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Shark Tank SA: FAQs

News
28 June 2016
Frequently asked questions for Shark Tank South Africa.
Shark tank FAQ V3

What is Shark Tank South Africa?

Itโ€™s a new reality show focusing on entrepreneurs to be screened on M-Net, channel 101, from October 2016.

Budding entrepreneurs go up in front of a panel of five successful business moguls, known as the โ€œSharksโ€, and pitch their business ideas, product ideas or inventions to them. They have to persuade the sharks that their money-making scheme is worth investing in. The Sharks then decide whether they want to cut a deal with the entrepreneurs or not.

How is it different to Dragonโ€™s Den?

Shark Tank is the turbo-charged version of Dragonโ€™s Den. The two shows are different versions of the same reality show concept.

Why is M-Net doing Shark Tank when Mzansi Magic did Dragonโ€™s Den?

M-Net would like to promote an entrepreneurial spirit in our country and believes that the fast-paced, entertaining Shark Tank format is a perfect fit for M-Net 101.

The show provides a unique platform for budding entrepreneurs to make their business dreams come true, in line with what M-Net sets out to achieve with many of its reality shows: To provide South Africans with a springboard to finding success.

Who is producing the show?

Production company Rapid Blue is producing the series for M-Net.

How do I enter?

You need to fill out the online form and submit an entry video here.

When do entries close?

Entries close on Sunday, 31 July 2016.

What should be on the video?

We are looking for a 60 second condensed version of your business pitch.

Who should appear in the video?ย 

You should pitch your idea as you would if you were in the Shark Tank. ie: The same people who would pitch to the sharks must be featured in the shorter video.ย 

What questions should be addressed on the video?ย 

We want to know what your business idea / product / invention is, how much money you want from the sharks, and what percentage of equity you would give them in return.

How long should it be?ย 

60 seconds.

How do I upload it?ย ย 

There is a video pitch upload button on the application form as per below.

In which format should it be?ย 

Mov, mpg, mp4, m4v, avi or 3gp.

Do I still have to fill out an entry form?ย ย 

If you are shortlisted you will need to fill out a more comprehensive application form which will be shared with you at a later stage.

Will I be notified that my video has been received?ย 

You will receive an automated response that your application was received, however, we are not able to contact everyone individually.

Does it have to be a professional video or can I shoot it on my phone?

It does not need to be professional, you can film it on your phone.

Is there an age limit to who can enter?

No persons under 18 may enter the series.

If I entered Dragonโ€™s Den, can I enter Shark Tank?

Yes you may.

By when will I know that Iโ€™ve been successful?

If your application is successful you will be notified by 4th August.

Will unsuccessful candidates also be notified?

Unsuccessful candidates will not be notified. If you havenโ€™t heard from us by 4th August, your application has not been successful.

How much money do I need to enter?

You do not need any money to enter the show. You simply have to have a solid pitch for the sharks to consider.

Who determines the selection of the contestants on the show?

The contestants are selected by the Producers in conjunction with a reputable business analysis firm. This is standard practice for the format across the world.

What kind of businesses is the show looking for?

Anything and everything โ€“ from start-up businesses to product ideas and inventions.

What is the prize?

If you are successful in the Shark Tank, it means that one or more of the sharks will match the offer that you make to them in your pitch, and invest in your idea.

When does filming start?

Filming for the series will start mid-August 2016.

When will the show be on air?

The show will be broadcast on M-Net in October 2016, once a week on Sunday nights.

How long are the episodes?

Each episode will be one hour in duration.

Does my company have to be BBEEE compliant?

No, anyone can enter the show, whether you have an already established business or not.

Who are the sharks?

The sharks will be announced at a later stage.

Is Shark Tank South Africa on social media?

Yes, you can ย like theย show on Facebook and follow it on Twitter.ย