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
Launched the streetwear apparel brand FUBU alongside three business partners, operating out of his mother's home in Queens, New York with an initial $40 investment. The brand grew into a global fashion enterprise with peak annual revenue exceeding $6 billion, becoming a defining label of 1990s hip-hop culture.
2009 — Permanent Cast Member, Shark Tank at ABC
Joined the cast of ABC's hit entrepreneurial reality series Shark Tank, first appearing as a guest investor in the show's debut season before becoming a permanent main cast member. Over his tenure, he has invested more than $20 million in small businesses across the United States and provided mentorship to hundreds of aspiring entrepreneurs.
2015 — Bestselling Author, The Power of Broke
Published his debut New York Times bestselling business book The Power of Broke, which draws on his personal journey building FUBU from scratch to outline actionable strategies for launching and growing successful businesses with limited financial resources. The book was later adapted into a top-ranked podcast and national live speaking tour.
2021 — Founder, Daymond John Foundation Small Business Grant Program
Launched the formalized small business grant program under the Daymond John Foundation, which has awarded more than $1 million in unrestricted grants to underrepresented small business owners across the U.S. to support their growth and operational stability.