"All these years" - Shark Tank investor Mark Cuban prepares for his final season as the show introduces a new Shark

Mark Cuban, the billionaire entrepreneur and co-owner of the Dallas Mavericks, will conclude his time on the well-known ABC reality show Shark Tank following season 16. Since becoming a full-time investor in season 3, Cuban has been a prominent member of the panel. He recently shared that this season will mark his final appearance.

During an interview with the All the Smoke podcast by Showtime, he discussed the show's impact on aspiring entrepreneurs in November 2023.

"I feel like in doing ‘Shark Tank’ all these years, we’ve trained multiple generations of entrepreneurs...that’s going to inspire generations of kids," Cuban stated.

His departure comes as the show introduces a new permanent investor, Daniel Lubetzky, founder of Kind Snacks.

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Mark Cuban's departure and the introduction of a new shark on Shark Tank

Mark Cuban’s contribution to the show

Mark Cuban was first seen on Shark Tank during its second season as a guest investor, then later became a regular shark on season 3. Cuban has used his time on the show to push for entrepreneurship and the "American Dream." In his interview with All the Smoke, Cuban said:

“It sends the message the American Dream is alive and well.”

He further emphasized that the show has had a significant impact on aspiring entrepreneurs from across the country.

“We’ve trained multiple generations of entrepreneurs that if somebody can come from Iowa or Sacramento or wherever, and show up on the carpet of ‘Shark Tank’ and show their business and get a deal, that’s going to inspire generations of kids,” he stated.

Cuban’s time on the show saw him invest in numerous companies, spanning various industries. He highlighted that his decisions and interactions with entrepreneurs have played a major role in the show’s influence and popularity.

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Daniel Lubetzky joins the panel as a full-time shark

Featured Session: Daniel Lubetzky on Our Role in Overcoming America's Division - 2023 SXSW Conference and Festivals (Image via Getty)

Daniel Lubetzky will be taking a permanent seat on the panel of the show season 16 onwards. Lubetzky has been a guest investor on the show in previous seasons. He is best known for being the founder of Kind Snacks, which has become a leader in the health snack industry.

Executive producer Clay Newbill highlighted Lubetzky’s qualifications, stating:

"He is a self-made founder of a multibillion-dollar company, has all the qualities we look for in a Shark, and possesses an authentic desire to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses."

Lubetzky will be joining Barbara Corcoran, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John, and Kevin O’Leary as a full-time investor. His addition is expected to bring fresh perspectives and expertise to the panel.

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Guest sharks for Shark Tank season 16

76th Creative Arts Emmys - Winner's Walk (Image via Getty)

Several high-profile guest sharks are set to appear in season 16 and make up the diverse expertise on the panel. These include Todd Graves, who is the founder and owner of Raising Cane's; Jamie Kern Lima, co-founder of IT Cosmetics; and Rashaun Williams, a venture capitalist and limited partner of the Atlanta Falcons.

Included among the guest sharks will be philanthropist and founder of the namesake lifestyle brand Kendra Scott. These entrepreneurs shall make up the main panel of sharks to gauge business proposals, and their findings will add value to this insight.

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Do not miss out on the new deals and innovations! Catch all the new episodes of Shark Tank on ABC on Fridays at 8 PM ET. All episodes are available to stream on Hulu anytime.