BOCA RATON, Fla – The stars of the ABC hit show Shark tank brought their entrepreneurial expertise to Florida Atlantic University on Wednesday and delivered a real-world business lesson to an enthusiastic audience.

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Daymond John, Robert Herjavec and Kevin O’Leary, known as “Mr. Wonderful,” was the headline of Noble Capital Markets’ NobleCon event, which was attended by over 200 executives from across the country.

The event featured discussions on current topics such as cybersecurity, cryptocurrency, branding and artificial intelligence, as well as personal stories from the Sharks about their path to success.

The highlight of the event, however, was a live pitch session where four FAU-affiliated startups presented their ideas to the Sharks. Among them was Dr. Andrea Beal, founder of EpiPaws, a company that specializes in genetic testing for pets to improve their longevity.

“Is it just you, or is there a team working with you?” O’Leary asked during Beal’s pitch.

“I have a team of nine, but everyone works part-time. I’m full-time,” Beal responded, sharing that her company has already raised $150,000 from angel investors as part of a $2.5 million valuation.

O’Leary quickly made an offer: “I’ll take the $250,000. I want 20% and I have no flexibility.”

After spirited negotiations and audience input that evoked a game show atmosphere, Beal struck a deal with O’Leary and received funding to grow her company.

The Sharks’ visit was part of the conference’s final session, which lasted longer than planned as attendees immersed themselves in insights from prominent investors and followed exciting pitches.

For aspiring entrepreneurs and FAU students, the event offered a first-hand look into the decision-making processes of some of the country’s most successful business leaders and proved that the jump from idea to investment can be made in no time – with the right pitch.