---
title: "Robert Nikic x Sean Kelly: Be the Shark, Don't Pitch the Shark"
description: "Robert Nikic and Sean Kelly on Shark Tank: what the sharks look for, and why Robert would rather be the shark than the founder pitching."
canonical: "https://robertnikic.com/media/be-the-shark-dont-pitch-the-shark"
author: "Robert Nikic"
type: "VideoObject"
published: "2026-10-16T22:26:17.625Z"
---

# Robert Nikic x Sean Kelly: Be the Shark, Don't Pitch the Shark

Robert Nikic and Sean Kelly on Shark Tank: what the sharks look for, and why Robert would rather be the shark than the founder pitching.

- Published: 2026-10-16
- Watch: https://robertnikic.com/media/be-the-shark-dont-pitch-the-shark

## Transcript

I mean, you've watched Shark Tank, right? Yeah, I used to love that show. I've probably seen every episode up until season eight. Yeah, and I want to make it clear, we're not affiliated with Shark Tank in any type of way. But when it comes down to it, all the sharks are there gauging one thing: is there a proof of concept? Is there viability in the business? If there isn't, they can it. And if there is, they take it, they take the actual offer. How do you build a business that's Shark Tank friendly, you know? And you have to ask yourself, do you actually want to be the shark, or which side do you want to be on? Personally, I'd want to be on the side of: I put money into something that's proven it's working, and I receive money back, you know? The days of actually creative entrepreneurship, I don't want to say that they're gone. It's just, you know, it's 2025 now. There's shortcuts, you know? Why not utilize them, and why not take a concept that's working and make it work for you? It's a safer route, right? Much more so.