Daymond John
Daymond John is the founder and CEO of FUBU, a Shark Tank investor, and entrepreneur who co-hosted the 2024 How I Built This Advice Line episode to advise early-stage founders.
Daymond John's Bio
Daymond John is a globally recognized entrepreneur, investor, and media personality best known as a mainstay investor on ABC's hit show Shark Tank. He is the founder of FUBU, the pioneering streetwear brand that reshaped global fashion, and a best-selling author, speaker, and advocate for small business owners and underrepresented founders. His work spans venture capital, brand consulting, and philanthropic efforts aimed at empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Born and raised in Hollis, Queens, New York, John launched his first business venture as a teenager, selling custom-sewn hats and clothing to local friends and community members. In 1992, he co-founded FUBU with a $40,000 seed investment, operating out of his small apartment and selling products door-to-door, at local flea markets, and out of the trunk of his car to build initial demand for the brand's hip-hop inspired apparel.
The FUBU founding story is defined by relentless grassroots hustle: John and his co-founders identified a glaring gap in the fashion market for streetwear that authentically represented the Black and hip-hop communities, and spent years building the brand through personal connections and community-focused marketing. Their big break came when they secured a $300,000 order from Macy's, which catapulted FUBU to national prominence and grew the brand into a $6 billion global enterprise over the next decade.
Today, John continues to invest in early-stage companies on Shark Tank, where…
Career Timeline
1992 — Co-Founder of FUBU
Co-founded the streetwear apparel brand FUBU with three business partners, launching operations from his mother's home in Queens, New York, with initial product lines including handcrafted hats and branded t-shirts.
2009 — Guest Shark on Shark Tank at ABC
Debuted as a guest investor on ABC's entrepreneurial reality series Shark Tank, evaluating early-stage startup pitches and offering capital, mentorship, and business expertise to aspiring founders.
2013 — Main Cast Member of Shark Tank at ABC
Promoted to a permanent main cast member of Shark Tank, going on to invest in more than 100 businesses over his tenure, with multiple investments reaching multi-million dollar valuations and widespread commercial success.
2016 — Bestselling Author
Published his first business book, The Power of Broke, which shares strategies for building successful companies with limited financial resources; the book became a New York Times bestseller and was translated into multiple languages.
