When I first heard about Cheekd, I was intrigued by the idea of “online dating in reverse.” It’s not every day that you come across a dating service that combines the charm of in-person connections with the convenience of online profiles. Founded by Lori Cheek, a former architect turned entrepreneur, Cheekd was a bold attempt to revolutionize how people meet and mingle. But as many of us know, bold ideas don’t always translate into immediate success.
Cheekd’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and sheer determination. From being harshly criticized on Shark Tank to pivoting her business model into something truly innovative, Lori Cheek’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Let me take you through the fascinating tale of Cheekd—from its inception to where it stands today.
The Birth of Cheekd
Lori Cheek wasn’t always an entrepreneur. In fact, she started her career as an architect. But one seemingly ordinary moment changed the course of her life. While out with a friend, she noticed him casually writing a flirtatious note on the back of his business card and handing it to someone he found interesting. That simple gesture sparked an idea: what if there were a modern way to do this? And just like that, the concept for Cheekd was born.
Launched in 2010, Cheekd aimed to bring back the personal touch to dating while still leveraging technology. The service initially revolved around physical cards—stylish, business-like cards with cheeky pickup lines and personalized codes. These codes directed recipients to the sender’s online dating profile for further interaction. It was a clever blend of offline and online dating, designed for people who wanted to make real-world connections before diving into digital interactions.
The Shark Tank Experience
Fast forward to February 2014: Lori Cheek found herself pitching her business on Shark Tank. Appearing in Season 5, Episode 18, she walked into the tank seeking $100,000 in exchange for 10% equity in her company—a valuation of $1 million. Her pitch was as unique as her product. She handed each shark a personalized Cheekd card with their names and playful messages printed on them. It was a bold move designed to grab their attention.
However, things quickly took a turn when Lori revealed her financials. Over three years, Cheekd had generated only $56,000 in revenue despite Lori investing $120,000 of her own money into the business. This raised immediate red flags for the sharks.
Mark Cuban didn’t mince words when he called Lori “delusional,” while Kevin O’Leary delivered his infamous critique, likening the business to a “rabid dog” that needed to be put down. The other sharks expressed similar doubts about the scalability and profitability of her model. Ultimately, no deal was made.
Here’s a quick breakdown of Lori’s Shark Tank pitch:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Cheekd |
| Founders | Lori Cheek |
| Season & Episode | Season 5, Episode 18 |
| Ask (Investment & Equity) | $100,000 for 10% equity |
| Final Deal | No deal |
| Shark(s) Involved | None |
| Memorable Episode Moments | Mark Cuban calling Lori “delusional” and Kevin O’Leary’s harsh critique |
| Current Net Worth | Estimated at $3 million (as of 2024) |
| Current Business Status | Active |
| Revenue Since Shark Tank | Approximately $1 million annually (as of 2023) |
| Social Media Presence | Moderate; active on Instagram and Twitter |
| Key Achievements | Transitioned from cards to a Bluetooth-enabled app; expanded internationally |
Turning Rejection into Opportunity
For many entrepreneurs, being rejected on national television could feel like the end of the road. But not for Lori Cheek. If anything, it fueled her determination to prove everyone wrong.
The airing of her Shark Tank episode brought unexpected benefits. Within 48 hours, Cheekd’s website received over 100,000 hits, and Lori was inundated with emails from potential investors and supporters who believed in her vision. This newfound exposure gave her the momentum she needed to pivot and reimagine her business.
In 2015, Lori made a game-changing decision: she transitioned from physical cards to a mobile app powered by Bluetooth technology. The app introduced an innovative feature—users would receive notifications when someone matching their preferences was within a 30-foot radius. This eliminated the concept of missed connections and brought real-time interaction into the digital dating world.
Challenges Along the Way
Of course, no entrepreneurial journey is without its challenges. In addition to facing harsh criticism from Shark Tank, Lori had to navigate legal hurdles as well. In 2017, Cheekd faced a patent infringement lawsuit that could have derailed the company entirely. Fortunately, the case was dismissed.
There were also financial struggles along the way. Bootstrapping a business isn’t easy, especially after investing so much personal capital upfront. But Lori’s unwavering belief in her product kept her going.
Where Is Cheekd Today?
So where does Cheekd stand now? As of late 2024, the company is thriving with an estimated annual revenue of $1 million. The pivot from physical cards to a tech-driven app proved to be a smart move that helped differentiate Cheekd in an increasingly crowded dating market.
The app has expanded its user base across 47 states and 28 countries—a testament to its growing popularity and relevance. While its social media presence remains moderate compared to larger competitors like Tinder or Bumble, Cheekd continues to carve out its niche by focusing on real-world connections enhanced by technology.
Here are some key achievements since Shark Tank:
- Transitioned from physical cards to a Bluetooth-enabled app.
- Expanded internationally across multiple countries.
- Maintains steady annual revenue growth.
- Gained recognition for innovation in blending offline and online dating experiences.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Lori Cheek’s journey offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to start their own business:
- Resilience is Key: Facing rejection—especially on national television—can be devastating. But Lori turned it into an opportunity for growth.
- Adaptability Matters: The pivot from physical cards to a Bluetooth-enabled app was crucial for keeping Cheekd relevant.
- Leverage Exposure: Even negative publicity can be turned into something positive if you know how to capitalize on it.
- Stay True to Your Vision: While Lori took feedback from Shark Tank, she didn’t let it deter her from pursuing what she believed in.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Cheekd
As I reflect on this story, I can’t help but admire Lori’s tenacity and vision. She took an idea that many dismissed as unscalable and transformed it into something innovative and impactful. Looking ahead, I believe there’s still plenty of room for growth for Cheekd.
With plans to enhance app features and expand its international reach even further, the future looks bright for this once-dismissed dating service. In an industry dominated by giants like Tinder and Bumble, Cheekd stands out by offering something unique—real-world connections backed by cutting-edge technology.
For anyone who’s ever doubted themselves or faced rejection in their entrepreneurial journey, let this story serve as proof that persistence pays off. Sometimes all it takes is one good pivot—and an unshakeable belief in your vision—to turn things around.
And who knows? Maybe one day we’ll all be using apps like Cheekd as the gold standard for making meaningful connections in our increasingly digital world!