Learn From Shark Tank: Pitching, Valuation &amp; Deal Lessons

The Questions Sharks Always Ask (and How to Answer Them)

Almost every Shark Tank pitch is decided in the question-and-answer round, not the opening speech.

How to Pitch Like a Shark Tank Winner

Successful Shark Tank pitches follow a recognizable structure: a clear ask, a relatable problem, a demo that proves the product works…

How Valuation Works on Shark Tank (With Examples)

Every Shark Tank ask contains a valuation: divide the dollars by the equity percentage.

Shark Tank Royalty Deals Explained

A royalty deal pays the investor a fixed amount or percentage on every unit sold, often until they recoup their money.

Shark Tank Deal Terms Glossary

A plain-English glossary of the deal terms you hear on Shark Tank, from equity and valuation to royalties, lines of credit…

Common Shark Tank Pitch Mistakes That Kill Deals

About four in ten Shark Tank pitches in our database ended without a deal on air.

Negotiation Lessons From the Tank

Shark Tank compresses a negotiation that normally takes weeks into minutes.

Behind the Scenes

What Happens After Shark Tank: Due Diligence, Deals That Fall Through and the Shark Tank Effect

An on-air handshake is the start of a process, not the end. This guide explains due diligence…

Behind the Scenes

How to Get on Shark Tank: The Application and Casting Process

Shark Tank casts entrepreneurs through an online application on ABC's site and in-person open casting calls.

Know Your Numbers: The Metrics Sharks Grill Founders On

Sharks judge a business by a handful of numbers: sales, margins, landed cost, customer acquisition cost, lifetime value, inventory and cash.

Which Shark Should You Pitch? Each Shark's Investing Style

Each Shark brings a different background, investing style and set of favorite categories.

What "No Deal" Success Stories Teach Founders

Leaving the Tank without a deal is not the end of the story. In our database, no-deal businesses are listed as active at almost the same…

Licensing vs. Building a Brand: Lessons From Shark Tank

Inventors on Shark Tank face a fundamental choice: license the idea to a company that already has distribution, or build a brand themselves.

How to Value Your Startup Before You Ask for Money

Before you ask anyone for money, you need a defensible valuation. This guide walks through four practical methods…

A Shark-Tank-Style Elevator Pitch Template (Fill in the Blank)

A practical, fill-in-the-blank template for a Shark Tank-style pitch, with 30-second, one-minute and two-minute versions…