I love Shark Tank.

When it comes to reality television, Shark Tank is hands down my favorite show. My wife and I typically record it on Friday so that we can start our Saturdays off with some good ol’ fashion American Capitalism.

Based on Shark Tank’s impressive ratings (8 million viewers and rising), it looks like my wife and I are not alone in our love for the show.

But, if you’re unfamiliar with Shark Tank, it is a reality television show that features aspiring entrepreneurs pitching their businesses, ideas and products to potential investors.

Shark Tank – Keeping The Sharks’ Net Worth in Perspective

I was inspired to write this article (and create the corresponding infographic) because of a recent episode when Mark Cuban and Barabara Corcoran invested $25,000 in a business known as Q-Flex. I have heard Daymond John and other Sharks explain in numerous interviews that they prefer to “INVEST IN PEOPLE, NOT BUSINESSES” and this mantra was on full display in this episode. With minimal sales and an uninspiring curved plastic tool to relieve back pain, Q-Flex *should’ve* gone unnoticed on the show with no interest from the Sharks. However, the inventor of the product – a 13-year old girl named Andrea Cao – absolutely crushed her pitch. Most importantly, she received A LOT of credit for her hustle reflected in her selling the product door-to-door. I have to give her all of the credit in the world – nailing every “buzz” word that the Sharks want to hear.

But, the thought of gifting a budding entrepreneur $25,000 just for their drive and determination seemed like a hefty price to pay.

It was this moment that I had to take a step back and put the Sharks’ wealth in perspective.

Mark Cuban, for example, is worth an estimated $2.5 Billion – which is twice the wealth of all of the other Sharks combined. Ewww.

When Mark Cuban invests $100,000 into a company, it’s the same as someone with a net worth of $1 Million investing $40. 

You read that correctly: $40 whopping dollars.

So, when Mark Cuban decided to “gift” $25,000 to the young gal, it’s equivalent to me or you investing $10.

WOW.

While researching the Sharks’ net worth and sources of wealth, I decided to pull together some other interesting numbers behind the hit show.

If you have trouble viewing the infographic, you can find the numbers below.

Impressive Numbers Behind Shark Tank

The Sharks’ Net Worth

• Mark Cuban: $2.5 Billion
• Kevin O’Leary: $400 Million
• Daymond John: $250 Million
• Robert Herjavec: $200 Million
• Barbara Corcoran: $80 Million
• Lori Greiner: $50 Million

Shark Tank Viewers

• Season 1 (2009-10): 3.56 – 5.92 Million
• Season 2 (2011): 4.45 – 6.13 Million
• Season 3 (2012): 5.11 – 6.25 Million
• Season 4 (2012-13): 5.11 – 7.08 Million
• Season 5 (2013-14): 6.21 – 8.33 Million
• Season 6 (2014-15): 6.89 – 7.91 Million

The Producers’ Cut

The standard appearance contract entitles the show’s producers and ABC to 5% of the company or 2% of future royalties regardless of whether a deal is made.

Is It Worth It? Absolutely. 

The Shark Tank Effect

2 Popular Products:

Scrub Daddy:

• Before Airing: $100,000
• After Airing: $25,000,000

Breathometer:

• Before Airing: $140,000
• After Airing: $10,000,000

Appearances – How Much Do The Sharks Get Paid Per Episode?

According to email communication from Mark Cuban, he was insulted that the proposed payout for Season 5 was $30,000 per episode.

Deal History

Through Season 4, Episode 18:

The Sharks invested $20 Million in 109 deals. The Sharks offered 130 deals making the acceptance rate 83.85%.

What’s more interesting is how the entrepreneurs valued their businesses versus what the Sharks actually offered.

Entrepreneurs vs. Sharks

• Median Ask Valuation: $750,000
• Median Deal Valuation: $392,156
• Average Ask Equity: 19.68%
• Average Equity Offered: 38.99%
• Average Ask Amount: $209,531
• Average Deal Amount: $181,629

Which Shark Invests The Most?

• Barbara Corcoran: 32 Deals @ Average Valuation of $250,000
• Daymond John: 30 Deals @ Average Valuation of $250,000
• Mark Cuban: 26 Deals @ Average Valuation of $500,000
• Robert Herjavec: 25 Deals @ Average Valuation of $528,690
• Kevin O’Leary: 17 Deals @ Average Valuation of $588,235
• Lori Greiner: 15 Deals @ Average Valuation of $400,000

*Keep in mind that these figures are through Season 4, Episode 19 and some Sharks have appeared on the show more than others. For example, Kevin O’Leary has been on twice the number of shows as Mark Cuban and Mark Cuban has been on twice the number of shows as Lori Greiner.

Sources: 

Forbes, NY Times, LA Times, SharkTank.TVQuotes.net

photo credit: Allan Lee