If you’re a big fan of Shark Tank like me, you might have wondered — which state gets the most love from the Sharks? Is it just about great products, or does where you live matter too?
Well, the numbers say it loud and clear — California is the champion. But wait, there’s more to the story. Many other states are stepping up with amazing business ideas and are getting their fair share of Shark deals too.
So in this article, I’m breaking down the state-by-state performance on Shark Tank. Whether you’re a business owner planning your pitch or just a curious viewer, this will give you a clear picture of which regions attract the Sharks the most.
Which States Have the Most Deals on Shark Tank?
Here’s a simple table showing the top-performing states based on total deals and investment amounts on Shark Tank:
State | Total Deals | Total Investment | Deal % of Total |
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California | 296 | $76.03M | 30.96% |
New York | 87 | $24.47M | 9.10% |
Florida | 71 | $16.20M | 7.43% |
Texas | 61 | $19.89M | 6.38% |
New Jersey | 65 | $14.16M | 6.80% |
Illinois | 44 | $9.50M | 4.50% |
Pennsylvania | 39 | $8.60M | 4.00% |
Ohio | 35 | $7.50M | 3.50% |
Michigan | 27 | $5.00M | 2.80% |
Utah | 25 | $6.50M | 2.50% |
As you can see, California takes the top spot with a huge margin, followed by New York and Texas.
Hello Friends, Here’s a Complete Industry-Wise Analysis of Shark Tank Success Patterns
Why California Leads the Way
California is home to Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, and many startup hubs. So it’s no surprise that entrepreneurs from this state dominate the Shark Tank board.
Some key reasons for California’s success:
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Strong startup ecosystem
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Innovative tech culture
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Access to mentors, incubators, and venture capital
For example, companies like Toygaroo and Scrub Daddy gained early fame and investment from Sharks. Many pitches from California also feature consumer-friendly products that can scale easily.
New York – Second in Line
New York is no slouch. With 87 deals and $24.5 million in investments, it’s clearly a state the Sharks trust.
Why New York stands out:
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Home to fashion, media, and food startups
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Strong entrepreneurial energy
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Personal connections (Daymond John and Barbara Corcoran are based here)
One big investment was in Quevos Chips, which got a $200,000 deal. New York startups often offer unique, scalable ideas that appeal to mass audiences.
Texas – The Mark Cuban Effect
Texas comes in third, and Mark Cuban has a lot to do with that. With 61 deals and nearly $20 million in investments, Texas has shown it can produce high-quality businesses.
Famous Shark Tank Texas deal:
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Hyconn, a quick-connect hose system, got $1.25 million for 100% equity from Mark Cuban.
Texas is now known for more than oil and cattle. With tech scenes in Austin and Dallas, it’s fast becoming a hotbed for startups.
Florida and Georgia – Southern Charm with Business Smarts
Both Florida and Georgia are slowly rising on the list. Florida had 71 deals, and Georgia had 28.
Florida appeals to Sharks with:
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Tourist and hospitality-focused businesses
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Unique lifestyle and consumer goods
Georgia’s rise is impressive too. The city of Atlanta is becoming a major tech and startup hub, attracting Sharks like Daymond John and Mark Cuban.
New Jersey and Pennsylvania – East Coast Energy
Close to New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania have a strong Shark Tank presence.
State | Total Deals | Total Investment |
---|---|---|
New Jersey | 65 | $14.16M |
Pennsylvania | 39 | $8.60M |
Companies from New Jersey benefit from their proximity to NYC, and Pennsylvania gave us one of the biggest Shark Tank successes — Scrub Daddy, a sponge that’s now a household name.
Midwest States Making Waves
Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan have contributed impressive businesses too.
Why the Midwest stands out:
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Simple, practical product ideas
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Strong work ethic among entrepreneurs
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Competitive pricing and lower cost of operation
Kevin O’Leary, also known as “Mr. Wonderful,” often favors these kinds of products. His investment in Ohio’s Wine Balloon shows how even smaller, clever ideas can attract big money.
Western States Like Arizona and Nevada Are Gaining Attention
While not as dominant as California, western states like Arizona and Nevada are making Shark Tank investors take notice.
State | Total Deals | Total Investment |
---|---|---|
Nevada | 18 | $4.00M |
Arizona | 19 | $4.20M |
Startups from these states often focus on lifestyle products, fashion, and small innovations. With the growing tech scene in Phoenix and Las Vegas, expect more to come from here.
Mountain and Southeastern States: Up-and-Comers
States like Utah, Colorado, North Carolina, and South Carolina are slowly climbing up the chart.
Utah in particular is known for:
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Solid tech base
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Entrepreneurial mindset
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Affordable cost of business
Even Wyoming, with just 5 deals, is on the Shark Tank map.
Who Invests Where? Shark Preferences by Region
Let’s take a quick look at how specific Sharks favor certain regions or industries:
Shark | Favorite Region | Known For |
---|---|---|
Mark Cuban | Texas & California | Tech, sports, scalable products |
Barbara Corcoran | New York & Florida | Real estate, lifestyle, food |
Lori Greiner | California & Midwest | Consumer products, home innovation |
Daymond John | New York & Georgia | Fashion, lifestyle, food |
Kevin O’Leary | Midwest (Illinois/Ohio) | Practical ideas, licensing, finance |
Robert Herjavec | Flexible – Coast to Coast | Tech, security, wellness |
Each Shark brings unique strengths. Cuban loves scale and tech, while Lori seeks out QVC-ready consumer hits. Daymond is big on fashion and brand identity.
Final Thoughts: Opportunity Is Everywhere
So, friends, what does this all mean?
While California dominates, it’s not the only place to find success on Shark Tank. Startups from New York, Texas, Florida, and even smaller states are showing that great ideas can come from any corner of America.
If you’re an entrepreneur planning to pitch on the show, remember:
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The Sharks love scalable, practical products.
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Where you’re from can help, but it’s your pitch and product that win the deal.
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Even smaller markets are catching up with exciting ideas.
Shark Tank is no longer just a stage for coastal cities — it’s a national platform where innovation from every state can shine.
Whether you’re in sunny California or snowy Michigan, your idea could be the next big thing.