Many people enjoy learning about history, but not everyone can visit museums or see real historical artifacts. For most, history is something they read about or view in displays.
However, imagine if you could actually experience a piece of history yourself—like receiving a letter from Abraham Lincoln or holding a replica of the check used to buy Alaska.
This is the concept behind History by Mail, a special subscription service that brings historical experiences directly to your home.
History By Mail Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Ari asked for a $250k Investment in exchange for 10% equity in his company. This meant he valued his company at $2.5 million. He made a deal with Daniel Lubetzky and Barbara Corcoran for $250k in exchange for 20% of his company. This new deal valued his company at $1.25 million. After the show aired, History by Mail saw a big increase in website traffic, sales, and social media exposure. With an estimated 10% yearly growth rate (typical business growth), the current net worth of History by Mail in 2025 is about $2.01 million.
Ari, the founder from Chicago, pitched his idea on Shark Tank, asking for $250,000 in exchange for a 10% share of his company. He presented his idea passionately, explaining how History by Mail sends subscribers a new, carefully crafted letter each month. These letters include replicas of real historical documents or artifacts, allowing people to feel a connection to the past in a tangible way.
The Sharks were taken by Ari’s presentation and impressed by the company’s performance. Over almost five years, History by Mail generated $3 million in sales, including $1.075 million in just the last year, making it a profitable business. Despite its niche focus on history, it captured the interest of the Sharks. The story unfolds from here as they consider whether to invest in this unique venture.
| Shark(s) name | Offer & Demand | Counteroffer | Accepted? |
| Daniel Lubetzky and Barbara | $250,000 for 20% equity | N/A | Yes |
| Lori Greiner | Out | N/A | N/A |
| Kevin O’Leary | $250,000 for 20% equity | N/A | No |
| Barbara Corcoran | Partnered with Daniel | N/A | N/A |
| Mark Cuban | Out | N/A | N/A |
History By Mail Shark Tank Pitch
Ari developed a passion for history at a young age, influenced by his grandparents’ experiences in World War II. Their captivating stories ignited his interest. During an internship at the U.S. Senate, he visited the Library of Congress and was inspired by a handwritten letter from Abraham Lincoln. This moment made him realize how impactful it can be for people to physically connect with history.
To share this passion, he started creating replicas of historical documents for friends and family, who loved the idea. This excitement led him to establish a subscription service called History by Mail, where customers could receive historical artifacts in the mail. He offers three subscription options: a monthly plan for $9, a six-month plan for $42, and an annual plan for $78.
The business took off rapidly, gaining 85,000 subscribers who typically stay subscribed for about 18 months. His presentation was compelling, especially when he personalized letters for the Shark Tank investors: Mark Cuban received the original rules of basketball, Barbara Corcoran got a letter from the famed sharpshooter Annie Oakley, and Daniel Lubetzky held a stamp honoring Japanese-American soldiers from WWII.
Ari’s business was profitable, with a 43% net operating margin, translating to over $400,000 a year in free cash flow. Although he didn’t necessarily need financial support from the Sharks, he was seeking their guidance to help grow the business even more.
Queries + Sharks’ Responses and Final Deal
This summary outlines a pitch session featuring Ari, who likely runs a business appealing to history enthusiasts, and several investors from Shark Tank. Here’s a breakdown of the key points in simpler terms:
Barbara Corcoran asked how he reach his customers. Ari has two main ways of reaching his buyers. Half of his sales come from his own website where customers can purchase directly. The other half of his sales come from selling through other retailers, like Uncommon Goods, which specializes in unique gifts. Barbara, one of the investors, was interested but questioned whether this strategy could grow as the business expands.
Kevin, another investor, focused on how much money Ari was making. Ari projected he would earn $1.3 million in sales in 2024, with a good profit margin of 43% after subtracting his marketing costs. Kevin calculated how long it would take for him to get back his investment if he got a small share (10%) of the company. He then offered $250,000 for 20% of the business, saying he wants to see a return on his money within a reasonable timeframe.
Mark Cuban: He admired Ari’s enthusiasm but thought he was already successful enough ($400,000 a year) that he didn’t need additional investment. Mark suggested that Ari hire a social media expert instead.
Lori Greiner: She found the product interesting but felt it was too specialized for her market and chose not to invest.
Daniel Lubetzky: He liked Ari’s business mission centered around history, and instead of just offering money like Kevin, he promised to provide ongoing support as well. He described his investing style as more generous and collaborative.
Ari ended up with two offers: one from Kevin for money and shares, and one from Daniel, who matched the offer but added mentorship. Ari ultimately decided to partner with Daniel and Barbara, as they agreed to invest together.
Product Availability
History by Mail is a subscription service that sends out historical letters, allowing customers to explore different themes from the past. You can purchase subscriptions directly from their official website or through a partner site called Uncommon Goods.
Pricing Options:
– Monthly Subscription: $9
– 6-Month Subscription: $42 (which breaks down to $7 per month)
– Annual Subscription: $78 (which averages out to $6.50 per month)
The company is actively looking to grow its business by reaching out to corporations, museums, and educational institutions.
What Happened To History By Mail After Shark Tank?
After appearing on the Shark Tank, History by Mail experienced significant growth. The company introduced more historical themes in their product offerings. They also increased their presence on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
The company formed partnerships with educators to use their materials in classrooms.
As of today, History by Mail continues to thrive, demonstrating that a focus on history can be a successful business model.
Conclusion
Ari, the founder of History by Mail, made an emotional and impactful pitch on *Shark Tank*, which led to an investment deal with Daniel Lubetzky and Barbara Corcoran. Despite initial doubts from some investors about the company’s potential for growth, Ari’s passion and strong profit margins helped him secure support.
Today, History by Mail is successfully combining education and entertainment, offering a unique subscription experience that allows history lovers to engage with the past. Ari’s journey shows that even specialized or niche ideas can achieve success with careful execution.

Hey, I’m Amna Habib an undergraduate student of Bachelors in Business Administration. Shark Tank is one of my favorite TV shows of all time. The show provides a fascinating insight into the world of entrepreneurship by presenting creative solutions to common problems, which strongly connects to my academic interests. I’m interested in learning more about the strategic thinking and creativity that lead these companies as each pitch provides insightful information. I’ve found that watching Shark Tank has inspired my enthusiasm for business and entrepreneurship and has been a very enlightening and motivating experience. Apart from business and writing, I love food, shopping, and hanging out with friends and family. Read more About me.








