Lori Cheek conceived an audacious plan to assist introverted individuals in discovering romance. She founded Cheek’d a matchmaking service called “reverse online dating.” Lori participated in Shark Tank seeking $100,000 in exchange for 10% equity in her company. The product utilized physical cards featuring pick-up lines and a distinct code. When an individual admires someone, they present a card.
The recipient could then go to the website, input the code, and link up. Lori was convinced that her service would transform the dating scene. She presented her concept to the Sharks with immense enthusiasm. Nevertheless, she encountered numerous challenging inquiries regarding her business model and outcomes. Will the entrepreneur get a deal on Shark Tank? Check out the Cheek’d update to find out!
Cheek’d Dating net worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Lori Cheek went on Shark Tank asking for $100,000 for 10% of her company. This meant she thought her business was worth $1,000,000. She did not make a deal with any Shark. The episode was aired on February 28, 2014. The dating platform was later rebranded as a professional networking tool and remains active. Using the default 10% yearly growth method, the current net worth of Cheek’d is estimated to be around $1 million in 2025.
After appearing on Shark Tank, Cheek’d struggled to succeed. Lori launched a mobile app in an attempt to modernize her service. But by the time the app was available, competitors like Tinder and Bumble were already dominating the market.
Its website no longer exists and there is no evidence of active operations today. Cheek’d had a unique idea but could not keep up with fast-moving trends in online dating.
Cheek’d did not get a deal on Shark Tank. Lori asked for $100,000 in exchange for 10% equity. However, the Sharks were not convinced by her business. They pointed out many flaws. Kevin O’Leary called it a “rabid dog” that needed to be “shot.” Mark Cuban said her belief in success was delusional. Other Sharks also criticized her idea. All of them decided not to invest, leaving Lori without the funding she needed.
| Shark(s) Name | Offer & Demand | Counter Offer | Accepted? |
| Lori Greiner | Out | N/A | N/A |
| Barbara Corcoran | Out | N/A | N/A |
| Kevin O’Leary | Out | N/A | N/A |
| Robert Herjavec | Out | N/A | N/A |
| Mark Cuban | Out | N/A | N/A |
Cheek’d Dating Shark Tank pitch
Lori Cheek previously held a position as an architect for Christian Dior. She held a well-paying position and resided in an elegant apartment in the West Village of New York City. However, Lori felt dissatisfied. One evening during a meal with a friend she experienced a sudden burst of inspiration. The friend jotted down his name on a napkin and handed it to a person he liked. This instant inspired the concept of a dating service that utilized cards to bring individuals together.
Lori left her job to fully dedicate herself to this idea. She put $120,000 of her funds into Cheek’d. She had a strong conviction in her product and anticipated it would transform the way people discovered love. However, initiating the business proved difficult. Lori abandoned her lavish way of living and also lost her residence. Her business faced difficulties in earning revenue. When she showed up on Shark Tank she had earned just $56,000 over three years.
Lori entered the Shark Tank self-assuredly. She articulated her dating service distinctly. Members had the option to purchase cards for $20 and pay $10 monthly to keep their profiles active online. She revealed that the organization had 4500 members worldwide. However, the Sharks quickly discovered that only 1125 members had made any payments. Lori confessed this when the Sharks confronted her.
Lori’s presentation centered around her enthusiasm and aspirations. Her goal was for Cheek’d to become well-known in every home. She requested $100,000 in exchange for 10% equity. Lori employed theatrical language to emphasize her confidence in the service. She mentioned that the company could prosper even with significant challenges such as a malfunctioning website. However, her words failed to convince the Sharks.
The Sharks posed numerous challenging questions regarding Cheek’d. They were curious about why the company was not earning more revenue. Lori revealed that her website had been malfunctioning for three years which astonished the Sharks. Kevin O’Leary asked Lori how she anticipated achieving success without a functional platform. Mark Cuban inquired about the rivalry.
Lori acknowledged that other dating services had superior technology. Barbara Corcoran was curious about why individuals would spend money on cards when there were free apps available. Lori found it difficult to offer convincing responses. She claimed that the distinctiveness of her concept would render it well-liked. However, the Sharks believed this was insufficient.
They also highlighted the sluggish increase in paid users. Lori’s description of her vision failed to alleviate their concerns.
The Sharks’ reactions were severe. Kevin O’Leary labeled the venture a poor concept and suggested it was time to close it. Mark Cuban challenged Lori’s notion of success, deeming it impractical. Barbara Corcoran stated that Lori’s concept was ineffective and required significant modification. Robert Herjavec doubted that individuals would opt for the cards in place of apps.
Lori Greiner concurred with the others. She stated that the idea did not address any actual issue. All the Sharks chose to withdraw. Lori exited the tank without reaching an agreement. The negotiation process concluded swiftly as none of the Sharks thought the business would thrive.
What Went Wrong With Cheek’d On Shark Tank?
Cheek’d failed to impress the Sharks for several reasons. The biggest issue was the broken website. The Sharks found it hard to trust Lori’s business when the platform was not functional. Another problem was the lack of paying customers. Only 1125 users had paid for the service which showed weak demand. Competition was also a major concern. Other dating services like Tinder were already growing rapidly.
The Sharks felt Lori’s idea could not compete. Additionally, Lori’s pitch was overly focused on her passion. She did not provide solid numbers or a clear plan to solve the business’s problems. The Sharks saw more risks than potential rewards which led them to reject the deal.
Product Availability
Cheek’d was a dating service that combined physical and digital interaction. Users bought cards with pick-up lines and unique codes. The codes are linked to their online profiles. The idea was to make dating more personal and engaging. However the service was not easy to use compared to dating apps. Pricing included $20 for cards and $10 monthly fees. After Shark Tank, Lori launched a mobile app to replace the card system.
The app aimed to modernize the service. But by then many dating apps already had large user bases. Cheek’d struggled to gain attention. Today the service is no longer available. The website is inactive and the app does not exist on major platforms. Lori’s idea was creative but it could not keep up with the fast-changing dating industry.
Conclusion
Cheek’d had an innovative concept but faced many challenges. Lori Cheek’s passion and determination were clear during her Shark Tank pitch. However, the business struggled with technical issues weak demand, and strong competition. The Sharks did not believe in the product’s potential and opted out. After Shark Tank Lori tried to adapt by launching an app but it was too late. Cheek’d could not survive in the crowded dating market. Today the company no longer exists.
Hey there, I’m Fatima Muhammad, an International Relations student, with a focus on the strategic dynamics of global relations, One of my favorite shows is Shark Tank. I love it because it showcases the creativity, determination, and strategic thinking of entrepreneurs, which I find inspiring. The show also teaches valuable lessons about innovation, business dynamics, and the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. Read more About me.
