The Problem
Startup investing was exclusive to VCs and accredited investors. Regular people watched Shark Tank but couldn't actually invest. The opportunity was entertainment without action.
My Role
Product Manager & UX Manager — Led digital product and experience:
- Platform Strategy — Defined how the show's digital presence converts viewers to investors
- UX Management — Designed engagement flows from episode to investment
- Content Integration — Aligned video content with interactive features
- Audience Analytics — Tracked viewer behavior to optimize conversion
The Solution
A media platform that bridges entertainment and investment:
- Episode Streaming — Professional TV content featuring startups
- Cast Profiles — Celebrity hosts and expert panelists
- Investment Gateway — From watching to participating
- Community Features — Engage with other aspiring investors
- News & Press — Coverage from Forbes, CNN, Yahoo, Axios
Platform Features
Content Experience
- Episode carousel with preview functionality
- Cast member showcases
- Behind-the-scenes content
- Newsletter for episode updates
Engagement Flows
- Contact forms for startup submissions
- Investment interest capture
- Social media integration
- Community building tools
UX Challenges
Entertainment + Finance
Two very different user mindsets. Entertainment wants passive consumption; finance requires active decision-making.
Solution: Designed a funnel—let users enjoy content first, then progressively introduce investment opportunities.
Credibility Balance
TV show format could seem gimmicky for serious investors.
Solution: Emphasized press coverage (Forbes, Bloomberg), professional production value, and expert panelist credentials.
Tech Implementation
| Feature | Technology |
|---|---|
| UI Framework | Material-UI + React |
| Video | Swiper carousel |
| Forms | Custom submission flows |
| Design | Gold (#FCD144) accent theming |
What I Learned
- Media is distribution — Combining content with product creates powerful acquisition channels
- Entertainment lowers barriers — Complex topics become accessible through storytelling
- Conversion requires trust — From viewer to investor is a trust journey, not just a funnel