VerbalizeIt Translation App: What Happened After Shark Tank
In an era where global connectivity is just a click away, the challenge of language barriers persists, making translation services more crucial than ever. Enter VerbalizeIt, a revolutionary app that emerged from the minds of Wharton Business School graduates Ryan Frankel and Kunal Sarda, who sought to simplify communication across cultures. Their journey took a pivotal turn when they pitched their innovative concept on Season 4 of ABC’s “Shark Tank,” capturing the attention of both investors and viewers alike. This article delves into the evolution of VerbalizeIt post-“Shark Tank,” exploring its transformative journey from a promising startup to a vital player in the B2B translation landscape.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founders | Ryan Frankel and Kunal Sarda |
| App Purpose | Connect users with live human translators via smartphone or web. |
| Shark Tank Appearance | Season 4, Episode 26, aired in 2013. |
| Investment Offered | Mark Cuban: $250,000 for 25% equity; Kevin O’Leary: $250,000 for 20% equity. |
| Final Decision | Chose not to accept O’Leary’s deal and sought other funding. |
| Post-Shark Tank Shift | Pivoted to B2B services, offering document and video translations. |
| Acquisition | Acquired by Smartling in 2016. |
| Major Clients After Acquisition | Spotify, Pinterest, GoPro. |
| Co-Founders’ Next Steps | Frankel: Founded EduPlated and WorkUp; Sarda: Co-founded Arya. |
| Achievements | Both listed in Inc. Magazine’s Top 35 Under 35 Entrepreneurs. |
The Journey of VerbalizeIt from Idea to Shark Tank
VerbalizeIt started as a brilliant idea when Ryan Frankel and Kunal Sarda, two graduates from Wharton Business School, noticed a common problem while traveling. They often struggled to communicate due to language barriers, which inspired them to create a solution. With the help of a smartphone app, VerbalizeIt connected users to live human translators who could help them communicate better. Their goal was to make conversations easier for travelers and businesses around the world.
In 2013, Frankel and Sarda brought their innovative app to the popular show “Shark Tank.” They showcased how the app worked by having a translator communicate their pitch in Spanish. The Sharks were impressed by the concept, but they also had questions about its practicality and speed. Despite some skepticism, the duo’s determination and clear business model attracted offers from the Sharks, highlighting the potential of their service.
The Evolution of VerbalizeIt Post-Shark Tank
After appearing on “Shark Tank,” VerbalizeIt underwent significant changes that shaped its future direction. The founders, Ryan Frankel and Kunal Sarda, recognized the potential for expanding their services beyond individual users. They shifted their focus toward business-to-business (B2B) applications, responding to Mark Cuban’s suggestion during their pitch. This pivot allowed VerbalizeIt to cater to corporate clients, offering services like document and website translations, which aligned better with the growing demand for comprehensive language solutions in the global marketplace.
This strategic evolution was pivotal in attracting the attention of Smartling, a prominent cloud-based translation company. Smartling acquired VerbalizeIt in 2016, integrating the human translation services into its broader technology platform. This acquisition not only solidified VerbalizeIt’s existence but also allowed it to thrive under a company that embraced innovation. By focusing on major clients such as Spotify and GoPro, VerbalizeIt successfully established itself as a vital player in the language translation industry.
The Impact of Smartling on VerbalizeIt’s Growth
Under Smartling’s ownership, VerbalizeIt experienced a transformative growth phase. The integration of advanced technology with human expertise allowed for more efficient translation processes, appealing to a larger corporate clientele. This synergy contributed to a remarkable 40% growth rate in 2023, illustrating the effectiveness of combining human translators with AI-driven solutions. The emphasis on quality and reliability made VerbalizeIt an attractive option for businesses seeking to enhance their global communication strategies.
Moreover, Smartling’s innovative use of machine translation alongside VerbalizeIt’s human services positioned the company at the forefront of the translation industry. This dual approach not only improved service delivery but also fostered a reputation for excellence in customer engagement. As a result, VerbalizeIt solidified its role as a trusted partner for companies looking to navigate language barriers, showcasing the powerful impact of strategic acquisitions in the tech space.
The Journey of Founders Ryan Frankel and Kunal Sarda
Following the acquisition of VerbalizeIt, both Ryan Frankel and Kunal Sarda embarked on distinct paths, continuing their entrepreneurial journeys. Frankel, who left Smartling in 2016, ventured into various initiatives, including launching EduPlated, an online nutrition coaching platform, and This App Saves Lives, which focuses on reducing distracted driving. His diverse experiences post-VerbalizeIt reflect his commitment to innovation and social impact, showcasing the multifaceted nature of modern entrepreneurship.
On the other hand, Kunal Sarda remained with Smartling for nearly four years, honing his expertise in customer engagement. After his tenure at Smartling, he transitioned to independent consulting before co-founding Arya, a company dedicated to developing workforce operations programs. Both founders have remained influential figures in the entrepreneurial landscape, highlighting the importance of adaptability and vision in achieving long-term success.
Lessons Learned from VerbalizeIt’s Experience
The journey of VerbalizeIt offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly regarding the importance of adaptability in business strategy. The founders’ ability to pivot from targeting individual consumers to focusing on B2B applications illustrates how understanding market demands can drive growth. Their experience emphasizes that successful entrepreneurs must remain open to feedback and willing to modify their approaches based on industry trends and consumer needs.
Additionally, the outcome of their deal on “Shark Tank” teaches a crucial lesson about negotiation and post-show dynamics. Although they initially secured interest from prominent investors, the decision to seek alternative funding options illustrates the importance of aligning with partners who share the same vision. Entrepreneurs should prioritize finding investors who not only provide capital but also add strategic value, ensuring a harmonious partnership that can foster long-term success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is VerbalizeIt and why was it created?
VerbalizeIt is a **translation app** that connects users with real human translators. It was created by Ryan Frankel and Kunal Sarda to help people communicate when they face **language barriers** while traveling.
How did VerbalizeIt get attention on ‘Shark Tank’?
VerbalizeIt appeared on ‘Shark Tank’ in Season 4, where Frankel and Sarda showed how the app works by using a live translator. They aimed to gain investment to grow their idea.
What did the founders of VerbalizeIt want from the Sharks?
They sought an investment of **$250,000** to help expand their business and improve their service, showing that human translators could do better than machines.
Why didn’t Frankel and Sarda complete the deal with Kevin O’Leary?
Although they shook hands on a deal with O’Leary, they later decided not to go through with it. They found another investment opportunity that better matched their goals.
What happened to VerbalizeIt after ‘Shark Tank’?
After ‘Shark Tank’, VerbalizeIt shifted focus to **business clients** and started offering translation services for documents and apps, eventually being acquired by Smartling.
Who bought VerbalizeIt and what was the impact?
VerbalizeIt was acquired by **Smartling** in 2016. This helped them grow by integrating their human translation services into Smartling’s technology platform, serving large companies.
What do the founders of VerbalizeIt do now?
Ryan Frankel and Kunal Sarda have continued their entrepreneurial journeys. Frankel is now the CEO of WorkUp, while Sarda co-founded Arya, focusing on workforce programs.
Summary
The content details the journey of VerbalizeIt, a translation app founded by Wharton grads Ryan Frankel and Kunal Sarda, aimed at bridging language barriers through live human translators. Their appearance on “Shark Tank” Season 4 garnered interest, although they ultimately declined Mark O’Leary’s investment offer. Following the show, they shifted to B2B services, offering comprehensive translation solutions and were acquired by Smartling in 2016. Under Smartling, VerbalizeIt focused on corporate clients, achieving significant growth. Frankel and Sarda continued to innovate post-acquisition, establishing new ventures and receiving recognition as top entrepreneurs.
