The "Minus Cal net worth" once symbolized hope for an innovative weight-loss solution, with founders Crom Carmichael and Barrett Jacques ambitiously presenting their product on Shark Tank in 2019, seeking a $500,000 investment. Designed to block fat absorption, the Minus Cal protein bar used a unique ingredient called Choleve. However, skepticism from potential investors and negative reviews led the company to shutter its doors in 2020, leaving Minus Cal with a net worth of $0. Despite its promising beginnings and claims of revolutionizing the diet industry, Minus Cal ultimately struggled against mounting criticism and diminishing demand.
Year | Event | Outcome |
---|---|---|
2017 | Launch of Minus Cal | Introduction of Choleve-based fat-blocking protein bars |
2019 | Appearance on Shark Tank | No investment secured; skepticism from Sharks |
2020 | Closure of Minus Cal | Net worth reduced to $0; business shutdown |
Imagine stepping onto a platform as massive as Shark Tank, pitching your revolutionary weight-loss product, and walking away without a single investor. That’s exactly what happened to Minus Cal, a brand that promised fat-blocking protein bars using a special ingredient called Choleve. However, its ambitious claims, paired with murky scientific backing, ultimately led to its downfall.
When founders Crom Carmichael and Barrett Jacques entered Shark Tank in 2019, they were looking for a $500,000 investment in exchange for 20% equity in Minus Cal. They believed their product, powered by Choleve—an extract from fermented tea leaves—could help block fat absorption and assist with weight loss.
Despite their enthusiasm, the Sharks were far from convinced. The lack of clear scientific evidence, inconsistent claims, and their failure to provide compelling proof of effectiveness raised immediate red flags. Mark Cuban went so far as to call Minus Cal a "scam," a label that would later haunt the company's reputation. With none of the investors willing to bite, Minus Cal left the show empty-handed.
After its Shark Tank appearance, Minus Cal attempted to gain traction through online sales, including on Amazon. However, the response was less than favorable:
The controversy surrounding Minus Cal wasn’t just about taste. The weight-loss industry is fiercely competitive, and without substantial advertising funds or sufficient consumer trust, Minus Cal simply couldn’t keep up. By 2020, it had shut down entirely, leaving it with a final net worth of $0.
Following the collapse of Minus Cal, both founders moved forward with new ventures. Crom Carmichael is now the CEO of Nashai Biotech LLC, while Barrett Jacques has shifted his focus to leading Shield Health. While Minus Cal is firmly in the past, their entrepreneurial spirits seem intact as they pursue new opportunities in health-related fields.
Minus Cal’s story serves as a cautionary tale for businesses in the health and wellness space—grand promises need solid proof, and consumer trust is everything. Were you surprised by the fate of Minus Cal? Let’s discuss in the comments!
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After featuring on Shark Tank, Minus Cal faced challenges due to negative feedback from consumers, particularly on Amazon, regarding both the flavor and effectiveness of their products. These issues led to the company ceasing operations, and Minus Cal products are no longer available for purchase.
Minus Cal currently holds a net worth of $0 as the business eventually declared bankruptcy. During their appearance on Shark Tank, they were unable to secure any investment, which contributed to their financial downfall.
A positive net worth indicates that your assets exceed your liabilities, whereas a negative net worth means your liabilities are greater than your assets. If you find yourself with a negative net worth, it might not be the ideal time for financial investments.
Throughout most of Shark Tank's run, Mark Cuban was recognized as the wealthiest Shark, boasting a net worth of $7.8 billion, according to Bloomberg. Recently, Daniel Lubetzky has surpassed him, now holding the title with a net worth of $2.3 billion.
As we wrap up the intriguing journey of Minus Cal and its fleeting presence in the weight-loss industry, it's a reminder of how quickly tides can turn in the world of innovative products. If you're as fascinated by the rise and fall of unique business ventures as we are, why not stay connected with us for more stories like this? We love sharing insights and engaging with our community across various platforms. You can find us on Pinterest for boards brimming with inspiration, and on Instagram where we post behind-the-scenes peeks and vibrant visuals. We're also on X (formerly Twitter) for real-time updates and conversations, and we'd love to have you join our friendly gang on Facebook. Let's keep the conversation going and explore the ever-evolving landscape of innovation together!