Since its debut in 2009, Shark Tank has captivated audiences by showcasing the journeys of aspiring entrepreneurs as they pitch their innovative business ideas to a panel of formidable investors known as the Sharks. These business moguls have invested millions in promising ideas, showcasing their keen eye for potential.
Beyond their roles as investors, the sharks are titans in their respective fields, each with substantial wealth. The following is the breakdown of their net worth to reveal who leads the financial hierarchy and how their fortunes reflect their success in the business world.
Barbara Corcoran – Estimated Net Worth: $100 Million
Barbara Corcoran’s path to founding her real estate brokerage, The Corcoran Group, is marked by a diverse array of experiences. Her career began with various roles, from waiting tables to serving as a receptionist at Giffuni Brothers’ real estate firm.
Driven by a desire to be her own boss, she co-founded a real estate company in 1973 with her then-boyfriend, who lent her $1,000. After their breakup, she went on to establish The Corcoran Group, which achieved remarkable success.
Through years of hard work, the company grew to be worth millions, and in 2001, Corcoran sold her business to NRT for $66 million. In addition to her business endeavors, she has become a familiar face in the media, appearing on numerous series and talk shows, including Shark Tank.
She has been a constant presence on the reality TV show since its first season. As of 2024, her net worth is estimated at $100 million, and she has invested in over 100 businesses, many of which have proven to be highly profitable, such as Comfy.
Lori Greiner – Estimated Net Worth: $150 Million
Lori Greiner began her journey as an aspiring playwright but soon found her niche as a businesswoman through her side hustle of creating and selling jewelry. Recognizing the growing demand for her work, she established her brand, For Your Ease Only.
Her breakthrough came when she developed and patented a plastic jewelry box, which became immensely popular and was even featured in JC Penney’s inventory. She was later dubbed the “Queen of QVC,” thanks to her show, Clever & Unique Creations.
In 2012, Greiner joined Shark Tank, later becoming a regular investor on the show, and has since solidified her influential presence. As of now, her net worth is estimated at $150 million
Throughout her tenure on the reality TV show, she has invested in numerous businesses, including one of the most successful products to emerge from the series, Scrub Daddy.
Robert Herjavec – Estimated Net Worth: $300 Million
Robert Herjavec, one of the regulars on Shark Tank since its debut, has an inspiring rags-to-riches story. Raised in financial hardship, he worked various jobs before securing a pivotal role at IBM.
Building on his experiences, he later founded the internet security company BRAK Systems, which he sold to AT&T Canada for $30.2 million. He then went on to establish The Herjavec Group, a successful technology firm.
Since joining Shark Tank in 2009, Herjavec has invested in numerous businesses, with many turning out to be highly successful. His net worth is now estimated to be $300 million.
Daymond John – Estimated Net Worth: $350 Million
Daymond John, CEO and founder of FUBU, has been a fixture on Shark Tank since its debut in 2009. Like fellow shark Robert Herjavec, John faced a difficult upbringing but demonstrated a sharp business sense early on.
His entrepreneurial journey began when he spotted an opportunity in the overpriced wool ski hats, which were selling for $20. Drawing on skills his mother had taught him, he began stitching his own hats and selling them for $10.
This marked the humble beginnings of what would become FUBU. Now a global brand valued in the billions, FUBU helped propel John to a net worth of $350 million. His keen business instincts have continued to serve him well on Shark Tank, where he has invested in over 60 ventures throughout his time on the show.
Kevin O’Leary – Estimated Net Worth: $400 Million
Unlike previously mentioned sharks, Kevin O’Leary comes from a business-oriented family and the business mogul has his own impressive achievements.
He founded the software company Softkey, later rebranded as The Learning Company, after securing a $10,000 loan from his mother. In 1999, he sold the company to Mattel for an astounding $4.2 billion.
One of the original investors on Shark Tank, O’Leary quickly became one of the most recognizable sharks, earning the nickname ‘Mr. Wonderful’ for his sharp wit, no-nonsense attitude, and blunt honesty. As of 2024, O’Leary’s net worth is estimated at $400 million.
Daniel Lubetzky – Estimated Net Worth: $2.3 Billion
Founder of snack company Kind LLC, Daniel Lubetzky made his debut on Shark Tank as a guest shark in Season 11. He made a strong impression by acquiring a 25% stake in Yellow Leaf Hammocks for $1 million during his guest appearance.
With Mark Cuban set to leave the show after the upcoming Season 16, Lubetzky has now taken on a regular role as a shark. He ranks second among the sharks by net worth, which is estimated at $2.3 billion.
Lubetzky’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1994 with the founding of PeaceWorks, a company focused on promoting products made by groups in conflict, as per Forbes.
During one of his trips for PeaceWorks, he discovered a fruit and nut bar, which inspired him to launch Kind Healthy Snacks in 2004. Lubetzky sold a majority stake in the company to Mars in 2020 in a deal that reportedly valued Kind at $5 billion.
Mark Cuban – Estimated Net Worth: $5.5 Billion
The owner of the Dallas Mavericks, Mark Cuban was the sole billionaire on Shark Tank with an estimated net worth of $5.5 billion until Daniel Lubetzky joined the show.
Raised in a middle-class family, Cuban showed an entrepreneurial spirit early on, selling garbage bags and coins as a child. His business career began with MicroSolutions, a venture he co-founded with a college friend.
He later founded Broadcast.com, a video portal that Yahoo acquired for $5.7 billion in 1999. Today, Cuban holds a minority stake in the Dallas Mavericks and co-founded Cost Plus Drugs in 2022, with the mission of reducing prescription drug prices.
How Much do the Sharks Get paid for Shark Tank?
In addition to their businesses and numerous investments, a significant portion of the sharks’ income also comes from their salaries on Shark Tank. While the exact amount each shark earns is not publicly confirmed, estimates have been reported.
According to a 2016 Variety report, each shark was earning approximately $50,000 per episode. It’s important to note that these figures may have changed, given that it’s been nearly a decade since the last report, and no recent sources have shed light on the sharks’ current pay.
As Shark Tank gears up for Season 16, these renowned business moguls will once again take their seats on the panel, eagerly scouting for innovative and promising business ideas.
Shark Tank Season 16 will premiere on October 16, 2024 on ABC.
Previous seasons of Shark Tank are available to watch on Hulu.
