Are you afraid of bugs but have a gentle heart? Do you dislike having creepy crawlers in your home but can’t bring yourself to harm them? You’re not alone! Entrepreneur Justin Huang shared similar sentiments, prompting him to introduce his invention, Cup-a-Bug, on “Shark Tank” during Season 15 of the ABC show.
Cup-a-Bug is an innovative tool designed by Huang to delicately capture bugs in a small cup and safely release them outside without any squishing involved. “What about those of us who would rather not take a life? That’s where Cup-a-Bug comes in,” Huang explained to the Sharks. “We’ve made it more convenient to catch a bug than to kill it.” The gadget resembles a plastic cup, similar to Tupperware, featuring a sliding lid operated by a handle. Simply position it over the bug, slide the lid closed, and voilà – the critter is contained until you can set it free.
Huang, a “bug sympathizer” with a background in mechanical engineering, was determined to become an entrepreneur. He spent his nights taking free online engineering courses and eventually acquired the skills to design the Cup-a-Bug insect catcher. “Shark Tank,” known for showcasing entrepreneurs seeking investment from seasoned investors (the “Sharks”), has introduced many iconic home products that remain on the market today. Let’s explore whether Cup-a-Bug is among them.
What happened when Cup-a-Bug went on Shark Tank?
Cup-a-Bug is a gadget you might find yourself using. It’s a significant upgrade from the traditional cup-and-paper method, making bug-catching safer, simpler, and far less nerve-wracking. The design is straightforward yet ingenious: a small plastic cup attached to a long arm with a handle-activated sliding lid that smoothly opens and closes to trap and release bugs. The extended arm allows you to maintain a distance while reaching high-up spots like walls and ceilings. Moreover, the cup tilts for tricky angles, and a built-in brush helps nudge stubborn bugs out of corners. If you’re not fond of squishing bugs or dealing with messy DIY sticky traps, this could be an excellent alternative. Whether you’re afraid of bugs or prefer not to harm them, this bug catcher ensures no more scrubbing gross bug splatters off your walls.
Huang’s pitch won over Mark Cuban, not only due to the product’s smart design but also because of Justin Huang’s personality. The founder became emotional several times during his pitch, admitting to feeling very nervous. Rather than deterring the Sharks, this nervous energy endeared him to them. While Huang initially sought $50,000 in exchange for 10% of his company, Cuban was drawn to Huang’s quirky inventor spirit and made an irresistible offer: $75,000 for 20% of the company, outbidding the original ask.
This “geek to geek” deal was more than just about Cup-a-Bug; it was an investment in all of Huang’s future inventions. Huang accepted Cuban’s offer, even shedding a tear as he exited the studio.
What did Cup-a-Bug and its founder do after Shark Tank?
@cupabug_official
Reply to @lynette_005 I’m still looking for a flying cockroach but here’s a crane fly for now. #cupabug #fyp #vegan
♬ Edge – REZZ
The “Shark Tank” episode aired in February 2024. What has happened with Justin Huang and Cup-a-Bug since then?
The company has been steadily progressing. On TikTok, where Huang shares videos of live bug captures and releases, the company boasts more than 112,000 followers. One of the account’s most popular videos garnered 40 million views, with updates continuing since then. On Instagram and TikTok, Huang has also shared some behind-the-scenes moments from his “Shark Tank” experience. A fun detail? He demonstrated how he engineered the “bug-a-pult” for the show — a tiny catapult that launched a plastic bug at the Sharks when they lifted a lid during his pitch.
On the company’s website, Cup-a-Bug has been expanding a user photo gallery showcasing the insect-catching gadget in action. Interestingly, people aren’t just using it for bugs; some have even caught lizards, mice, and frogs with it. As for additional investors? That’s still unclear. But Huang’s relative silence since the episode might simply indicate he’s busy working on (A) getting Cup-A-Bug out there, and (B) his next big invention.
Is Cup-a-Bug still around?
And now for the real question — is Cup-a-Bug still in business? Yes, you can still order the invention through the company’s website for $39.99, with free shipping in the U.S. and international shipping available for an additional cost. The product also includes a 90-day warranty and refund option. Cup-a-Bug is also available on Amazon U.S. for $44.99. With 31 ratings and an average of 4.1 stars, Cup-a-Bug appears to be maintaining its presence, while still being a small business with a modest operation. Some of the latest reviews date from December 2024, confirming that people are still ordering and trying the product.
Huang has been producing several videos available on the website and the company’s YouTube channel to help troubleshoot some issues with the product. For example, the company has shared tips on fixing the gadget if it’s not opening properly and how to tighten the string mechanism. This suggests that Cup-a-Bug is actively addressing some negative reviews, particularly those regarding the lack of instructions or concerns about product quality.
What’s next for Cup-A-Bug’s Justin Huang?
@cupabug_official
Thank you for all the Cup-a-Bug love and support these past few years. I appreciate all of you so much. it’s been an amazing journey. I hope TT doesn’t get banned but if it does, I just wanted to say thank you to everyone. -Justin from Cup-a-Bug
♬ original sound – Cup-a-Bug!
Remember, Cuban didn’t just invest $75,000 in Cup-A-Bug; he invested in Huang as an entrepreneur. Cuban’s interest extended beyond the product to Huang’s drive and spirit.
In January 2025, just before the short-lived TikTok ban in the U.S., Huang posted an update video. In it, he expressed gratitude to his followers on the platform for their support, acknowledging their comments and encouragement. But Huang didn’t stop there. He used the opportunity to unveil his latest invention: an automated self-watering planter. This new gadget features a water tank with a built-in pump and an LCD screen that displays the moisture level and allows you to select a desired moisture threshold. The planter uses a soil sensor, and if the soil’s moisture level falls below the chosen threshold, water flows from the tank into the planter through a small tube. While it’s not yet commercially available, it’s exciting to see what’s developing behind the scenes.
