If you’ve been wondering why did Cerebral Success go out of business Shark Tank update, you’re not alone. Once a rising nootropic brand featured on Shark Tank, Cerebral Success captured attention but ultimately vanished. In this article, we explore the story of the brand, the Shark Tank deal, what went wrong, and where the founder is today.
Founder Profile: Trevor Hiltbrand & Cerebral Success Overview
| Attribute | Details |
| Founder | Trevor Hiltbrand |
| Product | Cerebral Success (rebranded as SmartX) |
| Industry | Nootropic Supplements |
| Shark Tank Season | Season 5 (2014) |
| Shark Deal | $75,000 for 40% equity (Barbara Corcoran) |
| Retail Launch | 1,000+ GNC stores across the US |
| Rebrand | SmartX |
| Business Closure | October 2019 |
| Current Role | CEO of Project Solar |
The Shark Tank Experience: A Deal With High Hopes
Trevor Hiltbrand entered Shark Tank seeking $75,000 for 20% equity. The pitch centered around Cerebral Success, a supplement marketed to improve brain function, focus, and memory. Barbara Corcoran saw potential and offered $75,000 for 40% equity.
This sparked massive attention. Website traffic surged, and orders skyrocketed. The product was later rebranded as SmartX and stocked in GNC stores.
Still, many now ask: why did Cerebral Success go out of business Shark Tank update? Despite a great start, cracks soon appeared.
Why Did Cerebral Success Go Out of Business Shark Tank Update: 5 Key Reasons
1. Lack of Proven Clinical Testing
The company relied on general studies about the ingredients, but not the actual product formula. This weakened trust, especially in a health-focused niche.
2. Intense Market Competition
The nootropic market was already flooded with similar “brain-boosting” products. Cerebral Success struggled to differentiate itself long-term.
3. Compliance and Regulatory Pressure
With FDA scrutiny on the rise, supplement companies without strong clinical data often face major roadblocks. This added operational challenges.
4. Ethical Criticism from Sharks
Some Sharks, like Mark Cuban and Robert Herjavec, expressed concern about selling brain supplements to exhausted college students. That PR blow never quite healed.
5. Rebrand to SmartX Failed to Gain Traction
Although the rebrand to SmartX helped distance the company from early criticism, it wasn’t enough. Distribution faltered, and marketing couldn’t regain momentum.
This answers the big question: why did Cerebral Success go out of business Shark Tank update—it was a mix of compliance issues, weak branding, and market pressure.
What Happened to Founder Trevor Hiltbrand After the Shutdown?
After the closure of Cerebral Success in 2019, Trevor moved on to a different industry. He is now the CEO of Project Solar, a direct-to-consumer solar company helping people save on energy bills. His pivot shows resilience and adaptability.
Legacy of Cerebral Success: What Entrepreneurs Can Learn
The story of Cerebral Success is a cautionary tale. Even with Shark Tank exposure, businesses can fail if:
- Products lack real testing or data
- Ethical marketing is ignored
- There’s no clear brand identity
- Operational challenges go unaddressed
If you ever wondered why did Cerebral Success go out of business Shark Tank update, it comes down to execution—not exposure.
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FAQs About Cerebral Success & Shark Tank
A: The business struggled due to weak product validation, regulatory issues, branding problems, and ethical criticism from Sharks.
A: Yes, the product was rebranded as SmartX and launched in GNC stores before ultimately shutting down in 2019.
A: Barbara Corcoran invested $75,000 for 40% equity. She helped with the GNC rollout and rebranding efforts.
A: Trevor is currently the CEO of Project Solar, a solar energy startup focused on affordability and clean energy.
A: No. Both brands are discontinued, and their websites are no longer active.