Shark Tank survivors share candid reflections at SEF 2026

February 01, 2026 / 6:41 PM

Sharjah24: Appearing on Shark Tank may look like a breakthrough moment, but founders who have been through the process say the real work begins after the cameras stop rolling. At the ongoing 9th annual Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2026 (SEF 2026), entrepreneurs who survived the Tank shared candid reflections on the long road that follows a televised pitch.

Founders discuss lessons beyond the televised pitch

Speaking during the session “Tank Survivors: Lessons from Shark Tank Alumni,” moderated by Zahen Khan, CEO of Majama, founders Natasha Rudatsenko, Founder of Health Nag, and Nayla Haddad, Founder and CEO of One of a Kin, spoke about the unseen realities of pitching, post-show negotiations, and founder readiness.

Shark Tank as an accelerator, Not a shortcut

Both founders emphasized that Shark Tank is not a shortcut to success but an accelerator that magnifies strengths and weaknesses already present in a business. For viewers it may be 15 minutes, but for founders it involves months of preparation and extended due diligence. The pitch process, they said, forces entrepreneurs to confront their numbers, structure, and leadership capabilities.

Readiness, Systems and leadership matter

Rudatsenko explained that while Health Nag received strong interest from the Sharks, the experience highlighted the importance of internal readiness. She noted that even viable businesses require solid systems and leadership foundations before taking on capital, as funding amplifies what already exists within a company.

Due diligence and deals after the show

Haddad described Shark Tank as a pressure test rather than a finish line. Appearing less than a year after launching One of a Kin, she said preparation for the show accelerated internal evaluation across valuation, scalability, and operations. She later closed a deal after months of due diligence, stressing that on-air agreements are only the beginning of a longer negotiation and alignment process.

Investor–founder fit over fast funding

Both founders stressed that investor-founder alignment is as important as funding itself, warning that accepting capital too early or from unsuitable partners can slow growth rather than support it.

SEF 2026 highlights entrepreneurship and belonging

The session aligned with SEF 2026’s theme, “Where We Belong,” presenting entrepreneurship as a journey built on self-awareness and long-term discipline. Organised by Sheraa, the festival ran from January 31 to February 1 at SPARK, bringing together over 14,000 attendees, 5,000 founders, and more than 300 speakers across 250+ sessions.