What Happened to Plate Topper After Shark Tank? The Story of Michael Tseng and His Kitchen Innovation

If you’ve ever watched Shark Tank, you’ve probably seen entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to a panel of investors, hoping to secure funding and guidance to take their businesses to the next level. Among the many hopefuls who have appeared on the show, Michael Tseng, the creator of Plate Topper, made a notable appearance. The product was innovative, the pitch was memorable, and the show did wonders for his brand visibility. But what happened to Plate Topper after the cameras stopped rolling? Let’s dive into the story of Plate Topper, its rise to fame, and its eventual decline.

The Plate Topper Pitch on Shark Tank

Michael Tseng, a biochemist and engineer, appeared on Shark Tank in 2012, bringing with him an interesting solution to an everyday kitchen problem: the Plate Topper. This simple, but effective device was designed to be a see-through, airtight lid that could fit over dinner plates, turning them into convenient food storage solutions. The best part? It was microwave-safe, dishwasher-friendly, and stacked easily, making it much more practical than traditional food storage containers or plastic wrap.

In his pitch, Michael explained how the Plate Topper could also prevent food splatter when microwaving and eliminate the hassle of searching for lids to plastic containers. It was a perfect pitch for the Shark Tank audience. But while the product intrigued the sharks, there were some bumps along the way.

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Michael’s ask was for $90,000 in exchange for a 5% stake in the company. However, after his pitch, Lori Greiner, one of the sharks, saw the potential and made a big offer: $900,000 for 30% of the company. Michael wasn’t ready to accept such a large stake in exchange for funding. However, after some back-and-forth, they eventually agreed to a deal. Lori would invest $90,000 for an 8% stake, and Michael walked away from the show with the backing of one of the most influential sharks in the business world.

What Happened After the Deal?

When the Shark Tank episode aired, Michael’s phone and website were flooded with interest. The exposure on the show gave Plate Topper a significant boost in sales and visibility. It seemed like the product was on the path to success, but unfortunately, things didn’t go as smoothly after the cameras stopped rolling.

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While the product had all the potential in the world, Michael’s lack of negotiation skills and inability to capitalize on his deal with Lori seemed to hold him back. Lori expressed her frustration on Twitter after the show aired, revealing that Michael had declined her offer to help manage the company and take charge for the next 12 months. Without strong leadership, the business struggled to gain the momentum needed for long-term success.

Despite the increase in sales, the Plate Topper was not able to maintain its position in the market. Its reviews remained mixed, with many customers giving the product an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. The concept was innovative, but it lacked the durability and practicality that customers wanted. As a result, Plate Topper quickly disappeared from the shelves of major retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and QVC. In fact, the product was eventually pulled from both online and in-store inventory.

Why Did Plate Topper Fail?

While the idea was solid, Plate Topper faced challenges that prevented it from becoming a household name. For one, the product’s core concept – a flexible, airtight cover for plates – just didn’t seem to resonate with consumers in the long term. There was also the issue of competition. As time passed, other food storage solutions and microwave covers flooded the market, and Plate Topper couldn’t keep up.

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Furthermore, Michael’s shifting focus may have contributed to the product’s downfall. After the show, he started moving his attention toward a new company, Prestagon LLC, which specializes in various products for the kitchen, gym, and home fitness industries. As a result, Plate Topper was slowly phased out, and Michael no longer included it in his product portfolio.

Michael Tseng’s Net Worth and Personal Life

Michael Tseng’s net worth is difficult to pinpoint, but given the rise of Plate Topper on Shark Tank and his later ventures, it’s clear that he has had some success as an entrepreneur. However, it’s worth noting that he moved on from Plate Topper and focused on new ventures. His current net worth is not widely available, but his shift to Prestagon LLC suggests that he continues to work in the product development space, applying his background in biochemistry and engineering to create new innovations.

As for his personal life, Michael is relatively private. We know that he is highly educated, holding degrees in biochemistry and engineering. Before deciding to take the entrepreneurial plunge, Michael was set to begin a medical career. However, he took a different path, and that’s when the idea for Plate Topper came to him. He’s married and is a family man, though details about his family life remain scarce.

Is Plate Topper Still in Business?

As of 2025, Plate Topper is no longer in business. The product has been discontinued, and the website has been stripped down to just a “team” and “contact us” page. It seems that Michael’s focus has completely shifted away from the kitchenware industry. His new company, Prestagon LLC, offers a variety of products, but Plate Topper is no longer a part of that portfolio.

Interestingly, despite the product’s demise, Michael has continued to innovate in other industries, proving that he hasn’t abandoned his entrepreneurial dreams. He has ventured into different sectors like home fitness, pet products, and bedding, leveraging his expertise in creating useful products. Though Plate Topper is no longer on the market, it’s clear that Michael’s inventive spirit hasn’t waned.