Exciting Entrepreneurial Ventures Shine at Shark Tank Season 16 Premiere
Austin, Texas, kicked off the 16th season of ABC’s hit show Shark Tank, showcasing a range of innovative products and ingenious entrepreneurs looking to impress the sharks. This season promises to deliver fresh ideas, from mushroom-based mocktails to custom-fit mouthguards, and even an Asian American-led sneaker brand.
Destin George Bell and Card.io
Among the standout features of the premiere was Destin George Bell, an Austin local who presented his gamified fitness app Card.io. The app, designed to make cardio workouts more exciting, essentially transforms outdoor activities like running and walking into a competitive team game. Users can track their routes, claim areas in their city, and even defend against rival teams, making fitness a lively and collaborative experience.
Bell, whose passion for entrepreneurship led him to this moment, brought a personal touch to his pitch by having his mother accompany him. He shared that it was a lifelong dream to appear on the show with her by his side. When it was time to negotiate, Bell initially sought an investment of $150,000 for a 5% equity stake in his company. However, sharks Daymond John and guest shark Rashaun Williams countered with a joint offer of the same amount but for a 15% equity stake.
Unwilling to back down too easily, Bell proposed a compromise: 10% equity. But the sharks remained firm on their original offer. Before making a final decision, Bell asked for a moment to consult with his mother, who was flown in from Kentucky for this pivotal moment. Her advice was clear: “Take the deal.” Following her guidance, Bell agreed to the terms presented by the sharks.
Secrecy After the Show
Like many deals featured on the show, the agreement must go through due diligence post-recording, making the finalization a lengthy process. Following the episode’s airing on October 18, Bell kept his appearance a secret for months, thrilled now to share the success of his venture. The company, which offers a free version of the app and a premium subscription for $25 a month, has garnered a user base of 22,000 across seven countries, generating about $470,000 since its launch in 2022.
A Bright Future for Card.io
Currently available only on the Apple App Store, the team behind Card.io is actively working on an Android version, with interested users encouraged to join a waitlist on their website. Bell celebrated the October 18 episode release with friends from the University of Kentucky and is planning an upcoming gathering in Austin on October 25 to celebrate his journey further.
The Season Ahead
The premiere of Shark Tank sets the stage for a season full of diverse and exciting pitches, indicating that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well. In addition to Card.io, products showcased include the aforementioned innovative mocktails and mouthguards, ensuring viewers can look forward to a range of creativity and business savvy from artisans and entrepreneurs across the country.
As this season unfolds, audiences are sure to see more heartwarming stories, steep competition, and perhaps, more successful deals that ultimately change the lives of those brave enough to pitch their dreams to the renowned sharks.
