Pepper Pong is a portable ping-pong game that transforms any flat surface into a playing area. With adjustable fences and skill-level balls, you can enjoy fun, accessible gameplay anywhere!
Traditional ping pong can be challenging for casual players due to the bulky setup, the need for a dedicated table, and mastering the game. Tom Filippini’s innovative solution, Pepper Pong, reimagines the game with a portable version that can be played on any flat surface. It features adjustable fences and customizable balls and is designed for players of all skill levels.
Will this fresh take on ping pong impress the sharks? Keep reading for the latest Pepper Pong update and pitch recap.
A quick summary of Pepper Pong Shark Tank
Tom appeared on Shark Tank Season 16, asking for $150,000 for 10% equity in his portable ping pong game, Pepper Pong. Following his pitch, he secured a deal with Todd Graves for $150,000 in exchange for 19% equity.
The company has received considerable media attention and endorsements from professional pickleball players regarding the Pepper Pong update. It has also expanded its retail reach, with its product now available in major sporting goods stores nationwide.
| Shark | Offer |
| Todd Graves | Accepted offer of $150,000 for 19% equity |
| Daymond John | Offered $150,000 for 30% equity. |
| Mark Cuban | No offer |
| Lori Greiner | No offer |
| Kevin O’Leary | No offer |
Key Takeaways
- Portable and Fun: Pepper Pong turns any flat surface into a ping pong playing field, offering a fun and flexible gaming experience.
- Inclusive Design: Adjustable fences and color-coded balls make the game suitable for all ages and skill levels.
- Firm Growth: After its appearance on Shark Tank, Pepper Pong expanded into major retail stores and attracted endorsements from professional pickleball players.
- Successful Investment: Tom Filippini secured a deal with Todd Graves for $150,000 in exchange for 19% equity, fueling further growth.
- Wide Appeal: The product’s versatility and user-generated content campaigns have built a dedicated customer base.
Pepper Pong: Making Ping Pong Accessible to All
Traditional ping-pong has several barriers to entry: It requires a large table, specialized paddles, and space to set it all up. But Pepper Pong addresses these pain points. It’s a portable game that doesn’t need a table and can be played on any flat surface, whether it’s the floor, a kitchen table, or even the office desk.
Pepper Pong includes adjustable fences that can be set up quickly, making the game adaptable to different spaces and surfaces. The game also consists of a set of foam balls, color-coded by skill level, ensuring players of all ages can join the fun. This inclusivity allows the game to appeal to a broad audience — from children learning the game to seasoned players looking for a new challenge.
Tom Filippini’s vision for Pepper Pong was simple but impactful: to create a product that’s not only fun and easy to play but also portable so people could enjoy ping-pong wherever they are. The game has four paddles and three color-coded balls designed for varying skill levels, making it perfect for family fun, outdoor gatherings, and casual office competitions.
Tom Filippini’s Journey and the Inspiration Behind Pepper Pong
Tom Filippini, the inventor of Pepper Pong, didn’t have an easy start. His journey wasn’t just about creating a new product and overcoming personal challenges. After struggling with addiction, Tom turned his life around and invested his time and energy into entrepreneurship. His personal story of resilience and perseverance resonated deeply with the sharks, particularly Todd Graves, who was moved by Tom’s journey and passion for his business.
Tom’s personal journey added emotional depth to his pitch. To him, Pepper Pong was more than just a business; it was a tool that could bring joy to people while helping them connect in a simple, fun, and engaging way. His determination to succeed was evident in his pitch, and it played a crucial role in securing the deal with Todd Graves, who offered to partner with Tom in his mission to scale the business.
Shark Tank Pepper Pong Pitch
- Entrepreneur: Tom Filippini
- Business: Portable Ping Pong Game
- Ask: $150,000 for 10% equity.
- Result: $150,000 for 19% equity
- Shark: Todd Graves
Tom Filippini’s appearance on Shark Tank Season 16 was a game-changer for Pepper Pong. He entered the tank seeking $150,000 for 10% equity. After delivering a stellar pitch, Tom convinced the sharks of the product’s potential. Although several sharks were intrigued by the idea, only one made an offer — Todd Graves.
Todd Graves, a guest shark known for his expertise in scaling businesses and his successful ventures in the restaurant industry, saw great potential in Pepper Pong. He recognized the product’s unique selling points — portability, simplicity, and fun factor — and knew these traits would appeal to a broad audience.
The negotiations were tense. Todd initially offered $150,000 for 25% equity in the business, and after some back-and-forth discussions, the equity percentage was lowered to 19% in exchange for the investment. Tom agreed to the deal, securing the $150,000 funding that would help him scale the business and improve production capabilities.
How Pepper Pong Has Grown Since Shark Tank
Since appearing on Shark Tank, Pepper Pong has grown exponentially. The product’s success is attributed to its innovative design, wide appeal, and strong marketing strategy.
Retail Expansion
One of the most significant milestones for Pepper Pong after the show was its expansion into major retail stores across the United States. The game can now be found in sporting goods stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Walmart, increasing its visibility and accessibility to a broader audience. This retail expansion has allowed the brand to tap into an even larger market, making it easier for people to find and buy Pepper Pong.
Professional Pickleball Player Endorsements
In addition to retail growth, Pepper Pong has gained traction through endorsements from professional pickleball players, including Zane Navratil, Simone Jardim, Parris Todd, and Kamryn Blackwood. These endorsements not only lend credibility to the brand but also open doors for future collaborations in the pickleball community—a growing sport with similar characteristics to ping pong.
The Power of Social Media
With his deep knowledge of scaling businesses through social media, Todd Graves has helped Pepper Pong expand its online presence. Pepper Pong’s social media marketing strategy has focused on showcasing the product’s versatility, highlighting how it can be used in various environments—from the beach to the office to the backyard. The viral nature of these posts has helped spread the word about Pepper Pong and generated buzz among families, sports enthusiasts, and casual players alike.
Tom and Todd have also focused on leveraging user-generated content to build brand loyalty. They encourage customers to post videos and photos of themselves playing the game, creating a sense of community around the product.
Online Sales and Direct-to-Consumer Model
Pepper Pong has adopted a direct-to-consumer model, selling exclusively through its website. This allows Tom and Todd to control the customer experience, ensuring that every sale is positive. The website features overwhelmingly positive customer reviews, with many users praising the game’s simplicity, portability, and fun factor. The website’s user-friendly design makes it easy for customers to order their Pepper Pong sets and engage with the brand.
Tom’s decision to sell directly through the website has been a key factor in the product’s success. It has allowed the brand to build strong relationships with customers and maintain high customer satisfaction, which is crucial for long-term success.
Pepper Pong: A Look at the Future
Looking forward, Pepper Pong has many exciting opportunities to continue growing. The product is already gaining retail traction and is well-positioned to expand into new markets. As the product continues to evolve, Tom and Todd plan to introduce new features, such as additional game modes, improved paddles, and new accessories to enhance the overall playing experience.
Additionally, the company is looking into partnerships with corporate brands for corporate gifting and employee engagement programs. The game’s versatility makes it an attractive option for companies looking to offer fun and interactive products to their employees.
Why is Pepper Pong a Winner?
- Portability: Pepper Pong removes the barriers of space and setup required by traditional ping pong, making it playable anywhere.
- Inclusive Design: With adjustable fences and color-coded foam balls, the game is accessible to players of all ages and skill levels.
- Strong Brand Appeal: Endorsements from professional athletes and a strong presence on social media have helped establish Pepper Pong as a must-have product for families and sports enthusiasts.
- Retail Growth: The expansion into major retailers, including Dick’s Sporting Goods, has helped Pepper Pong reach a wider audience.
- Successful Shark Tank Pitch: The investment from Todd Graves has provided the funding needed for production and retail expansion.
Conclusion: Will Pepper Pong Continue to Thrive?
As Pepper Pong continues to grow, it’s clear that Tom Filippini and his team have tapped into a unique market opportunity. The game’s portability, inclusive design, and appeal to casual players make it a standout product in the world of sports. With the backing of Todd Graves and a solid marketing strategy, Pepper Pong is well on its way to becoming a household name.
In the coming years, we expect to see even greater success for Pepper Pong as it expands into more retail locations, attracts new endorsements, and builds a more extensive, loyal customer base. We’ll keep you updated with future Pepper Pong updates as this exciting product continues its journey to success.
For the latest updates from Shark Tank Season 16, Episode 6, explore the links below:
Before you go, make sure to check out our list of all the Shark Tank Season 16 products.
