“Shark Tank” has captivated audiences with its high-stakes business pitches and dynamic panel of investors. Here are 20 little-known facts about the show that will surprise even its most dedicated fans.

6 35,000 to 40,000 apply, but 100 pitches are aired.

Each season, approximately 35,000 to 40,000 entrepreneurs submit applications to be on the show. Out of these, about 1,000 applicants move on to the next stage of consideration, and roughly 100 pitches are ultimately broadcast.

5 Shark Tank removed contestant equity rule after Mark Cuban’s threat.

The production company behind Shark Tank initially required contestants to give up 5% equity or 2% profits to appear on the show. Mark Cuban threatened to quit over this rule, leading to its removal. This change was applied retroactively to benefit all contestants​.

4 Mark Cuban’s $6.3 billion net worth exceeds all cohosts’ combined.

Mark Cuban’s net worth of $6.2 billion is more than twice the combined net worth of all his ‘Shark Tank’ cohosts.

3 Shark Tank pitches last an hour, edited to 10 minutes.

Shark Tank pitches often last about an hour, with the longest being 2.5 hours, but are edited to 10 minutes for TV. This extensive editing ensures the show’s fast-paced, engaging format.

2 Ring rejected on Shark Tank, sold to Amazon for $1 billion.

In 2013, Jamie Siminoff pitched his product, then called DoorBot, on Shark Tank but did not secure a deal. Despite this setback, he rebranded the company to Ring and continued to develop the product. In 2018, Amazon acquired Ring for $1 billion, making it a significant post-Shark Tank success story.

1 “Shark Tank” (2009) is the American version of Japan’s “Tigers of Money” (2001) and follows the British show “Dragons’ Den” (2005).

The original Japanese show “Tigers of Money” aired in 2001. The British version, “Dragons’ Den,” which follows a similar format, launched in 2005. “Shark Tank” premiered in the United States in 2009, closely following the “Dragons’ Den” format.