KIND founder Daniel Lubetzky joins 'Shark Tank' for Mark Cuban's final season
A new shark has entered the tank.
KIND Snacks Founder Daniel Lubetzky will be joining Season 16 of "Shark Tank," and will eventually fill the big shoes left by Mark Cuban.
The Mexico City native will join the investor line-up that includes Barbara Corcoran, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John and Kevin O’Leary, the account's official Instagram page confirmed Wednesday. Cuban is set to stay through Season 16 ahead of his exit next year.
Having served as a reoccurring guest on ABC's reality series for the past five seasons, Lubetzky said he is thrilled to join an exceptional cast and partner with entrepreneurs "from all walks of life as they come to Shark Tank for their chance to realize the American dream."
"This is my first season as a regular shark," Lubetzky said in an Instagram video. "My mom's still around and hopefully she's proud, and I hope my dad is looking from above and seeing not just what I've achieved, but how I achieved it by trying my very best to always follow the values that he taught me."
Who is Daniel Lubetzky?
Daniel Lubetzky serves as the executive chairman of the snack company KIND, which he founded in 2004 and sold in 2020 while retaining a financial stake. The company is known for its tasty, yet healthy fruit and nut bars and routinely engages in several social change initiatives.
The 56-year-old philanthropist also founded marketing and consulting company PeaceWorks, co-founded civic initiative Builders Movement and runs the investment company Camino Partners. He currently has a net worth of $2.3 million, according to Forbes.
Born in Mexico City to Sonia Lubetzky and holocaust survivor Roman Lubetzky, he has long been open about his journey of perseverance. He attended the Trinity University in San Antonio, majoring in economics and international relations, and later graduated from Stanford Law School.
Why is Mark Cuban leaving 'Shark Tank?'
Mark Cuban announced his departure from "Shark Tank" last November after spending over a decade as a key investor.
The Dallas Mavericks owner's exit will occur in 2025 after filming Season 16, he previously said in an email to USA TODAY.
"I just want to have a couple summers with my teens before they go off on their own," Cuban said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter on Monday. "Nothing to do with the show. I love it. I love being on it. I love what (it) represents and how it motivates entrepreneurs around the world."
When does 'Shark Tank' come back?
Season 16 of "Shark Tank" premieres on ABC on Friday, Oct. 18 at 8 p.m. ET, with new episodes airing Friday nights.
Episodes including the premiere will also be available to stream on Hulu the next day, Saturday, Oct. 19.
Season 16 guest sharks will include IT Cosmetics co-founder Jamie Kern Lima, jewelry company founder Kendra Scott, venture capitalist Rashaun Williams and Raising Cane's founder Todd Graves.
