Cheek’d Shark Tank Update | Cheek’d Net Worth

Cheek’d is a dating service that appeared on Season 5 of the American television show Shark Tank. Cheek’d, unlike conventional online dating platforms, combines an online platform with business cards to offer a hybrid of online and “real-life” dating.

Cheek’d package includes a deck of 50 dating cards, each inscribed with a cheeky phrase and a unique code. Cheek’d cards can be given to people interested in you when you encounter them.

The recipient then goes to the Cheek’d website, enters the unique code on the card, and gains access to the giver’s online profile, making the initial contact much less awkward and more interesting.

Users can create a profile online with photos, personal information, and unique card codes. As a user, you can track the cards you’ve handed out and even see if and when someone has viewed your profile.

Cheek’d is also designed with user privacy and safety in mind. Communication between users can only occur if both parties show interest.

Cheek’d offers a fresh take on the world of dating. It has a certain charm and intrigue missing from typical online dating platforms. 

Cheek’d takes some pressure off approaching someone new and adds a fun and flirty element. It presents an approach to making the first move, a universal challenge that cannot be solved via online and offline interactions alone.

Moreover, its ability to connect users in real-time, rather than through screen-based swiping and scrolling, lends a more personal touch to the interaction. 

It also addresses some issues inherent in traditional online dating, such as the lack of authenticity and the difficulty of standing out in a crowded digital space.

By presenting a unique and playful method of making that first connection, Cheek’d enables its users to leave a memorable impression, bringing spontaneity and serendipity back into dating.

What Is Cheek’d?

Cheek’d is a dating and social networking platform that connects real-life people through physical cards. It was founded by Lori Cheek in 2010. Users of Cheek’d can exchange their cards with people they are interested in, and if the other person is also interested, they can connect online through the Cheek’d website or app.

Cheek’d presents a unique approach to online dating by making missed connections obsolete. Cheek’d uses new Bluetooth technology as one of its defining features.

Cheek’d allows the app to function on the train, fostering hyper-local engagement. Unlike virtual time, the app connects people in real-time, which sets it apart from many other dating apps.

Cheek’d used a business card model where users would hand out cards to people they were interested in. These cards had a flirtatious phrase and a code that could be input on the Cheek’d website to connect with the card giver.

Over time, the company has evolved and shifted more towards digital technology. Cheek’d has gained significant recognition and was listed as #1 on #PrettyProgressive’s “11 Tasteful Dating Apps For Women”.

Who Is The Founder Of Cheek’d?

The founder of Cheek’d is Lori Cheek. Before stepping into the entrepreneurial world, Lori had a successful career as an architect. She worked for renowned companies in New York City for about 15 years.

However, Lori always had a knack for creativity and problem-solving, and her entrepreneurial spirit led her to plunge into a completely different realm – dating. Lori came up with Cheek’d organically and spontaneously.

She was dining with a colleague at a restaurant, and her colleague slipped his business card to a woman who caught his eye. This simple act sparked the idea for Cheek’d – a reverse-engineered online dating platform.

Lori realized that this method could solve the discomfort of making the first move and the common pitfalls of online dating. The aim was to make meeting new people playful and personal.

Before appearing on Shark Tank, Cheek’d had already sparked curiosity and interest. The innovative nature of Cheek’d caught the media’s attention, and it was featured in publications like The New York Times, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal.

Despite this, the company struggled to scale and make a substantial profit. The opportunity to present on Shark Tank was a golden opportunity for Lori to showcase her product to millions of viewers and secure an investment that could propel Cheek’d to the next level.

Regardless of the outcomes, the appearance on the show was invaluable in terms of exposure and feedback, which would further drive the brand’s evolution.

How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of Cheek’d?

Lori Cheek, the founder of Cheek’d, presented her business on Shark Tank in February 2014 during Season 5 of the show. Lori was seeking an investment of $100,000 in exchange for a 10% stake in her company.

She explained the concept of Cheek’d to the Sharks, describing it as a way to take online dating into the real world. The Sharks listened intently as Lori demonstrated her unique approach to online dating.

However, despite the innovative concept, the Sharks had concerns about the viability and scalability of the business.

They pointed out the challenges of breaking into a highly competitive market, questioning whether handing out cards was a sustainable or efficient way to make connections.

Lori mentioned that the business struggled to profit, having only made around $56,000 in sales over three years. This financial revelation further amplified the Sharks’ concerns about the business model and profitability.

One of the Sharks, Mark Cuban, remarked that he loved the idea but felt it was not an investable business due to the lack of a scalable business model.

Daymond John voiced concerns about the difficulty of getting people to go to a website to connect, especially when there are dating apps where connections can be made immediately.

Lori Greiner admired Lori’s passion but wasn’t convinced about the product. The other Sharks echoed similar sentiments.

Unfortunately, Lori Cheek didn’t receive an offer from any Sharks. Despite the setback, Lori said she would not stop trying to revolutionize the dating world with Cheek’d. It was a challenging pitch, but it gave her exposure and invaluable feedback to refine her business.

After her appearance on Shark Tank, Lori Cheek pushed forward, significantly changing her business model and branding strategy.

Final Deal: No deal between Sharks and Cheek’d.

Did Cheek’d Get a Deal on Shark Tank?

No, Cheek’d did not get a deal on Shark Tank. Lori Cheek, the entrepreneur behind the dating service, asked for $100,000 in exchange for 10% equity, but none of the Sharks were interested in investing.

The Sharks expressed doubts about the viability of the business and its unique matchmaking system. After the show, the company launched an app but faced tough competition from other dating apps already in the market.

What Happened To Cheek’d After Shark Tank?

After appearing on “Shark Tank” in 2014, Cheek’d, the dating app founded by Lori Cheek, received a significant boost in publicity and exposure. Despite not securing an investment from the sharks, the episode generated a surge in traffic to the Cheek’d website, leading to a wave of sign-ups.

However, sustaining this initial interest proved challenging for the company. The highly competitive dating app market posed obstacles as larger and more established players dominated the industry.

To pivot and attract more users, Cheek’d introduced “Bluetooth cards” in 2017. These cards allowed users to connect via Bluetooth technology, eliminating the need for physical cards with printed messages.

Despite these efforts, monetization and generating sustainable revenue remained difficult for Cheek’d, leading to rounds of downsizing and layoffs to reduce costs. In recent years, Cheek’d shifted its focus to becoming a professional networking platform.

The company now organizes events and offers a subscription-based service for professionals seeking to expand their professional network.

While Cheek’d has faced challenges and changed its appearance on “Shark Tank,” it continues to operate and adapt its business model to stay relevant in the industry.

Cheekd Shark Tank Update

After the episode of Shark Tank aired, Cheek’d received a significant response. Their website saw over 100,000 hits and received numerous emails, including inquiries from potential investors.

Building on this attention, the company underwent some changes. In 2015, they rebranded as Cheekd and launched a mobile app, abandoning reliance on physical cards.

The app utilized Bluetooth technology to notify users when they were within 30 feet of someone who matched their preferences. This allowed for real-time connections and conversations through the app.

However, the journey for Cheekd was not without challenges. In 2017, they faced a lawsuit for patent infringement filed by Alfred Pirri. He claimed that Cheekd had plagiarized his idea from 2006, which he had never put into action.

Cheekd denied the allegations and publicly referred to Pirri as “crazy” on social media. As a result, Pirri filed a second lawsuit for defamation, seeking $4 million in damages.

The legal battle continued until 2021, when the case was ultimately dismissed, with Pirri being ordered to pay Lori’s attorney fees.

Despite these legal obstacles, Cheekd persevered and remained operational. They transitioned from the physical card approach to a website and mobile app.

As of 2023, their mobile app is available on the App Store for iOS devices, but it’s unclear if there are plans for an Android version. Despite the hurdles, the company has continued connecting users and facilitating real-world interactions through its mobile app and website.

Cheekd is reportedly valued at $3 million as of 2023, indicating that they have managed to sustain their business despite the challenges.

Those interested in learning more about the app can visit their website or follow them on social media platforms such as Twitter (@cheekd) and Facebook, although it should be noted that their Facebook page has not been updated recently.

Is Cheek’d Still In Business?

Our research shows that Cheek’d is still in business. After appearing on Shark Tank, the company experienced a surge in website traffic and received interest from prospective investors.

Cheek’d rebranded as Cheekd and transitioned from using physical business cards to utilizing a mobile app and low-energy Bluetooth technology.

The app notifies users when someone matching their criteria is within 30 feet of them, allowing for real-time connections.

Cheekd generates revenue through customer membership fees, earning over $1 million annually. Cheekd’s estimated net worth is $3 million.

What Is the Net Worth Of Cheek’d?

According to our research, the net worth of Cheek’d is estimated to be $3 million. The valuation of Cheek’d was $1 million when it appeared on Shark Tank.

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