Matt Higgins, the CEO and Co-Founder of RSE Ventures, brings his entrepreneurial acumen to the United Arab Emirates as he joins the prestigious panel of investors on the second season of 'Shark Tank Dubai' as a Guest Shark. This development marks a unique milestone as Higgins becomes the only Shark to participate in both the U.S. and Dubai versions of the celebrated 'Shark Tank' franchise.
Known for his incredible ability to nurture and scale brands, Higgins is set to compete for deals alongside prominent UAE investors such as Faisal Belhoul, Amira Sajwani, Elie Khouri, and Adel Sajan. 'It's an exhilarating experience to re-enter the tank, albeit continents away,' Higgins expresses. 'Shark Tank offers an unparalleled platform to connect with entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. Several of our portfolio companies at RSE, including Magnolia Bakery, have already established a presence in the region, thanks to their prowess in pioneering consumer brands in the UAE and GCC.'
Higgins, alongside Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, co-founded RSE Ventures, which boasts an impressive multi-billion-dollar investment portfolio encompassing over 100 leading brands in sports, entertainment, media, marketing, consumer, and technology sectors. Their ventures include renowned names such as Magnolia Bakery, Resy, Performance Drone Works, and Relevent Sports. Higgins also lends his expertise as an Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School, where he co-teaches a course focused on direct-to-consumer brands, and he is the author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller, 'Burn the Boats.'
Sarah Al Jarman, Senior Vice President for TV & Radio Channels at Dubai Media Inc (DMI), praises Higgins' involvement, noting, 'We are thrilled to welcome Matt Higgins to 'Shark Tank Dubai' Season 2. His global perspective as an American investor provides valuable insights for businesses aiming for success both in Dubai and internationally. As a self-made founder and investor, Matt's journey resonates with budding entrepreneurs in the tank, offering them inspiration to elevate their ventures.'
Previously, Higgins captivated audiences as a recurring Shark on the Emmy Award-winning U.S. version of 'Shark Tank,' appearing in Seasons 10 and 11. His television experience extends further with his role as host of CNBC's 'Business Hunters.' With his debut on 'Shark Tank Dubai,' Higgins cements his status as the first Shark to straddle both versions of the program, emphasizing the franchise's global expansion.
Higgins explains his enthusiasm for joining 'Shark Tank Dubai': 'Why Dubai? Over the past two years, I've frequently visited the UAE—our Magnolia Bakeries are thriving there, and I own property in Abu Dhabi. The energy on the ground is infectious. Dubai and Abu Dhabi stand as testaments to innovation, cultivating a vibrant ecosystem for startups and entrepreneurship. The region breathes life into the entrepreneurial dream, fostering a new wave of founders, making it a perfect fit for the 'Shark Tank' franchise.'
Higgins' entrepreneurial perspective is molded by a humble beginning; at age 10, he sold flowers on the streets of Queens, New York. Overcoming adversity, he dropped out of high school at 16 but went on to earn a GED, a degree from Queens College, and a J.D. from Fordham Law. His career trajectory is marked by impressive milestones, including serving as the youngest Press Secretary for the Mayor of New York at 26, where he managed responses to the events of September 11, 2001.
His contributions earned him the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, aligning him with distinguished figures like former U.S. presidents and Nobel laureates. A 2021 meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican highlighted Higgins' commitment to human rights and solidarity with the world's underprivileged.
Reflecting on his experience with 'Shark Tank Dubai,' Higgins humorously notes, 'What's different from Hollywood? The Sharks here are more patient, waiting their turn! It's a refreshing change from the commotion with Mr. Wonderful. And while half the show is in Arabic, 'Shark Tank Dubai' embodies what makes the world’s best business show so phenomenal.' For further information, reach out to RSE Ventures directly.
