Whatever Happened To NerdiT Now After Shark Tank?
If there's one thing the digital-enabled world can agree on, it's that device repair is absurdly complicated. The question of who gets to repair a consumer device and under what circumstances, which superficially seems entirely straightforward, has metastasized into a Lovecraftian monster of party politics, backroom dealing, and ongoing international legislation. Seriously, when answering the question "Can I fix my technology, please?" somehow encompasses American disability rights, the Massachusetts Legislature, and the ongoing economic restructuring of Europe, something has gone wrong with the world.
NerdiT Now founders Jonathan Hoxter, Markevis Gideon, and Jake Voorhees appeared on "Shark Tank" in season 11. They entered and delivered a highly energetic pitch while offering The Sharks a 20% stake in their company for $150,000. The group explained how the company had started in a two-bedroom apartment before expanding. At the time of the pitch, NerdiT Now operated a storefront and a mobile repair "ambulance" called "The Motherboard." The "Nerds" were also planning to launch a series of "repair kiosks," allowing customers to drop off and pick up their devices in a series of convenient locations.
What happened to NerdiT Now on Shark Tank?
If The Sharks invested, the money would have been used to greatly expand NerdiT Now by buying more "Motherboards" mobile repair vans and opening up new branches in Philadelphia and Baltimore. The owners also intended to buy ten of the prototype drop off kiosks.
Unfortunately, issues arose when The Sharks began scrutinizing the trio's business model. The Nerds alleviated some fears when they explained that they were offering free diagnostics, undercutting mall kiosks, and including a six-month warranty on the work they performed. The financial side of things did let them down, though. NerdiT Now only made $175,000 in its first year. Sharks like Mark Cuban also expressed concern about the business's ability to scale. Cuban started the ball rolling, expressing faith in the three but doubting the company was "investible." The other sharks followed, and NerdiT Now left The Tank without an investment.
What Happened To NerdiT Now After Shark Tank
NerdiT Now is still in business and may have expanded since its founders appeared on Shark Tank. The company seems to have more employees than it had previously, its business address still appears to be in operation, and its website is still running. Reports online suggest its revenue has increased, but SlashGear couldn't confirm that.
While the company seems stable, two directors appearing on Shark Tank seem to have parted ways with the company. NerdiT Now founder Markevis Gideon is still listed as the company's "Founder & Managing Director." The official site does not appear to mention Gideon's co-founders and fellow Shark Tank pitchers Jonathan Hoxter and Jake Voorhees. A LinkedIn profile that seems to match Hoxter's background does not mention NerdiT Now and lists him as a Senior Financial Analyst at Johns Hopkins Hospital. There is no information SlashGear can find that suggests he is still involved with the company.
Voorhees is still involved with NerdiT Now's charity arm, the NerdiT Foundation, where he is listed as a board member alongside Gideon. His Linkedin profile mentions the foundation and how it has "helped deploy 5,000 laptops to underserved and at-risk communities in Delaware, Ghana & Kenya." The profile also mentions Voorhees' appearance on Shark Tank and indicates that he left his position as NerdiT Now's Managing Director in 2021. He is a marketing manager at Philadelphia-based company Pennoni and is listed as an "Organizer" for the Crypto Mondays community.
What's next for NerdiT Now and its founders
If The Sharks were correct, NerdiT Now will be hard to scale. The fact that several years have passed and it is still only operating in one area of the United States, and out of a single building, may suggest The Sharks were correct in their analysis. However, a business not being capable of going national does not mean it is unsuccessful. All of the information we've seen suggests that NerdiT Now is, at worst, a stable company. Given that it has taken on several staff members and has enough resources to maintain a charitable offshoot, it's fair to say that Gideon is running a very successful local business.
As for what its founders are planning next, Gideon's efforts are likely focused on running the business and ensuring it fulfills its potential, whatever that potential may be. Hoxter seems to be in a stable, lucrative job and may have left the entrepreneurial world. Voorhees seems to be the most active of the bunch and seems to be keen to take on new endeavors where possible. If we ever see one of the three on Shark Tank again, it's likely him.