BeSomebody Shark Tank Update
Empowering Connections: The BeSomebody Revolution with Kash Shaikh
BeSomebody is a motivational software that connects individuals with shared interests. It was introduced by Kash Shaikh in Shark Tank season 08, episode 7.
As a former executive at Procter & Gamble and the ex-global head of communication and social media at GoPro, Shaikh founded his company in 2012 with a vision of creating an “experience marketplace.”
The BeSomebody app allows users to discover people in their vicinity who possess skills they aspire to learn.
Through the app, users can compensate these individuals for sharing their expertise. Shaikh describes the app’s user base as “passionate people.”
Kash Shaikh created BeSomebody during his travels with P&G in 2009 when she penned a blog post titled “Be Somebody.”
Today, over 5 million individuals across 180 countries follow the #besomebody hashtag and engage with the blog.
Shaikh’s platform has enabled app users in Austin, Texas, to earn approximately $100,000 by teaching others about their passions and skills.
With the goal of transforming BeSomebody into an educational hub where individuals can exchange their knowledge and passions, Shaikh aims to secure $2 million in venture funding.
BeSomebody, a smartphone application, facilitates live experiences with experts in various fields, offering users the opportunity to gain practical knowledge.
Focused on uniting like-minded individuals who share a passion for learning, the app emphasizes mentorship and connection.
Kash Shaikh, the founder and CEO of BeSomebody, is an alumnus of the University of Texas at Austin.
With prior experience at Sprint, Procter & Gamble, and GoPro as the Senior Vice President of Global Marketing & Communications, Shaikh is dedicated to helping individuals uncover their passions and achieve personal and business success.
Having been recognized by PR Week’s “40 under 40” list and Brandweek’s “Marketer of the Year” list, Kash Shaikh is determined to revolutionize the way individuals pursue their passions.
By introducing a platform that fosters experiential learning and mentorship, Shaikh aims to empower users to explore their interests and expand their skill sets.
The BeSomebody marketplace connects users with experts to acquire hands-on experience in various fields through Shaikh’s team’s pioneering work in experiential learning.
The platform’s hosts, known as “passionaries,” earn from sharing their expertise and love for their craft.
The Sharks are captivated by the platform’s potential, with Shaikh’s innovative approach to experiential learning resonating with the investors.
As BeSomebody continues to grow and inspire individuals to pursue their passions, Shaikh’s vision of a global community united by shared interests is steadily becoming a reality.
BeSomebody Shark Tank Pitch
Kash Shaikh made an appearance on the popular television show Shark Tank, seeking a $1 million investment in exchange for a 10% stake in his company, BeSomebody.
Alongside other celebrities from the 1990s, Kash attempted to impress the panel of investors by showcasing his app and its unique selling point.
During the presentation, Christine Lily, an Olympic soccer player, was brought in to demonstrate the app’s capability to sell experiences.
The group illustrated how users could book and enjoy various experiences through the BeSomebody app, highlighting its functionality and appeal.
Following the demo, Barbara Corcoran inquired about the app’s business model.
Kash explained that BeSomebody takes a 20% commission from each transaction made through the platform, with the average experience costing around $40.
He also mentioned that he was the first to trademark #besomebody, boasting a substantial following and having organized numerous social events.
Despite impressing some of the sharks with his demo, Kash faced criticism from the panel.
Mark Cuban left the negotiation early after a disagreement with Kash, while Barbara and Robert expressed doubts about the business model.
Lori Greiner, on the other hand, believed BeSomebody resembled other unsuccessful apps and chose to exit the discussion.
Ultimately, Kash left the Shark Tank without securing an investment deal. The episode highlighted the challenges entrepreneurs face when pitching their ideas to potential investors, showcasing the importance of a solid business model and effective presentation skills in securing funding.
Final Deal: No deal between Sharks and BeSomebody.
BeSomebody After Shark Tank: A Success Story from Shark Tank to Corporate Training Excellence
Kash, a former Shark Tank participant, sold a Denver-based company that developed the ExperienceNow app, which aids job seekers in their career searches.
Following the sale, Kash ventured to a new state to establish a business focused on helping people achieve success. Through strategic partnerships with major corporations like Kroger and Microsoft, Kash quickly found profitability.
Since its appearance on Shark Tank in 2016, Besomebody has enabled thousands across the nation to secure employment through its in-person training programs known as Besomebody Paths.
Besomebody reported revenue of $20 million in 2019, ranking fourth among its private holdings. It offers services such as online business coaching and marketing training.
Despite a setback when the Besomebody app was deactivated less than two months after its launch due to a lack of repeat business, Kash persevered.
Currently, Besomebody focuses on corporate training utilizing artificial intelligence-driven candidate matching.
Recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2019 as one of America’s top private companies with $20 million in annual revenue, Besomebody continues to thrive.
Following its appearance on Shark Tank, Besomebody’s experience marketplace app was acquired by Utivity Holdings, Inc.
However, the Denver-based firm no longer maintains an online presence since March 2019. Shaikh, the founder of Besomebody, shared in September 2018 that the company’s new focus is on supporting businesses.
With a promise to help individuals pursue their passions, Besomebody acquired Pixelbug Technologies in February 2019 to enhance its hiring and training capabilities with AI.
BeSomebody is still in business with an estimated net worth of $20 million. Besomebody’s mission remains unwavering, aiming to assist organizations in everything from recruitment to fostering a positive work culture.
