Mark Cuban’s 13-year tenure as an investor on ABC’s reality show “Shark Tank” is drawing to a close after the show’s 16th season.
Since joining the show during its second season in 2011, he’s invested more than $19 million in startups ranging from standardized testing prep tools to boxed mixed drinks, according to Sharkalytics, a site that tracks “Shark Tank” deals and its celebrity investors. But the billionaire told The Dallas Morning News that his all-in is closer to $29 million and that he’s earned more than that on both a cash and market value basis.
Even after investing in a wide range of products, Cuban has always been known for his scathing critiques of unprepared entrepreneurs and his bold investment strategies. But to him, the fanfare of the show pales in comparison to the effect it’s had on young business people, Cuban said.
“I don’t have a favorite deal. I don’t look at it that way at all,” he said in response to emailed questions from The Dallas Morning News. “Look at the impact the show has had on entrepreneurs and letting the entire country know the American dream is alive and well. All my deals are like my family. No favorites.”
Over the years, Cuban has made 85 deals on “Shark Tank” and invested in 19% of the pitches he heard on the show, according to Sharkalytics. But in all that time, his investment approach hasn’t strayed far from where he first started. He said he still looks for the same traits in any companies wanting his money.