Our Shark Tank Adventure!Updated a month ago
Inside the Tank: Our PROVEN Journey on Shark Tank!
Have you ever wondered what it's really like to step into the famous Shark Tank? Our very own Co-Founder and CEO, Ming S. Zhao, knows firsthand! We're excited to pull back the curtain and share the incredible story of PROVEN's appearance on the hit ABC show.
A Historic Moment for Skincare!
PROVEN made history as the first skincare brand to be featured on Shark Tank in five years! Producers told Ming they rarely feature skincare, but our innovative and disruptive approach to personalized skincare caught their eye. This was a huge moment, and Ming definitely felt the pressure to tell our story well to millions of viewers!
The Road to the Tank
Our journey to Shark Tank was unique! A producer initially reached out when PROVEN was in Y-Combinator (a startup accelerator). However, Ming felt it wasn't the right time as we were still deep in developing our personalized formulas with our Stanford scientists and conducting clinical trials.
Fast forward a year, and with thousands of raving beta customers and proven efficacy, it was clear: it was time for Shark Tank! Ming took the initiative, went to an open casting call, and earned PROVEN's spot.
Crafting the Perfect Pitch (No "Schtick" Here!)
Some advised Ming to create a "schtick" for TV, but for PROVEN, authenticity was key. Her pitch focused on three powerful elements:
- Solving a Real Problem: Ming highlighted the industry's low satisfaction rate – nearly half of skincare users are unhappy! PROVEN was born to change that by offering clinically effective, personalized skincare.
- A Personalized Demonstration: To truly bring PROVEN to life, Ming created custom products for each Shark based on their unique needs.
- Daymond John: Received a formula to protect his skin from dry airplane air due to his frequent travel.
- Lori Greiner: Got products with extra emollients like fermented sea kelp and beta glucan to soothe her skin from daily TV makeup.
- Kevin O'Leary, Whose Ontario home has hard water, received a formula with fermented probiotics and citrus extracts to combat mineral deposits. This hands-on experience truly resonated!
- Ming's Personal Story: She shared her journey as a first-generation immigrant, moving to the U.S. at 12 without English, mastering it, and becoming a successful founder. She also spoke about being a mother, with PROVEN and her daughter being the same age – proving nothing would stop her from raising her "two babies."
Stepping into the Spotlight: The Filming Experience
Walking into the Tank was surreal! After months of preparation, the energy backstage was electrifying. When those famous double-doors opened, lights glaring and cameras rolling, Ming described feeling like "a deer in headlights." The entire filming, from start to finish, lasted about 30 intense minutes.
The Dynamics of Negotiation
Negotiations with the Sharks are known for being fierce, and PROVEN's was no exception! Kevin O'Leary immediately pressed for terms and valuation, which was high given PROVEN's existing top investors like Y-Combinator and Stanford University.
Ming noted the rapid-fire questions and the Sharks visibly trying to out-ask each other. "You have to answer one Shark, but then another Shark will visibly try to look peeved. It was very intense!" Ming recounted. Even a comment from Kevin about needing "anger management classes" highlighted the high-pressure environment!
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
While PROVEN didn't secure an investment deal during the episode, the experience was incredibly valuable. Being on the show allowed Ming to share PROVEN's story with millions across America, reinforcing her belief that hard work, optimism, and tenacity truly pay off – even if the path isn't exactly what you initially expected.
For any aspiring entrepreneurs, Ming's advice is clear: "Just go for it and apply! Why wouldn't you? You never know what could come out of it... Prepare to tell your story, tell it authentically and know what it is that you want out of the experience."
We're immensely proud of Ming's incredible journey and PROVEN's innovative spirit. Our appearance on Shark Tank was a testament to our disruptive approach in the beauty industry, and we continue to be dedicated to delivering personalized, effective skincare to you!