Who Is Daniel Lubetzky? Meet the Newest Shark on ‘Shark Tank’ and Founder of Kind Snacks

Daniel Lubetzky, who has been a recurring guest on Shark Tank from Seasons 11 to 15, has been promoted to one of the main sharks on the popular reality TV show.

It was announced in September 2024 that he was joining Season 16 of Shark Tank, which premiered on October 18, 2024, as the series’ first new regular investor in more than 10 years.

The news of Daniel’s promotion to full-time cast member followed shark Mark Cuban‘s announcement that he would be leaving the show after Season 16.

Why Is Daniel Lubetzky Joining ‘Shark Tank’?

After a few years of being a guest on the show, it was about time Daniel joined the other sharks permanently.

In a statement, executive producer Clay Newbill explained, “As a guest Shark for the past five seasons, Daniel has earned his spot with the Sharks. He is a self-made founder of a multibillion-dollar company, has all the qualities we look for in a Shark and possesses an authentic desire to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses. Daniel is a welcome addition to our panel, and we look forward to working with him for many seasons to come.”

Daniel added in a statement of his own, “It’s an honor to be part of a production that continues to educate, entertain and unite Americans behind the spirit of building together. I am so excited to be part of this fun, hilarious, exceptionally smart cast and crew. Most of all, I am looking forward to partnering with entrepreneurs from all walks of life as they come to Shark Tank for their chance to realize the American dream.”

What Does Daniel Lubetzky Do?

Daniel founded Kind, known for its fruit and nut snack bars, in 2004. In 2020, Kind was sold to Mars, but Daniel retained a financial stake in the company.

He is also the founder of the Builders Movement, a civic initiative he launched alongside Liev Schreiber, Katie Couric and Lonnie Ali to “empower the overwhelming majority of people worldwide who seek to unite, build and bring light to the world.”

Daniel also runs the investment company Camino Partners.

Details on Daniel Lubetzky’s Family

Daniel married his wife, physician Michelle Lynn Lieberman, in March 2008, and they share four children. He is also the cousin of three-time Oscar-winning cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki.

According to Daniel’s Shark Tank page, he is the son of a Holocaust survivor who “strives to channel business forces and the power of citizen agency to prevent what happened to his father and others from happening again.”

Why Is Mark Cuban Leaving ‘Shark Tank’?

After Mark revealed that he is leaving Shark Tank, fans wondered what could be next for the business aficionado.

“I’m leaving just to spend more time with my kids — they’re teenagers now,” he told TheWrap on October 14, 2024. “When they were younger, my wife and I got to tell them where to be and when; now they ain’t listening to us. We shoot in June and September, and just getting the opportunity now when they’re getting out of school to be able to spend time directly with them, that’s important. I’m tired of missing that.”