"Impossible to deal with"- Shark Tank star Daniel Lubetzky reveals the biggest mistake entrepreneurs make on the show

Daniel Lubetzky is a businessman, philanthropist, and Shark Tank investor who founded KIND Snacks, a company focused on healthy and sustainable snack products.

Before KIND, he launched PeaceWorks, an initiative that promoted economic cooperation in conflict regions. As a teenager, his entrepreneurial journey began early, selling watches at flea markets.

Daniel Lubetzky, entrepreneur and Shark Tank investor, recently shared a key mistake many contestants make on the show. In a December 14, 2024, Instagram reel, he said,

“One big mistake that I noticed two excellent entrepreneurs make yesterday was that they both were so overconfident, so overly tenacious that they went across the line from credible [to] feel like impossible to deal with."

He further explained that entrepreneurs need to be tenacious and have grit, but they must also find the right balance—being determined enough while remaining approachable so that people want to work with them.

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About Shark Tank investor Daniel Lubetzky

Born in Mexico City, Lubetzky immigrated to the U.S. at sixteen. He earned degrees in economics and international relations from Trinity University and later obtained a law degree from Stanford University. His business philosophy emphasizes social impact, a principle reflected in his investments on Shark Tank.

Lubetzky founded KIND Snacks in 2004 after his experience with PeaceWorks. The brand quickly became a leader in the healthy snack industry. In 2017, Mars Inc. acquired a minority stake in KIND, later purchasing a majority stake in 2020. According to Forbes, the deal was worth $5 billion, though Lubetzky retained an undisclosed share.

The media outlet reported that Lubetzky's business ventures, primarily in the snack industry, contribute to his $2.3 billion net worth as of October 25, 2024. In addition to Shark Tank, he has launched initiatives like Builders, which promotes problem-solving and collaboration.

Lubetzky joined Shark Tank as a guest investor, bringing a new perspective due to his background in social entrepreneurship. His investments align with his philosophy of combining business success with social responsibility.

On Shark Tank, Lubetzky has backed several startups that align with his values. He evaluates entrepreneurs not only on their financials but also on their ability to lead and innovate. His approach differs from that of other investors like Kevin O’Leary, who seemingly often focuses primarily on revenue and profit margins.

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Entrepreneurial and philanthropic work

Before Shark Tank, Lubetzky focused on bridging divides through business. PeaceWorks was designed to promote cooperation between groups in conflict areas, such as Israel and Palestine. This initiative later influenced his decision to create KIND Snacks.

In addition to his business ventures, Lubetzky has worked on projects aimed at reducing political and social polarization. He founded OneVoice and Starts With Us, civic movements encouraging bipartisan solutions to major issues.

Lubetzky’s background also includes membership in organizations like the Anti-Defamation League's Inaugural Board of Directors. He has received multiple awards, including the Salute to Greatness Humanitarian Award from The King Center.

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Work-life balance and personal growth

Lubetzky has spoken openly about the challenges of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. He previously worked long hours, often sleeping only four hours a night. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, he has prioritized better sleep and exercise habits.

In a CNBC Make It interview on September 30, 2024, he said that improving his self-care routines made him more productive. He now aims to sleep at least six hours per night. Lubetzky stated that he feels more motivated and capable of managing his responsibilities effectively.

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New episodes of Shark Tank air on ABC on Fridays at 8/7c.