A surprise cake, also known as a popping cake, offers a unique way to celebrate with hidden surprises inside. Founders Jordan Long and Liz Charm presented their surprise cake company on Season 12, Episode 4 of Shark Tank, seeking $200,000 for 8% equity to support their business growth.
This request placed the company’s valuation at $2.5 million, a significant figure for a surprise cake venture, reflecting their prior success before appearing on the show.
Based in Burlington, Massachusetts, Surprise Cakes was founded in 2018 and specializes in creating cakes that enhance celebrations with hidden gifts. The cake industry is substantial, valued at $42.94 billion in 2019, and has likely grown since then.
Surprise Cakes employs two methods for their unique creations: Send a Surprise Cake and Shop the Popping Stand.
- Send a Surprise Cake involves a plastic cake container with a hidden tube that holds a gift card (which can be for Amazon, Uber, or a movie). After the cake is prepared, it is boxed and ready for the recipient. Upon cutting the cake, the gift card is revealed, adding an element of surprise.
- Shop the Popping Stand uses a similar technique but includes a music box, allowing the gift to be visible through a key.
This innovative approach to cake-making has made Surprise Cakes a notable player in the dessert market.
| Company Name | Surprise Cake |
| Founder | Jordan Long and Liz Charm |
| Product | popping cake stand that let’s you hide surprises inside of a cake |
| Asked For | $200k for 8% Equity |
| Final Deal | No Offer |
| Shark | No Shark |
| Episode (Shark Tank USA) | S12 E4 |
| Air Date | Nov 6, 2020 |
| Business Status | In Business |
| Net Worth | $3.5 Million *estimated |
Who Is The Founder Of Surprise Cake?
Jordan Long and Liz Charm are the co-founders of Surprise Cakes. The concept originated when Liz wanted to surprise her daughter on her 12th birthday by gifting her a phone hidden inside a cake. To create the surprise, she placed the phone in a plastic box within the cake. However, she soon realized that using plastic inside the cake violated safety guidelines.
To address this issue, Liz enlisted the help of her son, Jordan, an engineer. He designed a safe product that adhered to all safety regulations. The prototype features 6-inch and 2.8-inch diameter plastic tubes that allow the surprise to be visible.
The stand is crafted from plastic and can support cakes up to 10 inches in diameter or 18 standard-size cupcakes. As the products evolved, they incorporated new technology, including music boxes.
Jordan completed his engineering studies at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering.
Did Surprise Cake Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
Founders Jordan Long and Liz Charm of Surprise Cakes appeared on Shark Tank, seeking $200,000 in exchange for 8% equity. Their presentation featured a captivating demo at a cake show, although the Sharks initially struggled to grasp the concept.
Jordan highlighted that they hold a utility patent approved in the United States and have filed internationally in the EU, UK, and Australia. They reported generating $10,000 in sales during the first five months of their two-year journey before 2020. By 2019, their sales had surged to $280,000, and year-to-date, they reached $550,000. Jordan projected $900,000 in sales by the end of 2020, resulting in a net profit of $50,000.
The price of their Popping Cake Stand was initially set at $36.99 but increased to $39.99 as of June 2022, with an additional shipping charge of $7.99. The landed cost of the Popping Stand is $8. However, Mark Cuban remarked that despite strong sales, the business model seemed unprofitable.
Ultimately, none of the Sharks—Mark, Kevin, Lori, Barbara, or Daymond—decided to invest, citing various reasons for their exit.
Surprise Cake Shark Tank Update
Surprise Cakes did not secure a deal on Shark Tank, but it achieved significant sales shortly after appearing on the show. Despite the Sharks’ concerns about profitability, the founders continued to run the business successfully, garnering media attention from outlets like Good Morning America, Today, Buzzfeed, Daily Mail, and NBC, where they shared their entrepreneurial journey.
The founders implemented innovative improvements to their cake model, introducing cake stands and cake-carrying kits. By October 2022, the company reported annual sales reaching $5 million.
While Surprise Cakes did not receive investment during their Shark Tank pitch, they successfully attracted a large customer base, with many people ordering cakes for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and other celebrations.
However, by October 2022, the company experienced a notable decline in engagement on social media and Instagram. We will continue to follow Jordan Long and Liz Charm for further updates on their business.
Where Can You Buy Surprise Cake?
Surprise Cakes are exclusively available on their official website, where customers can place orders directly. While you won’t find the cakes on Amazon, the Musical Popping Cake Stand is available there for $64.98. This product has received positive feedback, boasting a rating of 4.5 out of 5, with over 75% of buyers giving it a 5-star rating.
What Is Surprise Cake’s Net Worth?
Surprise Cake has an estimated net worth of $3.5 million. While the business is still operational, its profit margins remain low despite strong sales. Increased sales volume could lead to higher profits.
To foster growth, the company has hired additional employees and is investing a portion of its revenue into marketing efforts.
Yes, Surprise Cake is still in business as of April 2024.
