BeSomebody, initially a personal blog started by Kash Shaikh, evolved into an experiential learning platform that gained significant attention in the business world.
Kash Shaikh, the founder, began his journey in Cincinnati, Ohio. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2002 and started his career working for major companies like Sprint and Procter & Gamble (P&G), where he climbed the corporate ladder.
Later, he moved on to GoPro and worked as CEO at sports organizations like UILB, BSB Sports, and Baseball United.
Despite his corporate success, it was a personal turning point in his life—following a bad breakup—that led Kash to rethink his purpose and eventually launch BeSomebody.
The name “BeSomebody” came from a personal realization that Kash shared with the world. It became a platform centered on helping individuals pursue their passions and gain real-life experiences by connecting them with experts.
In 2014, he officially launched the BeSomebody app, which started as a marketplace where users could connect with professionals offering hands-on experiences in various fields.
The idea was to create an environment where people could book learning experiences, ranging from sports to art, and learn from experts in those domains.
With initial funding from E.W. Scripps Company and subsequent angel investors, BeSomebody started to grow rapidly. The startup secured around $2 million in funding, which helped it host over 2,000 meet-ups.
The company earned a 20% commission on each experience booked through its platform. However, despite the initial buzz, the company faced challenges scaling its operations.
These challenges culminated in the app shutting down in 2017 due to insufficient capital and low sales.
The real turning point came when Kash appeared on Shark Tank in 2016. He pitched his company, asking for $1 million in exchange for a 10% equity stake.
His pitch was energetic, but his failure to engage with the Sharks and his tendency to ramble during his presentation led to a negative reception.
Mark Cuban, in particular, expressed his frustration and quipped, “Go be somebody, bro,” as he and the other Sharks ultimately decided not to invest in the company.
The appearance on Shark Tank was a huge setback, and shortly afterward, BeSomebody shut down its app. However, Kash was not ready to give up on his vision.
In 2017, Kash sold the BeSomebody app to Utivity Holdings, Inc. but kept working on his vision for the brand.
He shifted the company’s focus from experiential learning to skills training and job placement services. The pivot proved to be a success.
The new direction partnered BeSomebody with major corporations like Microsoft, Kroger, and Mass Mutual, and led to the creation of over 2,000 jobs through the BeSomebody Paths program.
This transition allowed the company to become profitable within just one month.
By 2019, BeSomebody Inc. had reached nearly $20 million in annual revenue and was recognized as one of the top private companies in the U.S. by Entrepreneur Magazine.
The company continued its expansion, acquiring event company Opening Minds and tech firm Pixelbug Technologies. Despite facing early challenges, BeSomebody’s new focus on job training and placement proved to be a sustainable and profitable business model.
In 2020, Kash Shaikh further expanded his business endeavors by forming BSB Group International.
As of 2024, BeSomebody continues to be valued at $15 million and generates over $20 million annually. Kash also owns BSB Sports, a sports management and marketing agency. His ability to pivot and adapt his business model, as well as his continued success with new ventures, demonstrate his resilience as an entrepreneur.
Despite the early setbacks, Kash Shaikh and BeSomebody have emerged stronger and continue to influence the world of skills development and job training.
