“We really want you involved in our company”: The Shark Tank Judge Who F**ked Up By Not Investing in Snapchat, It Made $5 Billion in 2024

Shark Tank is a platform where some of the most brilliant minds in the industry come together to invest in innovative and creative projects. While Mark Cuban has his own loyal fan base, Chris Sacca was not far behind in popularity during his appearances on the show. The tech investor, who appeared as a guest judge, already had a highly successful career to his name.

Chris Sacca in Shark Tank | Credits: ABC Network

However, even the greatest make mistakes, and Sacca was no exception when he passed on the opportunity to invest in Snapchat. Fast forward to 2024, and the app is soaring in popularity, having generated a staggering $5 billion in revenue. While Sacca might regret his decision, let’s dive deeper to understand how the deal unfolded on Shark Tank.

Chris Sacca detailed how he missed the opportunity to invest in Snapchat

Chris Sacca has long been celebrated as one of the sharpest minds in tech investing. From his early days as a Google employee to becoming a prominent venture capitalist, he has built an impressive portfolio. This includes major stakes in Twitter, Uber, Stripe, and Automattic.

Mark Cuban and Chris Sacca in Shark Tank | Credits: ABC Network

Known for spotting promising startups before they explode, Sacca has also gained popularity as a guest on Shark Tank, where his sharp wit and cowboy shirt became instant fan favorites. However, even the most accomplished investors have their share of missed opportunities, and for Sacca, one of the most notable was Snapchat.

Sacca himself shared the story behind this slip-up via Vanity Fair, revealing that it wasn’t a lack of interest but a matter of timing and initial hesitation. He added:

He continued:

Beyond this missed opportunity, Sacca’s reputation only grew when he joined Shark Tank as a guest investor in its seventh season. His presence on the show brought a fresh perspective to millions of viewers, showcasing his deep knowledge of tech startups and business strategy. What struck Sacca most during his time on the show was its wide-reaching influence.

Although missing out on Snapchat may be a regret for Chris Sacca, it’s a reminder that even the best in the game have their “what if” moments. Not only this, but Snapchat has also achieved remarkable success. The company, which Sacca once passed on, grew into a major player in the tech world. By 2024, Snapchat generated a staggering $5 billion via Macrotrends in revenue.

Mark Cuban lived like a student to keep his wealth

Mark Cuban in Shark Tank | Credits: ABC Network

Apart from his stint on Shark Tank, Mark Cuban is known for his smart business moves and successful investments. However, after becoming a millionaire, he didn’t rush to spend his wealth. Instead, he focused on making sure his money would last for the long run.

After selling his first tech company, MicroSolutions, for $6 million in 1990, Cuban walked away with around $2 million.

Rather than splurging, he decided to invest carefully. He told Jules Terpak,

Cuban also chose to live simply as he didn’t come from money. His father worked as an automobile upholsterer and he knew that wealth could be gone quickly. In the same conversation, he added:

This careful approach continued even after his next big win in 1999 when he sold Broadcast.com, an audio streaming service, to Yahoo for $5.7 billion.

You can watch all the seasons of Shark Tank on Peacock.