Entrepreneurs Shine as Season 16 of Shark Tank Debuts in Austin
Austin, Texas was abuzz recently as the sixteenth season of Shark Tank premiered, showcasing a lineup of innovative entrepreneurs hoping to secure valuable investments from the show’s renowned “Sharks.” Among the unique products featured were mushroom-based mocktails, custom-fit mouthguards, an Asian American-led sneaker brand, and an exciting new app aimed at enhancing users’ cardio workouts.
Destin George Bell and His Game-Changing App
One standout entrepreneur on the premiere episode was Destin George Bell, who presented his gamified fitness app, Card.io. The app aims to transform outdoor running and walking into a fun and competitive experience by allowing users to claim territories in their city for their team. As described on the app’s website, users can track their running routes and engage in a “turf war” with other teams, adding teamwork and strategy to their regular cardio routine.
Bell shared with the Sharks that appearing on Shark Tank had been a lifelong dream of his, and it’s a journey he made with his mom by his side. The audience couldn’t help but feel the emotional connection as Bell recounts how significant her support was throughout the process.
The Sharks Go Head-to-Head for a Deal
When it came time for the negotiation, Bell requested $150,000 for a 5% stake in the business. This caught the attention of two of the Sharks, Daymond John and Rashaun Williams, who counter-offered with $150,000 for a 15% stake, to be split evenly between them. Undeterred, Bell brought a counter-offer to the table, proposing a 10% stake.
However, the Sharks stood firm on their original offer. Demonstrating his thoughtful approach, Bell asked for a moment to consult with his mother, who he had flown in from Kentucky for moral support during the pitch. When she encouraged him to “take the deal,” Bell decided to proceed with the original offer, leading to a potential partnership with the Sharks.
Behind the Scenes of Shark Tank Deals
Though the Sharks agree to investments live on the show, the deals are subject to further negotiations behind the scenes after filming. Bell kept the news of his deal under wraps for several months, eagerly anticipating the moment he could share it with the world once his episode aired on October 18.
Card.io’s Growing Popularity
Since its launch in 2022, the Card.io app has gained traction, currently boasting 22,000 users across seven countries and generating about $470,000 in revenue. Users can choose between a free version and a $25 monthly subscription for premium features catered to running clubs. While the app is currently exclusive to Apple users, plans are underway to develop an Android version, and interested users can sign up for updates via the Card.io website.
Celebrating a Major Milestone
In the spirit of celebration, Bell marked the premiere of his episode by reminiscing with friends from the University of Kentucky. He also has plans for another celebration in Austin on October 25, filled with excitement for what lies ahead.
With the diverse array of products presented throughout the season opener and the inspiring stories behind these entrepreneurs, Shark Tank continues to be a platform that champions innovation, dedication, and dreams.
