MrBeast invests $250,000 in AI sensor ball Ball 2 on Shark Tank debut
Cousins Andrew Brown and Kevin Langdon accepted 55% stake deal after Lori Greiner and Kevin O'Leary questioned consumer demand for the ball.
MrBeast, the YouTuber otherwise known as James Stephen Donaldson, made his first appearance as an investor on Shark Tank and put $250,000 into Ball 2, a sensor-equipped ball pitched by cousins Andrew Brown and Kevin Langdon, according to Kotaku.
The product is designed to track and report data on rolls, throws and bounces to a companion app, and to use AI to generate new games. The two founders accepted the offer of $250,000 for a 55% stake in their company and shouted "beast ball!" after the deal.
Not every Shark was convinced. Lori Greiner and Kevin O'Leary doubted consumer interest, with O'Leary saying the product would depend on a viral moment.
The episode also featured a ball-shaking demonstration between Donaldson and Greiner, which Donaldson won.
Beyond YouTube
Donaldson, 28, has built a business empire beyond YouTube that includes food products and a theme park. That expansion has previously drawn scrutiny over the quality of his food products and allegations about staff treatment.
Quick answers
How much did MrBeast invest in Ball 2?
He invested $250,000 for a 55% stake in the Ball 2 company.
What does Ball 2 do?
It tracks and reports data on rolls, throws and bounces to a companion app and uses AI to generate new games.
Was this MrBeast's first Shark Tank appearance?
Yes, it was his first appearance as an investor on the show.