Rebel Cheese estimated value is around $7.5 million following its Shark Tank deal, though the founders’ initial pitch valued the company at $15 million. The Austin, Texas-based company, founded by married couple Kirsten Maitland and Fred Zwar, makes artisan vegan cheese.
Rebel Cheese: Quick Facts
| Estimated Value | Around $7.5 million (post-deal); $15 million (pre-deal ask) |
| Founders | Kirsten Maitland and Fred Zwar |
| Location | Austin, Texas |
| Shark Tank Season | Season 15 |
| Ask | $750,000 for 5% equity |
| Deal Closed | Yes, $750,000 for 10% equity, with Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner |
Background
Rebel Cheese was founded by married couple Kirsten Maitland and Fred Zwar in Austin, Texas, after the two became vegan and struggled to find a dairy-free cheese that satisfied their love of the food they had once shared on picnics together.
The business started as a vegan cheese restaurant before pivoting toward e-commerce during the COVID-19 pandemic, using traditional artisan French cheesemaking techniques, including cave aging and culturing, with cashews and almonds as a base to create more than 20 varieties of cheese.
The Shark Tank Deal and Growth
Maitland and Zwar pitched Rebel Cheese on Season 15, asking for $750,000 for 5% equity and valuing the company at $15 million, ultimately closing a deal with Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner for the same $750,000 investment in exchange for 10% equity.
The company reported $2.5 million in sales in the year before filming and projected $3.5 million the following year, with products including Brie, Honey Pistachio Chevre, sharp cheddar, and pimento cheese earning coverage from outlets including the New York Times and VegNews.
FAQs
What is Rebel Cheese’s estimated value?
Around $7.5 million based on the terms of its Shark Tank deal, though the founders’ initial pitch valued it at $15 million.
Who founded Rebel Cheese?
Married couple Kirsten Maitland and Fred Zwar, based in Austin, Texas.
What deal did Rebel Cheese get on Shark Tank?
$750,000 for 10% equity, with Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner.
What is Rebel Cheese made from?
Primarily cashews and almonds, using traditional French cheesemaking techniques like cave aging and culturing.
