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IPFS News Link • Entrepreneurship

Kevin O'Leary Made The Biggest Deal In 'Shark Tank' History...

• http://www.businessinsider.com, Richard Feloni

As soon as Andrew McMurray, chief consultant and representative of Zipz Wine, began presenting his company's line of single-serving wines to the "Shark Tank" investors, they started comparing him to the founder of Zipz competitor Copa Di Vino, James Martin, the only entrepreneur to decline a deal on the show in two appearances.

McMurray, however, was more willing to negotiate with the Sharks and was much more comfortable in front of them. He ended up securing the biggest deal in "Shark Tank" history on the most recent episode in the sixth season, landing a $2.5 million investment from Kevin O'Leary in return for 10% equity.

"I've never been so excited for a #SharkTank deal!" O'Leary, a wine connoisseur and vineyard owner, tweeted after the deal premiered on national television.

Zipz sells single servings of wine packaged in sealed, durable plastic glasses. The concept has been around for several years, but McMurray tells the Sharks that the Zipz glass is engineered in a way that allows for a much longer shelf life than its competitors' offerings and is also recyclable, resealable, and incredibly durable. The design is patented.

Part of the reason Copa Di Vino's Martin, who's in the same business, is remembered by the Sharks as "obnoxious" and frustrating is that he was unwilling to pursue licensing deals. Zipz Wine, on the other hand, is looking to supplement its own wine offerings with major licensing deals.


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