Shark Tank invests $150,000 in entrepreneurs fitness app

Texas Entrepreneur Scores Big on Shark Tank With Revolutionary Cardio Fitness App, Card.io 

In an electrifying season 16 premiere of Shark Tank, Texas entrepreneur Destin George Bell made waves by landing a game-changing deal for his innovative fitness app, Card.io. The dramatic pitch unfolded with Bell securing an investment from two of the show’s iconic Sharks, Daymond John and Rashaun Williams. For Bell, the founder of Card.io, the moment was a culmination of years of hard work and a lifelong dream of standing in front of the Shark Tank investors—made even more special by the presence of his mother, who supported him every step of the way. 

Card.io: A Game-Changer in Fitness Technology 

Card.io, the creation of Texas-based entrepreneur Destin George Bell, was born out of a passion for both fitness and technology. Initially launched in 2022, the app seeks to redefine how users experience cardio workouts by turning mundane activities like walking, running, and biking into engaging, competitive games. Bell’s vision was to create an app that could not only motivate users to stay active but also foster a sense of community by introducing a competitive, team-based dynamic to exercise.

Bell’s journey toward developing Card.io began while he was working in tech and finance, but his love for running inspired him to merge his career with his personal passion. After countless hours of research and development, Bell and his team launched the Card.io app with the goal of making cardio fun, social, and rewarding.

How the Card.io App Works

Card.io takes the concept of outdoor cardio to the next level by turning activities such as running, walking, and biking into a gamified experience. The app is designed to create a virtual playing field where users can “claim” territories as they complete their workouts. Here’s how it works:

1. Track Your Routes: As users walk, run, or bike in their neighborhoods or local parks, the app tracks their routes in real-time using GPS.
2. Claim Territories: While following these routes, users can “claim” specific areas or territories for their team. The more they run, the larger their team’s territory grows.
3. Team Competition: Card.io fosters teamwork by allowing users to join or form teams. Teams can compete against one another to expand their territories, defend their existing zones, or take over new ones from rivals.
4. Challenges and Motivation: The app encourages users to stay active by offering individual and team-based challenges. These challenges help users stay motivated, build healthy habits, and experience a sense of achievement with each workout.
5. Premium Features for Clubs: Card.io also offers a subscription-based model for running clubs, with premium features that enhance the competitive and social aspects of the app. This subscription is priced at $25 per month and provides exclusive features for club members, further fostering team collaboration.

Since its launch, Card.io has gained popularity for its unique approach to fitness. With more than 22,000 users across seven countries and nearly half a million dollars in revenue, the app is quickly becoming a favorite for those looking to add a bit of fun and community to their fitness routines. Currently available only on the Apple Store, an Android version is in the works, with eager users able to join a waitlist for updates on the release.

Card.io’s revolutionary take on fitness shows that exercise doesn’t have to be a solitary or monotonous task. By gamifying cardio and adding a competitive element, Bell’s app is helping people around the world stay motivated, active, and engaged.

Card.io is not your typical fitness app. It transforms the mundane act of walking or running into a competitive and social experience, gamifying cardio workouts in a way that appeals to fitness enthusiasts and casual exercisers alike. Users can track their movements, claim territories within their local area, and compete with others for control of neighborhoods and parks. This “gamified” approach adds an exciting element of strategy and team play to otherwise solitary cardio exercises. 

A High-Stakes Deal on Shark Tank 

Bell entered the Shark Tank seeking an initial investment of $150,000 in exchange for a 5% equity stake in his rapidly growing fitness startup. However, the sharks—seasoned investors with a keen eye for high-potential businesses—had other ideas. Daymond John and Rashaun Williams quickly recognized the value of Card.io and countered with an offer of $150,000 for a 15% stake, which they would split equally. 

Bell, standing firm, proposed a 10% equity offer instead, but the investors held their ground. In a suspenseful moment, Bell asked for a brief pause to consult with his mother, who had flown from Kentucky to be by his side. Her advice was simple: take the deal. And after a heartfelt exchange, Bell did just that, sealing the deal with the two sharks. 

Who Are the Investors? Meet the Sharks Behind the Deal 

Daymond John: One of the original sharks from Shark Tank, Daymond John is a self-made millionaire and fashion mogul best known for founding the global apparel brand FUBU. From his early days selling hand-sewn hats on the streets of New York, John built FUBU into a $6 billion fashion empire. As a shark, Daymond has a sharp eye for branding and product development, making him a perfect partner for Bell’s app. Beyond Shark Tank, John is a bestselling author and motivational speaker who advocates for entrepreneurship and financial literacy. With his extensive experience in scaling businesses, John is expected to bring unparalleled expertise to Card.io’s growth. 

Rashaun Williams: A seasoned venture capitalist and angel investor, Rashaun Williams has invested in over 100 tech startups and has a particular focus on fintech and consumer products. Williams, a former Wall Street investment banker, has a deep understanding of capital markets and scaling businesses. His investment portfolio includes stakes in major companies like Lyft and Dropbox, giving him the financial acumen and connections to help Card.io scale globally. Williams is also a co-founder of venture capital firm MVP All-Star Fund and has a proven track record of helping startups navigate the challenges of rapid expansion. 

Together, these two powerhouse investors bring a wealth of experience to Card.io, positioning the app for explosive growth as it continues to revolutionize the fitness industry. 

What’s Next for Card.io? 

With the backing of Daymond John and Rashaun Williams, Card.io is poised to take the fitness world by storm. The app is already available exclusively on the Apple Store, but the Card.io team is actively developing an Android version to broaden its user base. Bell has also announced plans to expand premium subscription features for running clubs, adding value to the $25 monthly membership offering. Interested Android users can join the waitlist on the Card.io website to be notified when the app becomes available on Google Play. 

Despite keeping details of the deal under wraps for months, Bell is now celebrating his success publicly following the episode’s October 18th air date. He hosted a watch party with friends from the University of Kentucky and plans a larger celebration in Austin on October 25th. 

A Bright Future for Card.io and the Fitness App Industry 

Card.io’s rapid growth and unique value proposition make it one of the most exciting apps to watch in the fitness technology sector. By gamifying cardio exercises and creating a sense of competition and teamwork, Bell’s app taps into a growing trend of social fitness experiences. With the expertise and financial backing of Daymond John and Rashaun Williams, Card.io is well positioned to dominate the market in the coming years. 

As more people seek innovative ways to stay active and connected, Card.io’s approach offers a fresh and engaging way to transform everyday activities into exciting challenges. With the potential for massive growth, this Shark Tank deal may just be the beginning for Destin George Bell and his revolutionary fitness app.