Coffee Meets Bagel Net Worth: The Dating App That Said No to $30 Million on Shark Tank

When Aram, Da Woon, and Soo Kang stepped onto the Shark Tank stage in 2015, they had a simple yet powerful vision: revolutionize online dating by leveraging users’ existing social circles. Their app, Coffee Meets Bagel, took a different approach than traditional swipe-heavy dating apps, instead curating daily matches based on Facebook connections. But when Mark Cuban threw a $30 million offer on the table for their entire company, they shocked the world by saying no.

Fast forward to 2025, and that decision has proven to be a game-changer. With an estimated annual revenue of $16 million and a company valuation of $150 million, the Kang sisters’ dating empire continues to thrive. Here’s how they did it.

From Korea to Silicon Valley: The Kang Sisters’ Journey

Aram, Da Woon, and Soo Kang grew up in South Korea before immigrating to the U.S. as teenagers. Their father worked tirelessly to provide them with opportunities, emphasizing education as the key to success. Their hard work paid off—before launching Coffee Meets Bagel, they all held prestigious jobs in finance and tech.

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However, in 2012, they took a leap of faith, leaving their high-paying careers behind to launch a dating app that focused on quality over quantity. Their idea? Instead of endless swiping, users receive one carefully selected match—or “bagel”—each day at noon. If both users express interest, they’re connected via a temporary phone number to chat for a week before deciding whether to meet in person.

The Shark Tank Appearance That Changed Everything

In Shark Tank episode 611, the Kang sisters entered the tank seeking $500,000 for a 5% stake in their company. At the time, Coffee Meets Bagel had 100,000 monthly users but was operating at a loss—losing $1 million on $1 million in revenue. The revelation that they were also paying themselves $100K salaries didn’t sit well with the Sharks, and one by one, they dropped out.

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Then came Mark Cuban. Right before a commercial break, he stunned the room with a jaw-dropping offer: $30 million for the entire company. This would have been the biggest deal in Shark Tank history at the time. But when the show returned, the Kangs confidently turned him down. While Cuban respected their decision, he wasn’t willing to invest at a lower valuation. Ultimately, Coffee Meets Bagel walked away with no deal.

What Happened After Shark Tank?

While some might have seen the Sharks’ rejection as a setback, the Kang sisters used it as fuel to propel their company forward.

In February 2015, just a month after their episode aired, they secured a $7.8 million Series A funding round led by DCM Ventures. Then in May 2018, they raised another $12 million in Series B funding, with Atami Capital leading the investment.

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However, success didn’t come without challenges. Between late 2017 and mid-2018, Coffee Meets Bagel suffered a major data breach, compromising the personal information of over six million users. The company responded by strengthening its security measures and reinforcing its commitment to user privacy. Despite the setback, the app continued to grow, particularly among millennials looking for a more thoughtful dating experience.

Where Is Coffee Meets Bagel Today?

As of 2025, Coffee Meets Bagel remains one of the top dating apps for millennials. The company boasts over 2.5 billion introductions and generates an estimated $16 million in annual revenue. With a valuation of $150 million, the Kang sisters have solidified their place in the competitive world of online dating.

Unlike swipe-based apps like Tinder and Bumble, Coffee Meets Bagel continues to differentiate itself by prioritizing meaningful connections over mindless matches. Its unique algorithm and friend-of-friend approach have made it a favorite among users who are serious about finding lasting relationships.

A Bold Decision That Paid Off

Saying no to $30 million on national television takes guts. At the time, many questioned whether the Kang sisters made the right call. But today, their decision has been more than validated. Not only is Coffee Meets Bagel thriving, but the sisters have also built a business that aligns with their vision of fostering genuine relationships.

Their journey serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs everywhere—proof that staying true to your mission, even in the face of tempting offers, can lead to long-term success.

The Future of Coffee Meets Bagel

Looking ahead, Coffee Meets Bagel continues to innovate, exploring new ways to enhance the dating experience. With AI-powered matchmaking and expanded features, the app is positioned to remain a major player in the dating industry for years to come.

As for Aram, Da Woon, and Soo Kang, they’ve proven that sometimes, the best deals are the ones you don’t take.