Daymond John’s deep expertise and personal history in fashion give apparel startups a strategic edge on Shark Tank, as his investments and mentorship drive brand growth and market success, but ultimately only founders with scalable ideas, strong storytelling, and resilience earn his backing, leaving others disappointed yet inspired.

Daymond John, widely celebrated as the “king of brands” and one of the most influential investors on Shark Tank, has long been associated with supporting budding entrepreneurs, particularly in the fashion and apparel sector.

Over the past two decades, his personal story—from founding the urban fashion brand FUBU in his Queens, New York neighborhood to transforming it into a global sensation—has become emblematic of the American entrepreneurial dream.

However, questions have recently surfaced regarding whether John’s well-known focus on fashion startups translates into preferential treatment or if his investments are driven solely by strategic business considerations.

Industry insiders and aspiring fashion founders note that John’s reputation often precedes him.

His presence at fashion startup events, panel discussions, and mentoring sessions has attracted thousands of young entrepreneurs hoping to receive not only funding but also his guidance, contacts, and brand expertise.

In interviews, John emphasizes that he looks for three key qualities: a unique product, a compelling story, and a founder who demonstrates resilience.

“I invest in people first,” John has said during multiple public appearances.

“Fashion is my passion, but I only back ideas that I believe can grow into strong, sustainable brands.”

Despite these assurances, data from his Shark Tank investments suggests a pattern worth examining.

Since 2009, John has invested in over 20 fashion-related companies on the show, ranging from streetwear lines and eco-friendly apparel to niche accessories.

Comparatively, the number of non-fashion investments he has made is higher, but fashion startups appear to receive more mentorship and strategic support post-investment.

Several entrepreneurs have publicly shared that John offered extensive guidance on supply chain management, branding, and marketing, sometimes more than other Sharks provide.

For example, in 2017, fashion entrepreneur Emily Carrington pitched her eco-conscious sneaker line on Shark Tank, seeking $150,000 for 15% equity.

John quickly recognized the potential and offered $150,000 for 25%, later negotiating a partnership that included marketing support and introductions to key retail buyers.

Carrington credits much of her brand’s growth to John’s involvement, saying, “Daymond didn’t just invest money; he invested his time, network, and knowledge.

His mentorship transformed our business.

” Stories like hers have fueled the perception that John favors fashion startups, sometimes sparking debate about whether other sectors receive equal attention.

Yet some critics caution against overstating this preference.

Investors and entrepreneurs alike point out that John’s decisions are ultimately guided by business metrics.

On numerous occasions, he has passed on fashion pitches he deemed unscalable or lacking brand differentiation.

In 2018, a luxury handbag startup with an impressive design concept failed to secure his backing because John felt its growth potential was limited.

“Even if fashion is my wheelhouse, I can’t compromise on fundamentals,” he explained during a post-show interview.

John’s approach to mentorship extends beyond financial stakes.

Through his consulting firm, keynote appearances, and personal mentorship programs, he regularly engages with emerging designers and fashion entrepreneurs.

He emphasizes teaching founders how to navigate complex retail landscapes, build cohesive branding strategies, and leverage social media effectively.

Yet while many founders praise his guidance, some report that access is often competitive, limited to those who can demonstrate early traction or a compelling narrative.

Financial outcomes also paint a nuanced picture.

While several fashion startups have flourished under John’s mentorship, others have struggled despite his involvement, highlighting that his guidance is influential but not an automatic guarantee of success.

Analysts note that John’s brand-centered investment philosophy often leads him to prioritize companies with strong storytelling potential and marketable identity, which are critical in fashion but may undervalue ventures in less consumer-facing industries.

The question of whether Daymond John truly “favors” fashion startups is therefore a mix of perception and reality.

On one hand, his deep expertise and personal history in apparel clearly give fashion entrepreneurs a strategic advantage when pitching to him.

On the other, his track record shows that investment decisions remain data-driven and opportunity-focused.

While fashion may be his specialty, John consistently emphasizes that only businesses with scalable potential, sound financials, and passionate founders earn his backing.

As Shark Tank continues to influence startup culture nationwide, Daymond John’s role as a mentor and investor underscores the complex interplay between personal experience, professional expertise, and market opportunity.

For fashion entrepreneurs, his involvement can be transformative, offering mentorship, resources, and credibility.

For observers, it raises an enduring question: is John simply leveraging his fashion expertise to identify the best opportunities, or does he genuinely prioritize apparel above all else?

What remains undeniable is that Daymond John’s influence on the fashion startup ecosystem is profound.

From his iconic FUBU beginnings to the multi-million-dollar investments he now commands, he continues to shape how brands are built, marketed, and scaled.

Whether or not he truly “favors” fashion, his name alone opens doors, sparks investor interest, and ensures that the next generation of designers has a platform from which to launch their dreams into reality.