"Just want a yes or no" — When Mark Cuban gave an ultimatum to Hiccaway founders on Shark Tank

Dr. Ali Seifi, Amanda Azarpour, and Victor Feldberg pitched their hiccup-cure device on Shark Tank episode season 13 episode 5, seeking $250,000 for 10% equity. The founders presented their medical research data, which showed 90% effectiveness, and revealed $300,000 in sales from 21,000 units.

Mark Cuban showed strong interest after detailed questions about scientific validation, manufacturing costs at 70 cents per unit, and retail pricing at $14. As other Sharks dropped out, Cuban studied the Journal of the American Medical Association research to back the product. Then he made his stance clear, stating:

"I guarantee you this will become part of everybody's medicine cabinet. Guarantee right? So I'll make you an offer right and I just want a yes or no. The offer is $250,000 that you ask for for 20%...I'm not going to tell you I'm going to be here waiting. I'm not going to wait around."

In the end, entrepreneurs accepted the offer and left the tank with Mark's deal.

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Mark Cuban demanded an instant answer from the Hiccaway team on Shark Tank

Dr. Seifi led the Shark Tank pitch by highlighting his role as director of the Neuro-ICU at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio.

The hiccup-cure device's L-shaped straw design created specific pressure levels that were proven to stop hiccups through rigorous testing. Their manufacturing costs were minimal at 70 cents per unit, while retail pricing stood at $14. The research published in JAMA demonstrated a 90% effectiveness rate among users.

Shark Tank regular investor Barbara Corcoran expressed immediate doubts about practical usage. Drawing from her parenting experience, she worried about locating the device during actual hiccup episodes. She stepped away from potential investment, stating the challenge of keeping track of specialized items during urgent needs.

Lori Greiner questioned whether enough customers would invest in a single-purpose device. After analyzing the market size and purchase frequency, she decided to exit the deal.

Kevin O'Leary spent several minutes testing whether standard drinking straws could create similar effects. Dr. Seifi demonstrated how their patented design achieved precise pressure levels through specific engineering. He showed data proving that regular straws failed to match these exact measurements.

Mark Cuban's engagement markedly differed from that of other Shark Tank investors. He focused intensely on medical research credentials, and the JAMA publication particularly sparked his interest. Cuban's medical investment portfolio aligned well with Hiccaway's evidence-based approach to solving a common health issue.

Mark Cuban moved swiftly after examining the scientific merits. His offer came at $250,000 for 20% equity. The terms doubled their proposed equity slice, but Cuban added strict conditions. He demanded an immediate response, stating he would pull the offer if they spent time considering other options.

Kevin O'Leary jumped in with a competing proposal. The Shark Tank investor matched Cuban's investment amount of $250,000 but asked for only 15% equity. This presented a potentially better deal for the founders. However, Cuban reinforced his position. He reiterated that any discussion of O'Leary's offer would terminate his proposal instantly.

Despite Cuban's warning, Dr. Seifi, Azarpour, and Feldberg stepped aside for a brief discussion. They returned with a counter-proposal, attempting to negotiate Cuban down to 18% equity. However, he remained firm, maintaining his original 20% equity requirement without movement. The founders made one final attempt to reduce the equity to 15%. However, Cuban's response was direct and unchanged.

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Deal outcomes

The founders accepted Cuban's offer in October 2022. As per Shark Tank Blog, their sales expanded from their initial $300,000 to reach major milestones. The company secured a position in major retail chains, including Amazon, Walmart, and HEB.

Distribution grew beyond US borders. The product reached international markets across multiple regions. Sales data from August 2024 showed lifetime revenue hitting $11 million, as per Shark Tank Blog. The medical community continued supporting the product with research validation. Retail presence expanded to the UK, Canada, Spain, Australia, Germany, Italy, Japan, and China.

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Fans can watch Shark Tank season 16 on the ABC network.