Shark Tank is a reality television series where entrepreneurs pitch ideas to a panel of celebrity investors ("sharks"). Through May 2019's season 10 finale: 222 episodes, 895 pitches, 499 deals (55.8% close rate), $143.8M invested capital, nearly $1B in company valuations. The sharks evaluate business models, negotiate equity stakes, and occasionally form bidding wars. Notable investors include Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, Daymond John, Kevin O'Leary, Lori Greiner, and Robert Herjavec. Format originated from Japan's "Dragons' Den" concept; ABC's American adaptation premiered September 2009.

Contexts

*