Where Is Soupergirl From Shark Tank Today?

There's nothing like a warm, hearty bowl of soup on a chilly afternoon. It's a dish that's as versatile as it's popular, a fact Soupergirl hopes to capture. Started by stand-up comic Sara Polon and her mom, Marilyn, Soupergirl aimed to bring vegan soup to customers nationwide. Like countless other dreamy-eyed entrepreneurs, the duo set their sights on "Shark Tank" in Season 10 to launch their endeavor into a broader market.

The mother-daughter duo came to the sharks with no small ask; the women sought a $500,000 investment in exchange for 10% of their company. At that point, Soupergirl had seen $2.4 million in sales in 2017. While the company had been churning out soup for a while, the sharks were concerned about the sustainability of the company. 

Investor Mark Cuban was the first shark to turn the pair down, concerned that Soupergirl would continue to need large cash infusions. Kevin O'Leary and Daymond John were worried about the company's actual value and what they'd need to invest to see a return. Lori Greiner also had concerns about Soupergirl's ultra-low margin of just 5%. Soupergirl has faced obstacles over the years, but the company is successful today.

Ultimately, Sara and Marilyn Polon left "Shark Tank" without a deal. But after the Polons' "Shark Tank" appearance, guest shark Matt Higgins offered to help grow their business as an advisor, the Washington Business Journal reported in 2018. By 2019, the vegan soup company was bringing in $6.5 million between physical stores, a presence in Whole Foods, and online sales. 

Soupergirl went on to raise $2 million in Series A funding from Arborview Capital in 2020, with Honest Tea founder Seth Goldman as one of the investors who supported the company. "I've been mentoring Sara for a decade and admire her passion for high quality and delicious food that helps consumers meet their health goals," Goldman said at the time (via Vegconomist).

The COVID-19 pandemic saw Soupergirl close its two D.C.-area cafes. Still, Soupergirl has maintained a presence in Whole Foods and a few local chains, offering soups such as zucchini bisque and sweet potato black bean.

By many margins, Soupergirl was already successful when it debuted on "Shark Tank" Season 10, even though the company didn't garner an investment deal from any of the sharks. The COVID-19 pandemic dealt Soupergirl a blow, but the company has bounced back and continues to grow its audience.

In addition to the prepackaged, vegan soups being sold at Whole Foods and other DMV-area grocery chains, co-founder Sara Polon went on to win a 2021 Kroger competition that meant Soupergirl would debut in Harris Teeter and Kroger stores. Soupergirl was one of five local food companies to win the competition, out of more than 1,000 applicants. 

Soupergirl has also established nationwide online shipping so that customers can order its soup varieties from anywhere in the contiguous United States. Even though Sara and Marilyn Polon didn't secure a "Shark Tank" deal, Soupergirl has proven successful.