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Shark Tank Statistics: The Ultimate Breakdown

Dig into the real Shark Tank statistics, from deals to valuations, entrepreneurs to sharks, and get to know all the numbers that matter!

Shark Tank Statistics: The Ultimate Breakdown

Shark Tank Statistics You Need to Know- Image credit- @sharktankabc

According to Shark Tank statistics, Shark Tank has telecasted a total of 15 complete seasons, with the 16th season still running. In every season, many entertaining pitches are presented, some of which result in deals being closed with the sharks.

The thing is, the deals made on the show are not finalized then and there. Both parties sit together and discuss the business again thoroughly, and only then do they decide what they want to do.

Technicalities of the business in question, market demand of the product, and the new investors that reach out to the entrepreneurs after the show are all factors that affect the destiny of a deal made on the screen.

Overview of the Show

In the 15 seasons, a total of 828 deals have been made on screen. According to this, more than 50% of the pitches successfully impress the sharks and secure a deal. However, that is not how things always work out. Out of these deals, only a portion were finalized after the show.

Both the sharks and the founders consider their bigger profit when they thoroughly evaluate the deal after the on-screen pitch. Sometimes, brands that do not secure a deal on the show receive a call from the sharks later. One such example is The Bouqs Company—after returning home without a deal, Robert Herjavec reapproached the business sometime later for a partnership.

Shark Tank Statistics: Success Rate of Deals

Up till now, we have established one fact very clearly: the deals aired on the show cannot be considered when counting the total number of successful deals. The real Shark Tank statistics show that even less than 50% of the deals made on television actually get finalized.

Most sharks back out of a deal when they review all the business documents or when they learn the actual numbers or market presence of the business among competitors.

Among the sharks that have appeared on the show till now, Barbara Corcoran has actually followed through on most of her deals in real life—about 60% of her on-screen handshakes. This means other sharks have canceled more than 40% of their deals.

Investment Trends Overall

Total investments made by all the sharks sum up to over $200 million. This is through different contributions by each shark in their choice of venture. Some were in exchange for large shares of equity, while others were made in the form of royalty deals or a combination of both.

From Season 1 to 15 of Shark Tank, there have been 339 episodes. At times, the sharks have even invested over $20 million collectively in a single season.

Average Investment Sizes

If we look at the average amount of money invested each season, we see fluctuating trends. In Season 6, the sharks made the largest average investment, totaling $392,615.

For obvious reasons, the first season of the show witnessed the lowest average investment of $177,963. In the last season, Season 15 of Shark Tank, the average investment was $287,211

Sharks and Their Investment Patterns

Each shark has their own sense of inclination when it comes to their interest in a venture. Many factors are involved in the decision-making process, from the product to the business model, everything is taken into consideration.

  • Lori Greiner has made deals with over 20% of the entrepreneurs she met on the show. With 223 deals, she could be considered one of the sharks most likely to make a deal.
  • Then comes Mark Cub, with 243 deals till Season 15.
  • Barbara Corcoran has made the fewest deals, totaling 123, and has invested the least money among all the sharks. The least active shark, Barbara is still the most reliable when it comes to following through on a deal.

Shark Tank’s Biggest Numbers

Zero Pollution Motors secured the largest on-screen deal in Shark Tank history, worth $5 million. However, this deal did not go as planned off the show.

Kevin O’Leary, aka Mr. Wonderful, made the largest investment that was finalized in real life. He offered $2.5 million to Zipz Wine, a single-serve, portable packaged wine.

In Season 12, a company called Chirp made the highest valuation deal for a business. They asked for $900,000, offering a 2% stake in return, making it a $45 million valuation. After a tough negotiation with Shark Lori, the final valuation was settled at $36,000,000, and the deal was secured.

The highest ask valuation was made by Larq, a self-cleaning water bottle company. They set their valuation at $50 million. However, the final deal on screen was made with Kevin and Lori, who came together to offer $1 million for a 4% stake.

Shark Tank’s Smallest Numbers

In Season 1, Dr. Floyd Seskin appeared on Shark Tank with his business UroClub, a brand that makes one of the most questionable products, an unusual golf club cum portable urinal. The product allows golfers urgent relief on the course. The founder originally asked for $25,000 for 51% of his company. Kevin Harrington set the valuation at $37,000, to which the entrepreneur agreed.

In Season 3, entrepreneur Steve Gadlin asked for the lowest valuation to date. He set the valuation at $40,000 for his company, I Want to Draw a Cat for You. Mark, in response, offered $25,000 for 33% of the company, saying he understood the business. They celebrated the closing of the deal with a dance.

Impact on Entrepreneurs

When a deal is not followed through after the show, it is not always because the shark backed out. Many times, entrepreneurs themselves withdraw from a deal or request changes. This happens due to various reasons that arise after their appearance on Shark Tank, or as a result of the “Shark Tank Effect”

    • Businesses that appear on the show frequently experience increased brand recognition and sales. They attract more customers than before and may no longer feel the need for outside investment or a mentor.
    • Entrepreneurs often use Shark Tank as a marketing platform, so even if they don’t secure a deal, they know the show provides enough publicity for growth.
    • After appearing on Shark Tank, many businesses find alternative investors who offer them even better deals, leading them to back out of their “on-screen” agreements.

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