BrandYourself – Online Reputation Management
NO DEAL
EPISODE SUMMARY
🕓 Air Date: March 20, 2015
Asking For:
$2,000,000 for 13.50%
Investor:
No Deal
Deal:
No Deal
PRODUCT SUMMARY
BrandYourself is an online platform that helps individuals control and improve their online reputation by managing search results.
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Background Story
BrandYourself, based in the bustling metropolis of New York, was brought to life by Patrick Ambron, a visionary entrepreneur passionate about empowering individuals in the digital era. Ambron, hailing from New York, co-founded the company with a mission to reshape the narrative of online reputation management. The inception of BrandYourself can be traced back to Ambron’s realization of the impact online search results can have on an individual’s life. He recognized that outdated or inappropriate online content could hinder career opportunities and personal relationships.
Armed with a desire to address this issue, Ambron set out to create a platform that would allow people to take control of their online identities. Prior to founding BrandYourself, Patrick Ambron accumulated valuable experience in the digital space. His background includes roles in marketing and technology, providing him with the insights and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of online reputation management. Leveraging his expertise, Ambron embarked on the journey to develop a user-friendly and accessible solution for individuals facing the challenges of online scrutiny.
BrandYourself emerged as the pioneer in the industry, offering a unique online platform that enables users to manage and enhance their online reputation. The concept revolves around giving users the tools to curate the search results associated with their name, ensuring a positive and accurate representation. The platform’s evolution reflects Ambron’s commitment to providing a service that goes beyond traditional reputation management, empowering users to shape their digital narrative and make a lasting, favorable impression in the interconnected world of the internet.
The Product
BrandYourself’s flagship product is a comprehensive online platform designed to put individuals in control of their digital reputation. The product offers a multifaceted approach to managing and enhancing one’s online presence. Users begin by signing up for a BrandYourself account, where they receive an analysis of search results associated with their name.
The platform employs a user-friendly interface that allows individuals to categorize these results as positive, negative, or irrelevant. This initial assessment forms the basis for developing a personalized strategy to optimize search engine rankings. BrandYourself’s software then guides users through a step-by-step process, suggesting actions to make their online content more search-engine-friendly.
This may include highlighting positive aspects, such as personal websites or professional articles, while minimizing the visibility of negative or irrelevant content. The platform is accessible through a free version, encouraging users to take control of their online reputation independently. Additionally, BrandYourself offers a premium version providing users with advanced features and tools for a more comprehensive reputation management experience.
Through its innovative approach, BrandYourself empowers users to actively shape the narrative surrounding their online identity, ensuring that search engine results accurately reflect their professional and personal achievements while mitigating the impact of any detrimental content. The product’s accessibility, user-centric features, and focus on empowerment contribute to its effectiveness in the rapidly evolving landscape of online reputation management.
How It Went
The company’s position before Shark Tank
BrandYourself has exhibited robust performance, positioning itself as a leader in the online reputation management sector. The company’s financial health is evident through its notable growth trajectory and expanding customer base. Strategically aligned with key partners in the digital landscape, BrandYourself has forged alliances that enhance its capabilities and reach. The company’s commitment to user-centric solutions has garnered partnerships with influential players, solidifying its position as a trusted entity in the realm of online reputation management.
While BrandYourself primarily operates as a direct-to-consumer platform, it has also successfully tapped into the corporate sector. High-profile partnerships with corporations, businesses, and individuals seeking sophisticated reputation management services have contributed to the company’s sustained growth. The platform’s appeal extends to both individual users and corporate clients, with a diverse customer base spanning high-level executives, professionals, and those facing complex online reputation challenges. This broad clientele underscores the platform’s adaptability and effectiveness in addressing various user needs.
BrandYourself has demonstrated financial prowess, boasting revenues of $2.2 million since March 2012, with consistent growth year over year. The company’s sound financial standing is further evidenced by booked contracts totaling $500,000. The profitability of the company is reflected in its ability to secure $3 million in funding during its initial round, showcasing investor confidence in its business model. With a self-sufficient financial structure, BrandYourself has positioned itself as a key player in the industry, navigating the competitive landscape with agility. The company’s current structure is well-balanced, with a focus on user acquisition, service expansion, and maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.
The Negotiations:
In the Shark Tank, Patrick Ambron, the founder of BrandYourself, entered seeking a $2 million investment in exchange for a 13.5% equity stake in his company. The negotiation process unfolded as the Sharks delved into discussions about the business’s valuation and its potential for growth. Mark Cuban, impressed with the concept but cautious about the $15 million valuation, made an initial offer of $2 million for a 25% equity stake. However, Ambron hesitated, citing recent funding rounds that established a comparable valuation.
Despite attempts to negotiate, Ambron ultimately declined Cuban’s offer, signaling a reluctance to compromise on the valuation. The negotiation took an unexpected turn when Robert Herjavec expressed interest in the business but voiced concerns about the valuation being too high. He made a counteroffer of $2 million for a 25% stake. Ambron, facing pressure and expressing fairness to recent investors, couldn’t meet Herjavec’s terms.
Throughout the negotiation, Ambron navigated the challenging landscape of valuation disputes, emphasizing the recent funding rounds that contributed to the perceived value of the company. The Sharks, while acknowledging the potential of BrandYourself, were hesitant to accept the high valuation, leading to a deadlock in the negotiations. Despite the promising nature of the business, the episode concluded without a deal, showcasing the complexities of valuation discussions in the investment arena.
