To say that Destin Bell was determined to secure adequate funding for his start-up would be an understatement. After facing rejection from Niantic for his app, Card.io, instead of settling down, the 26-year-old entrepreneur doubled down on his approach to secure $150K funding from Shark Tank judge Mark Cuban.
While the judge admired his resilience, Bell wasn’t successful in his endeavor to incorporate Cuban in his business venture, but fortunately, Daymond John, alongside guest investor Rashaun William was on board with his pitch.
Daymond John’s Resonated With Destin Bell’s Story
After Niantic showcased little interest in his pitch, Bell emailed CEO Mark Cuban once a week for three months, and interestingly, it did work out for the young entrepreneur, but not in the way he hoped.
While the Shark Tank judge commended his grit, he couldn’t help but take a jab at Bell for opening a potential can of worms.
That’s brilliant, and I hate you, because now everybody out there is going to send us 600 emails a week.
Even though Cuban and some other judges refused to invest in Card.io, Daymond John, and Rashaun William offered Bell $150K for 15% equity in his company. Considering the FUBU CEO used to make “50 calls a day” himself until someone picked up, John resonated with Bell’s grit.
I got to be part of this, and I don’t care how I’m part of this. I love your energy. I did the same thing. I just did it with a phone. Forty years ago, I made 50 calls a day for six months, until people picked up.
Despite initially countering for 10%, after much deliberation with his mom, Bell ended up taking the duo’s offer.
Mark Cuban’s Decision To Leave Shark Tank Stemmed From His Desire To Be With Family
Mark Cuban, who played a major part in saving Shark Tank following his debut in season 2, is set to part ways with the reality show after this season. Considering the billionaire has been invested in the reality TV landscape for over a decade, Cuban expressed his desire to spend more quality time with his kids, who’ve just finished school.
I’m leaving just to spend more time with my kids — they’re teenagers now. When they were younger, my wife and I got to tell them where to be and when; now they ain’t listening to us. We shoot in June and September, and just getting the opportunity now when they’re getting out of school to be able to spend time directly with them, that’s important. I’m tired of missing that.
Although Shark Tank won’t hit the same without Cuban’s presence, it’s easy to see where the judge’s decision is coming from.
Shark Tank season 16 is available to stream on Hulu.
