Shark Tank is one of the most popular shows on television, and one of the most successful programs ever launched by ABC. At the center of the show is a panel of experienced and quite wealthy investors—the sharks. The drama of the show consists of aspiring entrepreneurs who make pitches to them.
There have been many great ideas presented on the show, and some of the pitches have made for great television. But the focus of the program remains the sharks. The kinds of offerings made by them have prompted viewers to take a deeper interest in their background and businesses. And to ask: who is the top shark?
Who’s the Best Shark from Shark Tank?
It is, in truth, hard to answer the above question. Each investor has done very well. That is partly why they are on the show. Rather than answer the question outright it may be better to look at each venture capitalist.
Mark Cuban
Since his first appearance on the show in season 2, Mark Cuban has become the most well-known shark. If I were forced to choose the shark of sharks, I would have to settle on Cuban. He is worth over $4 billion. He is the founder of MicroSolutions, a company that was taking in more than $30 million in revenue before it was sold for $6 million.
Cuban went on to found many other companies and to make more valuable purchases, including the Dallas Mavericks. On Shark Tank, he has made 85 deals and invested over $19 million. Some of this more lucrative and famous investments include:
- Ten Thirty One Productions
- Tower Paddle Boards
- Nuts ‘N More
- Gameday Couture
Kevin O’Leary
O’Leary is a former host of Dragon’s Den. He is known for his tough and aggressive stances. A great deal of this is part of the show. In any case, he has a good eye for business and knows a good deal when he sees one.
Back in the 1980s, he co-founded SoftKey Software Products, a tech company that focuses on education and entertainment. Through the late 80s and 90s the company acquired multiple rival enterprises until it was sold to Mattel in 1999 for $3.8 billion.
Since then, O’Leary has taken on multiple projects and investments. In March 2007, he joined the advisory board of Genstar Capital, which is a private equity firm that focuses on healthcare investments. He also co-founded O’Leary Funds, a mutual fund company that focuses on global yield investing.
On Shark Tank, he has done 40 deals and invested more than $8 million. Some of his more famous investments include Honeyfund and Greenbox.
Barbara Corcoran
Corcoran is worth $80 million. Most of her wealth comes from her real estate business in New York City, which she started by borrowing $1,000. She now has the most well-known brand in the brokerage business, The Corcoran Group.
In addition to her real estate company, Barbara is also a motivational speaker who frequently contributes to small business and real estate conversations on major television networks. On the show, she has made 53 deals and has invested over $5 million. She frequently partners with Mark Cuban. Some of the more popular investments she’s made include:
- Tom & Chee
- LOLIWARE
- Pink Shutter
Daymond John
John is known is well known as the founder of FUBU (For Us, By US), which is a clothing brand. John started the company out of his mother’s home in Hollis Queens (New York City). His mother supported him by offering up her home to run the business and teaching him how to sew.
FUBU got its start in 1992. He first told a tie-top hat for $10. In just one day he sold $800 worth of them. By 1994, John was receiving $300,000 in orders and he helped his mother take out a second mortgage just to fulfil them. As of now, FUBU has earned over $6 billion is global sales. It is a global fashion powerhouse that has had a tremendous impact on the industry.
Daymond is one of the most well-loved and well-respected members of the Shark Tank team. He has made 61 deals for a total of $8.5 million worth of investments. He often partners with Mark Cuban or Robert Herjavec. Some of his more notable investments include:
- Bubba’s Q
- Mission Belt
- Mo’s Bows
John is also the founder and CEO of The Shark Group which is a brand management and consulting firm in Manhattan.
Robert Herjavec
Herjavec has a net worth of $200 million. He is originally from Croatia, but grew up in Canada. He founded BRAK Systems, a Canadian Internet security software firm and sold the company in 2000 for $30.2 million.
In 2003, he founded The Herjavec Group, which is one of Canada’s largest information tech and computer security companies. It has an annual revenue of $200 million. Herjavec is also a former member of Dragon’s Den.
On Shark Tank, he made 57 deals with total investment of over $16 million. His largest deal on the show was with Zero Pollution Motors. He invested $5 million for 50% of the company. However, the deal later fell through because the company did not have the right across North America. The nest largest deal was with SynDaver Labs for $3 million and 25% of the company. This deal actually worked out.
His other noteworthy deals include:
The Shark of Sharks
We said before that Mark Cuban is probably the best shark in the shark tank. However, it is quite easy to contest this opinion. Net worth should not be the only criterion. Where each contestant started from should also be looked at.
Daymond John and Barbara Corcoran can easily be considered the best. They both come from rather humble beginnings and had to scratch and scrape their way to the top. Both have built their companies into worldwide brands.
