We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

Mark Cuban became a billionaire by starting and selling multiple businesses. However, you might know him from the hit TV show Shark Tank on ABC. Hosts on the popular reality series are shrewd negotiators and savvy investors looking to place bets on the best startup ideas pitched by contestants.

However, in a 2022 interview, Cuban revealed that his broad suite of investments on the show had made a net loss.

“I’ve gotten beat,” the billionaire told the Full Send podcast. Cuban deployed millions of dollars over hundreds of episodes of the show since 2009, before announcing in fall 2024 that he would step down after 16 seasons.

This rare sneak peek behind the scenes of the reality TV show offers ordinary savers and investors three key lessons.

1. Startups are risky

The type of investment popularized by shows like Shark Tank can best be described as angel investing, venture capital, or startup investing. This is because the ideas presented on the show are usually from early-stage companies with a short track record and an eye-catching idea rather than an established business. In this asset class, Cuban’s track record isn’t unusual. According to data from San Francisco-based research organization Startup Genome, 90% of startups fail.

Making safer bets on investments

The high-risk nature of startup investing can be a thrill for high-net-worth investors like Cuban, who have well-diversified portfolios and lots of assets to play with. But for the average investor who is looking for a secure retirement, it’s better to consider guaranteed returns and low-risk investing.

SavingsAccounts.com is an online comparison platform that allows you to compare rates on high-yield savings accounts from multiple banks and financial institutions, so you can grow your nest egg securely and sustainably.

The platform helps you find the highest interest rates, lowest fees, and best features, so you can feel confident about growing your savings. The investing platform Public also offers a high-yield cash account, with competitive interest rates on your uninvested funds.

When you use the commission-free platform for trading stocks, REITs, ETFs, and more, you get access to a range of major benefits for shoring up your funds.

Plus, Public’s social investing features let you interact and get advice from their community of investors, so you can learn more about how to make Cuban-level money moves.

One of the best ways to save is to make the most of your daily purchases — and you can do that by downloading the Acorns app.

With Acorns, whenever you make a purchase with your linked debit or credit card, the app automatically rounds up the total cost to the nearest dollar and invests the change in a diversified portfolio. You can also link these investments to your IRA, so you’re maximizing your retirement savings with every purchase you make.

You can also check out Moneywise’s top picks for Best High-Yield Savings Accounts of 2025 to compare more options for growing your savings safely.

Venture capitalists know the risks associated with startup investing. They often rely on the “power law” to make a return, according to Common Fund Private Equity. In other words, most startup investors expect only one or two firms in their portfolios to offer such massive returns that they offset losses across all the rest.

This investment style isn’t suitable for everyone. Mark Cuban’s net worth is $5.7 billion, according to Forbes, so losing $20 million doesn’t necessarily move the needle for him. However, the average saver or investor will need a much safer approach.

2. Established businesses are safer alternatives

Instead of focusing on early-stage companies with lofty expectations of future returns, everyday investors could turn their attention to established firms with robust track records.

For instance, Cuban acquired a majority stake in the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks for $285 million from real estate developer Ross Perot Jr. — 20 years after the brand had been established. It would go on to be one of his most successful investments.

Similarly, you can pick beaten-down or overlooked companies with a long track record. Nike, for instance, has lost a lot of its value since 2021. This stock might still be in a better position than many unprofitable and overvalued startups with flimsy business models.

Stock picking is also notoriously risky — but there are ways to make safer bets and benefit from the wisdom of experts.

Moby, an investment advice platform, can help you reduce the guesswork when selecting stocks and ETFs. In four years, across almost 400 stock picks, Moby’s recommendations have beaten the S&P 500 by almost 12%, on average.

With their easy-to-understand formats, you can become a wiser investor in just five minutes, all with their 30-day money back guarantee.

However, another key lesson from Cuban’s investing history is that he spreads his money across different bets.

3. Diversification is important

Cuban’s portfolio stretches far beyond the companies he selected on Shark Tank. His company has stakes in various firms, ranging from affordable generic drug companies to tech and entertainment companies. This well-diversified approach could be one of the reasons why the entrepreneur has continued to build wealth despite several missteps and failed ventures along the way.

The lesson for ordinary investors is clear: diversify.

Here are ways to diversify your portfolio outside of the stock market, including investing in real estate, commodities and fine art.

Real estate

Real estate remains a booming market, and investors as prestigious as Warren Buffett recommend putting your money to work in this asset class.

For those interested in further diversification through commercial properties, First National Realty Partners (FNRP) provides accredited investors with access to necessity-based commercial real estate investments with a minimum investment of $50,000.

As a private equity firm, FNRP acts as the deal leader and offers white-glove service to investors. The team handles all the legwork for you, from the vetting and buying of properties to the leasing and management details.

The firm then distributes its positive cash flows quarterly to investors, so you can increase your income without the hassle of buying and selling property. But if you don’t have thousands of dollars to invest right now, you can still benefit from this hot market with a small budget.

With Arrived, investors of all income levels can access SEC-qualified rentals and vacation homes with flexible investment amounts.

Simply browse their curated selection of homes, choose shares, and start benefiting from the income and appreciation potential for as little as $100.

Gold

Gold remains a solid performer and the backbone of many wealthy investors’ portfolios. In fact, its steady performance is a byword for investors. During the market crash in 2008, gold prices rose, cushioning the portfolios of investors who were savvy enough to diversify with this commodity.

A gold IRA gives you the opportunity to diversify your portfolio with this stable asset.

With the help of American Hartford Gold, you can open an IRA that allows you to benefit from the tax advantages of this retirement savings plan, along with the inflation-hedging properties of gold.

When you sign up, you’re eligible to get up to $10,000 in complimentary silver, and a free investor guide that can show you how to protect your nest egg while growing your wealth.

Fine art

The global art market saw significant growth in 2023, with a further 20% increase predicted for 2025, according to a report by Art Basel and UBS. If you’ve ever dreamed of owning an iconic piece of art, you may have thought that you’d have to be a billionaire like Cuban first.

However, platforms like Masterworks are democratizing the ownership and sale of artworks.

Masterworks is an online platform that allows you to invest in shares of the work of renowned artists. Simply choose the amount of shares you want to purchase, and Masterworks takes care of everything else.

How it works

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.