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BeSomebody founder Kash Shaikh presented his social experience marketplace app on Shark Tank season 8, seeking $1 million for a 10% equity valuation. His platform charged 20% commission on each booking, averaging $40 per experience while serving 5 million social media followers.
Despite bringing Ninja Warrior star Travis Bruer, Bollywood dancers, and Olympic soccer champion Christine Lily for a grand showcase, the pitch crumbled as sharks questioned the business model and liability concerns. Mark Cuban exited first after a heated debate about market viability. When it came to Barbara Corcoran's evaluation, she stated,
"I find you enormously abrasive. You drive me nuts. I feel as though you don't have the capacity to listen. Could you imagine what kind of a partner you would make for me? I'm out."
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Following the Shark Tank, BeSomebody sold to Utivity Holdings in 2017 for an undisclosed amount, discontinued its app in 2018 and rebranded as BSB Group International.
All six Shark Tank investors passed on BeSomebody's million-dollar ask in season 8
BeSomebody created a digital space where users connected with local experts for hands-on training experiences. The platform maintained a straightforward revenue model, taking 20% from each booking while experiences cost users around $40 on average.
At the time of the Shark Tank pitch, Shaikh's ownership of the #besomebody social media presence had built a following of over 5 million users. The company had organized 2,000 in-person meetups, showing strong community engagement.
The app aimed to help experts monetize their skills through direct student connections. Users could search for local instructors in various fields, from sports to arts to professional skills. The booking system handled payments, scheduling, and communication between parties. BeSomebody vetted each expert through a detailed application process to maintain quality standards.
Mark Cuban started the string of rejections after a heated exchange about the company's direction. Shark Tank investor questioned the sustainability of the business model and market demand. Robert Herjavec followed, stating he couldn't grasp how the platform would maintain consistent growth.
Lori Greiner expressed skepticism about the app's chances in an oversaturated market. Daymond John and Kevin O'Leary brought up serious concerns about liability issues from in-person meetings between strangers.
Business pivot
As per Shark Tank Blog, after selling to Utivity Holdings in February 2017, BeSomebody shifted focus when the app shut down in January 2018 due to low user demand. Shaikh changed the company's direction toward corporate job training and skill development. The business established critical partnerships with major companies including Kroger and Microsoft.
The launch of BSB Group International in April 2020 marked a strategic expansion. The company rolled out Besomebody Paths, their signature training program which has created over 2,000 jobs across the United States. During the COVID-19 pandemic, BSB Group supported local businesses in Cincinnati by providing free marketing services to help them through the crisis.
BSB Group International has achieved substantial growth since its transformation. The company's annual revenue reached between $20-25 million through its training and development services. In 2019, Entrepreneur Magazine recognized the company as one of America's top private businesses.
The Shark Tank company expanded its reach in 2022 by introducing a sports division focused on helping college athletes capitalize on name and image opportunities. BSB Group also moved into content creation, launching "The Besomebody Podcast." The company announced plans for BSB TV, a digital channel dedicated to business growth content.
The training programs now serve both Fortune 500 companies and startups, offering specialized workforce development solutions. The company maintains its headquarters in Cincinnati while serving clients nationwide. Through its corporate partnerships, BSB Group continues to expand its training and development programs across various industries.
Fans can watch new episodes of Shark Tank on ABC network.
