One of the most luxurious funded gadget startups in Silicon Valley last year was Juicero Inc. The product, a juice machine was an unlikely pick for top technology investors, however, they were lured to the idea of an internet-connected device that transforms single-serving packets of chopped fruits and vegetables into a refreshing and healthy refreshment. Juicero has raised roughly around $120 million in venture funding from Caufield & Byers, Alphabet Inc.'s GV, and other backers on the promise of a high-powered machine that could turn cut-up fruits and vegetables into juice.
It seems investors have been unsatisfied and depressed in the juicer after they have found out that its primary function is squeezing the juice out of a proprietary bag and could be replicated by human hands. In a test by conducted by Bloomberg, reporters were able to squeeze 7.5 oz of juice out of the Juicero bags in a span of 1.5 minutes. The worth $400 juice press got 8 oz out in 2 minutes.
The former Coca-Cola executive who became CEO of Juicero last year, Jeff Dunn, has responded to a wave of coverage claiming that the company's juice press isn't all that was promised after all, and Dunn is offering dissatisfied customers their money back.
Furthermore, the company said "For the next 30 days, we have finally decided to extend our Happiness Guarantee to any Juicero customer. However, Juicero does make an effort to meet any disappointed customers half way. Dunn wrote in a blog post last Thursday that the Juicero device gives quality control, consistency and data to the juice-squeezing process which hands are not capable of. He also said, "While it is never easy to face some of this week's critiques and headlines, we are still learning, listening, and improving, and confidently stand behind our promise to help people on their journey to health."
