has been nothing short of remarkable. While product may no longer be available, entrepreneurial spirit of Michael Tseng remains alive and well through his continued ventures. Michael Tseng’s dedication to innovation, combined with his technical background, paved way for his success as an entrepreneur. Whether in kitchenware sector or other industries, Michael’s journey demonstrates power of creative solutions and persistence.
