Highlights
- Founder Alexander Simone entered Shark Tank seeking $100,000 for a 5% stake, giving ProntoBev a bold $2 million valuation
- On-air deal: Mark Cuban offered $100,000 for 25% equity, contingent on Simone raising another $100,000.
- Many crowdfunding backers complain of non-delivery and social channels are inactive, raising serious red flags
Inventor Alexander Simone stepped into Shark Tank Season 9 with a bold claim: his company, ProntoBev could chill an entire bottle of wine in about 30 seconds.
What stood out was not just the gadget’s promise but its ambitious valuation—$2 million for just 5% equity.
Simone’s backstory: a college experiment involving an ice-and-salt strainer gone wrong led him to invent a rapid-chilling device powered by “Pronto Gel”. He crowdfunded via Indiegogo and then pitched to the Sharks.
Let’s explore what really happened to Prontobev after the cameras stopped rolling—whether ProntoBev still exists, and what it’s worth today.
Prontobev Overview
| Field | Info |
| Company name | ProntoBev |
| Founder(s) | Alexander Simone |
| Industry | Beverage accessories / Wine-cooling device |
| Product name | ProntoBev instant wine chiller |
| Episode aired | Season 9 Episode 11 (Nov 2017) |
| Asking | $100,000 for 5% equity |
| Valuation | ~$2 million (implied) |
| Result | On-air deal announced: $100,000 for 25% equity (contingent) |
| Shark with deal | Mark Cuban (contingent) |
Net Worth: How Much Is ProntoBev Worth Today?
During its 2017 Shark Tank appearance, founder Alexander Simone sought $100,000 for 5% equity, implying a $2 million valuation for the company. However, the business struggled to deliver on its promise after the show, and its current valuation is $0 as of 2025.
ProntoBev Shark Tank Pitch
The product addressed the frustration of serving wine at the “right” temperature quickly. Warm wine or waiting hours is undesirable.
- ProntoBev claimed to chill a bottle in ~30 seconds without dilution—something standard methods don’t deliver.
- Simone brought samples of wine chilled via his device; the Sharks tasted and noted the correct temperature.
- Industry-savvy Shark Kevin O’Leary liked the concept. However, the large valuation and lack of established revenue were sticking points.
- He revealed manufacturing cost of $22/unit and intended retail price of $129.
- The ProntoBev device uses a stainless-steel casing and a proprietary “Pronto Gel” core under the bottle, aiming to reduce the wine’s temperature quickly.
- The unique selling point- cooling in seconds without dilution, built-in thermometer to hit ideal wine serving temp.
- It would retail for $129; Indiegogo early backers paid ~$89.
The Sharks were impressed by the demo but concerned by:
- Business model realism
- Valuation vs actual traction
- Manufacturing and fulfillment risks
Did ProntoBev Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
Yes and no. On-air Simone accepted Mark Cuban’s $100,000 for 25% equity (contingent on Simone raising another $100,000). But multiple sources indicate the deal never officially closed.
- Daymond John: criticized the valuation as “crazy”.
- Kevin O’Leary: Offered $100k for 50% but held firm, citing risk.
- Mark Cuban: After hearing another investor was interested and seeing the next-product idea (martini chiller), he returned with a 25% stake conditional offer.
What Happened to ProntoBev After Shark Tank
Immediately after airing, there was interest and crowdfunding backers expecting shipment. However, reports show that products weren’t delivered and backers became frustrated.
There was mention of the company raising an additional $100,000 to meet Cuban’s contingency. But documentation of the transaction or execution is lacking.
Key issues cited: manufacturing delays, lack of retail launch, inactive social media, unfulfilled crowdfunding orders. Reddit backers described long wait times and lack of communication.
How Is ProntoBev Doing Today?
Various sources indicate the company appears inactive or effectively defunct: website still lists preorder, no live sales, social accounts deactivated.
No verified public revenue metrics post-show. Indiegogo campaign comments point to refunds requested.
Website still exists but lacks purchase functionality; backers and public question viability.
Where to Buy ProntoBev
As of this writing:
- No verified retail offering found.
- Company website offers a preorder but does not list purchase price or shipping details.
- Indiegogo page remains visible but comments cite delays and unfulfilled orders.
If you are looking for alternatives, check other wine-chiller devices available on Amazon.
Prontobev Competitors
- Standard wine fridges and chillers (e.g., cellar-units) which are slower but proven.
- Other rapid-cooling gadgets (though fewer for full bottles).
ProntoBev’s unique angle was “30-second chill” via gel technology; however, lack of commercial traction differentiates it poorly from competitors.
Lessons from ProntoBev’s Shark Tank Journey
- A strong idea + demo doesn’t guarantee execution or fulfillment.
- Valuation matters: the Sharks balked at a $2 M valuation without revenue.
- Manufacturing, fulfillment, and customer trust are critical (especially for crowdfunded hardware).
- “Deal announced” doesn’t always mean “deal closed”.
ProntoBev in the News (Timeline Recap)
- 2017: Shark Tank appearance.
- 2017-18: Crowdfunding and pre-orders raised.
- 2020: Last updates to Indiegogo campaign.
- 2022-23: Media outlets report on failure to fulfil and inactive status.
Conclusion
The ProntoBev story began with a compelling demo and a Shark Tank pitch that captured attention.
But despite an on-air deal with Mark Cuban, the lack of execution appears to have undone the promise.
No clear product launch, no sustained sales, and frustrated early backers suggest the venture failed to convert hype into business success. In this case, Shark Tank brought visibility—but visibility alone wasn’t enough.
Related Posts:
