1. Nationality

Whilst Maltese participants represented only 12 (34%) of the 35 pitches, they tended to request a lower average amount of €175,425 in comparison to non-Maltese participants.

On average, non-Maltese participants were asking for €253,095.

The more conservative requests may have contributed to the funding success rate for Maltese pitches of 50%, as opposed to the success rate of 24% for non-Maltese pitches.

2. Gender

24 pitches were presented by men (69%), who also received the majority of the funds invested. However, once again, this statistic deserves further analysis.

Six pitches were presented by women (17%), and such pitches had a 50% success rate, though, on average, the female entrepreneurs requested, €90,667 versus €252,254 by men.

There were five mixed-gender groups and they achieved a 20% success rate, though they were also requesting the highest amount, averaging €269,200.

3. Sharks

The first season had seen close to €1.2m invested, though the second season didn’t even reach €800,000, with only 31% of the pitches being funded as opposed to last year’s 43%.

This year’s season involved a new personality, Chris Vassallo, together with three guest sharks: Angelo Dalli, Dino Fino, and Steve Mercieca. This season also featured the return of Mark Bajada, Christabelle Camilleri, and Alexander Fenech.

All of the Sharks that came for a second season invested considerably less than last year. For example, Mark invested €295,500 less than last year, Alexander invested €136,666 less, and Christabelle invested €62,667 less.

There may be a multitude of reasons for the reduced investment, ranging from the quality of pitches to, possibly, the Sharks becoming more established locally and utilising their ‘risk’ capital outside of the televised production.

It is to be noted that Christabelle Camilleri, apart from being the most active Shark having made six investments out of a total of 11 funded pitches made throughout the season, continued to follow last season’s pattern and funded two of the three successful female-led enterprises.

Thus, it is the author’s observation that the show’s producers should consider inviting another female shark to the show to possibly strengthen this pattern of funding.

With respect to the new Sharks, Chris Vassallo funded five pitches with the highest contribution totalling €345,000 (46% of the pledged funds). From the group of guest sharks, Angelo Dalli invested the most with €68,333 over three deals.

Furthermore, an entrepreneur promoting a pitch must acknowledge that each individual Shark has their own strengths and weaknesses, and specialisation in particular industries.

Thus, start-up entrepreneurs should consider honing their pitch to attract one or two sharks at best.

Most of the Sharks will now be undertaking further due diligence to finalise their investments, which is a process through which a number of funded entrepreneurs may struggle to succeed.

4. TV pitch

Shark Tank adds an element of complexity to an investment pitch through its on-screen element.

An entrepreneur’s pitch needs to be designed for a TV audience and come across as more interactive than does a simple face-to-face pitch.

Furthermore, there is a greater emphasis on the product’s everyday use-ability to appeal to the widest televised audience in addition to describing the entrepreneur’s journey to arrive at this stage.

5. Conclusion

Whilst the funding stage is glamourised through Shark Tank, the truth is that it is only one of the many considerations that a budding founder needs to deal with.

As a founder, do allow yourself adequate time to plan, prepare, and practice your promotional pitch. Furthermore, do keep in mind that fundraising is a time-consuming endeavour with Shark Tank Malta being one of the avenues that you may consider.

Meanwhile, start-up entrepreneurs, pursue your dreams with enthusiasm, and keep striving for success until you achieve your goals! 

Then, upgrade your operations and continue enjoying the thrill of entrepreneurship!

Thomas is the founder of idisav, a consultancy practice that is focused on fundraising for early stage companies and exit planning of business operations, including assisting entrepreneurs with acquiring and/or divesting of business units.

His professional background includes qualification in accountancy through the ACCA study course, and forming part of the Advisory team in a ‘Big Four’ accountancy firm.

Upon departing from the firm he founded and operated one of Malta’s largest property management companies, which was subsequently acquired by a listed entity.

Thomas is an avid endurance sports athlete, and had established numerous world records in ocean rowing when he successfully rowed across the Atlantic Ocean. Nowadays he stays active through road and trail running.

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