What Happened When History By Mail Hit the Shark Tank Stage
Last week, we told you Ari Siegel was heading into the tank. Now the episode has aired—and the verdict is in:
He made history, and he walked away with a deal.
SHARK TANK – “1616” – Entrepreneurs pitch their innovative ideas, including a piece of history delivered, a virtual theme park experience, eco-friendly plantable pots, and a culturally unique greeting card. FRIDAY, APRIL 4 (8:00-9:01 p.m. EDT) on ABC. (Disney/Christopher Willard)
Ari, founder of History By Mail, secured a joint offer from Barbara Corcoran and Daniel Lubetzky—$250,000 for 20% equity. But what made it even more memorable was the way he pitched it.
He didn’t lead with numbers.
He led with story.
In just 90 seconds, Ari made five seasoned investors feel the power of physical letters, tangible history, and the mission behind his product. It wasn’t just a business—it was a bigger idea, delivered with clarity and heart.
That’s not an accident. That’s strategy.
Prepping Ari Siegel for Shark Tank
What Happens Next
What You Can Learn From His Pitch
Prepping Ari Siegel for Shark Tank
When Ari reached out to Downstage Media, he already had a strong product. Our job was to help him shape the message — and make sure it could perform under pressure.
We worked together to:
Identify what to say first (and what to cut entirely)
Use his BrandScript to focus the pitch around the customer’s transformation
Simplify a complex idea into a single, memorable moment
Shape language that would work on camera, on stage, and in the tank
This is where my background in live performance and improv came in handy.
I spent over fifteen years performing comedy professionally on stages around the world, including with Broadway’s Next Hit Musical. I’ve coached hundreds of sales people, executives, and professionals —not just on what to say, but how to say it when the pressure’s on. Ari’s Shark Tank pitch was the ultimate opening night.
He delivered it beautifully. Because we didn’t just write a script.
We rehearsed the moment.
What Happens Next
Now that History By Mail has national attention (and two powerhouse investors), Ari’s turning that momentum into action:
Launching new social content
Growing gifting and bulk subscriptions
Expanding the archive to tell a fuller, more inclusive story
Bringing documents into more classrooms across the country
In short: the story is just beginning.
What You Can Learn From His Pitch
Use story structure to build emotional buy-in.
Say less, better. Editing is a power move.
Stress the operative words.
Want to see how it all played out?
SHARK TANK – “1616” – Entrepreneurs pitch their innovative ideas, including a piece of history delivered, a virtual theme park experience, eco-friendly plantable pots, and a culturally unique greeting card. FRIDAY, APRIL 4 (8:00-9:01 p.m. EDT) on ABC. (Disney/Christopher Willard)
ARI SIEGEL
Read Ari’s full recap (complete with what the cameras didn’t show) here:
I Made History on Shark Tank—Here’s What Happened
And if you’re heading into a high-stakes pitch of your own—TV, TEDx, or otherwise—remember this:
Clarity is your competitive edge.
Let’s get your message ready for the spotlight.
Annie Figenshu
Annie Figenshu is keenly aware that many companies are pressed for time, and every minute counts. She helps brands make the most of their email and social media marketing so that their hard work is shared with the world. Annie is certified in both StoryBrand and Mailchimp, has two kids with Beatles-themed names, and is afraid to think what a day without coffee would look like.