The Power of Shock Therapy: Pavlok Computers Net Worth Exposed 

Bad habits and obsessive or addictive behaviors can be amusing for onlookers to behold, but to those directly affected, they can be anything from mildly irritating to life-destroying. 

Whilst there is seldom any logical reason for pursuing them, they can be infuriatingly difficult to dispense with. 

Any help that can be called upon would surely be cause for comfort and some relief. 

As of 2023, Pavlok Computers is estimated to have a net worth of approximately 2 million USD. The company’s founder, Maneesh Sethi, offered a 3.14% equity stake in exchange for a $500,000 investment on the show but was unable to secure a deal with the sharks.

Introduction

Pavlok founder Maneesh Sethi knows a thing or two about habit forming from his days as a social media addict.  So distracting was the time he spent wasting time on Facebook and other platforms that he took the unusual step of actually hiring somebody to watch him work and to slap him if he began to browse social media.  

Although it worked for Maneesh, it was an expensive and not especially practical solution to his problem.  It would be far easier, he thought if there was such a thing as a piece of technology that triggered a reaction whenever its user was about to engage in any form of compulsive behavior. 

His solution was a discreet bracelet, worn like a wristwatch, which issued a safe but assertive charge whenever the wearer was about to give in to their compulsion. 

So Maneesh would receive a warning whenever he ventured to visit his social media accounts, but the gadget could just as easily be programmed to send a warning signal when the wearer attempted to bite their nails or eat too much chocolate. 

At a Glance 

In 2015 Maneesh Sethi presented his concept to a panel of investors on Shark Tank, seeking $500,000 in exchange for 3.14% of his company.  Unfortunately, he was not taken particularly seriously when he informed the panel that he could avoid negative behaviors through the simple expedient of pushing a red button on his device.  Mark Cuban was very critical of the whole idea, whilst Robert Herjavec questioned the company’s valuation. 

Kevin O’Leary, having had some personal experience of habit forming, offered the $500,000 as an interest-bearing loan in exchange for the equity, but Sethi did not wish to work with him.  This led other investors to question his motives for appearing on the show, asking whether he was looking for investment or just some free publicity. 

Who is the Founder? 

Maneesh Sethi was born in Miami, and from a very early age he developed a passion for programming and for business.  At just sixteen he published a book entitled Game Programming for Teens, and he went on to study technology and computer science at Stanford University. 

After he had graduated he took on the role of chief editor of a blog called Hack the System, whilst also working as a web designer.   

But for Maneesh social media proved to be an addiction, and in an attempt to conquer his obsession he engaged an assistant whose job it was to slap him every time he browsed into his social media accounts. 

It was something of an extreme solution, but it worked. 

Did Pavlok Get a Deal on the Show? 

Sethi went onto the show seeking an investment of $500,000 in exchange for 3.14% equity in his company. 

But the Sharks were reluctant to get involved, and when Kevin O’Leary became the only one to show an interest the inventor actually declined his offer, saying he didn’t wish to work with O’Leary because of his “bully persona”. 

O’Leary responded by telling him to “Get the f*** out of here!”. 

What Happened to the Entrepreneur After the Show? 

Like so many who have been featured on Shark Tank, Maneesh realized soon enough that the publicity generated by the appearance can prove more beneficial than any offer of investment finance itself. 

Interest in his product increased exponentially and he managed to raise $200,000 through crowdfunding campaigns. 

He also received backing from two external investors, Mass Challenge and IncWell, and launched upgraded versions of his product with improved functionality. 

About the Product 

Habit forming may sound like a harmless enough thing but it can be the ruin of lives and relationships – and businesses.  Studies have shown that distractions and procrastination are listed amongst the single biggest reasons why many do not reach the heights of success that they had privately hoped for. 

Maneesh Sethi drew upon his own personal experience as a social media addict, and of his novel solution of employing a person specifically to slap his face if his attention drifted from the job at hand to the pointless and unproductive distraction of scrolling his social media accounts. 

His design was a simple bracelet, much in the style of a wristwatch, which would issue a charge whenever the wearer was in danger of drifting into performing a distracting activity. 

Since his ultimately unsuccessful pitch on Shark Tank his business has expanded to a point at which he has provided help to over 100,000 customers in their efforts to avoid doing such things as biting their nails, smoking, eating junk food or oversleeping. 

He has enhanced his product and diversified into new lines.  Today his company is believed to have a net worth of something in the region of $2 million. 

Some Interesting Facts 

Pavlok’s wristband retails at $14 per item.  It is available through the company website and works by emitting a small but harmless shock whenever a specified diversionary activity is about to be undertaken. 

No physical harm is caused to the wearer, despite the fact that one Shark, Barbara Corcoran told him she didn’t like the product.  In fact most of the panel initially found his presentation amusing and Daymond John, although he didn’t invest, has become something of a fan. 

Sethi’s refusal to accept a deal with O’Leary, as well as inspiring some rather frank and direct personal criticism, led the latter to speculate that he was not serious about seeking financial but was instead using his appearance on the show merely to generate publicity. 

But Maneesh is adamant that he would have accepted the right deal from the right person had it been available to him.