Behind the Scenes of Pitching on Tim Draper’s ‘Meet the Drapers’ Show

Last week, the serene rooftop of MCM studios in Manhattan hosted six entrepreneurs as they presented their innovative business concepts.

During her turn, April Wachtel took the stage to represent her company, Cheeky Cocktails, in front of a panel of judges that included billionaire venture capitalist Tim Draper. Camera crews surrounded her, broadcasting her pitch live on Draper’s “Shark Tank”-style show, “Meet the Drapers.”

Now in its eighth season, the show features previous winners such as Balloon, a leadership platform, and food innovation company It’s Skinny.

After her pitch, Wachtel told TechCrunch that the experience felt like a “whirlwind” and highlighted the importance of such exposure for startups like hers. Cheeky Cocktails is known for its artisanal cocktail mixers. She learned about this opportunity after securing second place in another pitch competition earlier that month. A producer from “Meet the Drapers” reached out to invite her for filming, and just two days later, she was presenting on the show.

“There’s nothing like a founder sharing their journey,” she said. “People might initially choose to buy from you because they resonate with you, but they remain loyal for the product.”

On Monday, the show provided select media and guests with a special behind-the-scenes look at its production. Draper expressed that his goal is to illuminate the investment process.

His judging panel included his sister, Polly Draper, who is currently known for her role in “Hacks,” along with Andy Tang, a partner at Draper Associates, and Rosie Rios, a former U.S. Treasurer from 2009 to 2016.

“Meet the Drapers” is part of Draper’s newly launched channel, DraperTV, which focuses on business and entrepreneurship and is available on streaming platforms like Roku. The show has previously aired on networks such as BizTV.

This season, the show explores various cities across the U.S., including Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Austin, and Detroit, in search of local talent and to highlight unique tech innovations.

Wachtel was among six founders showcasing their ideas in the New York episode, with winners advancing to the semi-finals alongside champions from other regions, all aiming for a $1 million prize in San Francisco.

Draper emphasized, “The vision is for a global audience to witness the interactions between entrepreneurs and venture capitalists, highlighting their roles in creating jobs, wealth, and commerce worldwide.”

The show delivers the vibrant combination of entrepreneurship and entertainment that viewers love. Draper’s dynamic style and self-deprecating humor enhance the atmosphere, while the investors offer valuable insights as the entrepreneurs present their ambitious concepts. Participants represent a wide range of ethnicities, genders, and professional backgrounds.

Sujana Chandrasekhar, founder of KivviMed, a medtech startup, also took part in the same New Jersey pitch competition as Wachtel and was encouraged to audition for “Meet the Drapers.” She confessed to feeling unusually anxious during her pitch, particularly due to the audience size. KivviMed is developing a device aimed at easing ear pain.

I’ve created five digital twins. I’ve got my digital twin interviewing, like, Karl Marx.

Draper noted that the show has attracted a substantial audience, especially in countries such as India, Brazil, and Taiwan. DraperTV, which launched last summer, reportedly reaches over 350 million households worldwide.

“I was able to stay focused and convey my messages effectively while addressing questions,” Chandrasekhar shared with TechCrunch. She appreciated the support from the show’s team, who helped refine her pitch and provided a brief walking tour of New York, along with hair and makeup services, making her feel valued.

“The exposure for our company and vision is unparalleled,” she said regarding her participation.

Hilary Taylor, founder of WattsUp, shared a similar perspective. WattsUp specializes in electric vehicle infrastructure and learned about the show through her work with the Techstars Alabama Accelerator program.

She found the experience both engaging and challenging, noting that it combined storytelling with business savvy.

“You have to connect with judges and audiences quickly, simplifying complex technologies for a broader audience while still being credible to investors,” she emphasized, pointing out that the show offers early-stage founders a chance to network beyond the tech sphere.

“Unlike the rigid environments typical in many VC pitch meetings, this show featured candid and amusing moments that made it feel more relatable and surprisingly enjoyable,” she added.

“Meet the Drapers” is part of the expansive media empire that Draper is building. A third-generation investor, Draper founded Draper Associates in the 1980s, a venture firm that has supported big names in technology like Tesla, Skype, and Twitch. His children are also venturing into the realm of venture capital, including Jesse Draper with Halogen Ventures and Adam Draper with Boost VC.

Draper envisions a broad, ambitious future for his tech-focused media empire. DraperTV features programs such as “Draper Decentralized,” concentrating on AI and web3; “Can’t Be Done” podcast about emerging technologies; and “Talk with Tim,” where Draper shares his business and technology insights.

There’s no substitute for hearing a founder tell their own story.

Additionally, he is developing digital twins—AI avatars of himself that can interact with audiences and conduct interviews. He anticipates that digital twins will become increasingly relevant in entertainment, media, and news, although he insists that human involvement remains crucial in news creation.

“I’ve created five digital twins,” he shared. “I even have my digital twin interviewing people like Karl Marx.”

Meanwhile, Draper continues to oversee Draper University, known for its unique methods in training entrepreneurs for the startup landscape. His previous attempt at reality TV, “Startup U,” only lasted one season before cancellation. Despite this, Draper is open to revisiting the idea.

“We’ve achieved incredible milestones with entrepreneurs, resulting in outstanding visuals and storytelling,” he stated.

Draper believes the innovations these founders are nurturing will be pivotal in the upcoming decades, and showcasing this talent now will lay the groundwork for future explorations. On “Meet the Drapers,” this includes spotlighting trends in sports betting, advancements in drug discovery, and significant shifts in electric vehicle infrastructure.

“A few networks are looking toward the future,” he elaborated. “They focus on reporting current events. Our goal is to narrate the story of 15 years from now.”