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What is ESAI?
ESAI is an ethical, gamified AI platform that assists students with every part of the college admissions process, from discovering schools and crafting essays to finding financial options, emphasizing unique storytelling.
ESAI's Shark Tank Pitch Recap
Julia Dixon presented ESAI, an AI-powered platform designed to help college-bound students navigate the complex admissions process. She highlighted the high cost of human college advisors and positioned ESAI as an affordable, gamified alternative that helps students with school discovery, essay writing, and uncovering financial options, focusing on storytelling. Julia revealed she had raised $1 million previously at a $5 million valuation and had just started monetizing, achieving $70,000 in ARR. While some sharks were hesitant due to the early stage of monetization and the previous high valuation, Mark Cuban saw potential. After some negotiation, Julia accepted Mark's offer of $250,000 for 5% equity plus 3% advisory shares.
Who invested in ESAI?
Mark CubanESAI's Pitch Highlights
Human college advisors can charge as much as $750,000 for a four-year package.
ESAI's "story strategist" tool humorously helps students uncover narratives, even from experiences like "surviving a pretty bold haircut."
Julia, the sole full-time employee, bootstrapped an MVP to over 100,000 students.
She organically reached over 15 million kids on TikTok.
Key Milestones
Early 2024 - Recognized for promoting AI in education
Julia Dixon selected as a leading woman promoting AI in education at THE AI SHOW @ ASU+GSV (AI Revolution in Education)
2025 - Forbes 30 under 30 - Education
The founder made it to this prestigious list for 2025!
