DARTDrones Training Update | Shark Tank Season 8
With new FAA regulations requiring drone pilots to be certified for commercial use, aspiring drone operators need specialized training to pass the certification test and enter fields like real estate, emergency services, and logistics. Abby Speicher came up with DARTDrones, which addresses this by offering targeted courses that teach essential flying skills, test preparation, and business fundamentals. Will Abby’s business reach new heights with the sharks’ support? Dive into our DARTDrones update and pitch recap to find out.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick overview of what happened to DARTDrones after
Abby entered
In terms of a DARTDrones update, the company expanded its training programs to over 40 cities and diversified its courses to serve public safety, infrastructure inspection, and aerial photography sectors. By 2024, DARTDrones celebrated its 10th anniversary, having trained over 25,000 pilots and successfully ventured into international markets.
| Shark | Result |
| Mark Cuban | Accepted offer of $300,000 for 10% equity |
| Kevin O’Leary | $300,000 for 15% equity |
| Daymond John | No offer |
| Lori Greiner | No offer |
| Robert Herjavec | No offer |
Shark Tank DARTdrones Pitch
- Entrepreneur: Abby Speicher
- Business: Done training and educational resources
- Ask: $300,000 for 10% equity
- Result: $300,000 for 10% equity
- Shark: Mark Cuban
Abby walked into
DARTDrones is the only national company that can certify and train would-be drone pilots.
They offer custom-tailored courses whether you’re a drone entrepreneur or just a recreational user flying for fun.
Their expert flight instructors have over 250 years of combined aviation experience and provide expert, hands-on flight instruction.
They are the leading flight experts in getting people signed, trained, and certified for their drones.
At the time of Abby’s pitch, DARTDrones offered drone training and educational courses in several cities across the United States.
Robert Herjavec steps up and asks if he can fly it, as he has never flown a drone before. Abby instructs him.
Kevin O’Leary asks how long it takes for people to gain the skills to pilot like that.
Abby explains that they currently have a one-day class for both hobbyists and people looking to fly commercially.
Daymond John inquires about the class costs and sales.
Abby shares that a full-day, eight-hour in-person class costs $400, and over the past 18 months, they’ve generated $520,000 in sales.
Next year, they are on track to make between $900,000 and $1.2 million.
Kevin asks how much this will make her after she pays everybody and the business taxes.
In response, Abby shared that the company was not profitable yet.
The good news was that some colleges inquired about the company if they were open to licensing the teaching courses.
Mark Cuban likes that idea. Abby tells Daymond she partners with hobby shops and offers them an affiliate fee to promote her courses.
Kevin starts the bidding at $300,000 for 15% equity. Mark follows with an offer of $300,000 for 10% equity, but he wants an answer right away.
Abby accepts Mark’s offer immediately.
Let’s quickly get a DARTDrones update after Abby’s appearance on
Shark Tank DARTDrones Update
Our DARTDrones update found that the deal with Mark Cuban did not close, as we could not find the company listed on Mark’s investment portfolio.
Despite this, DARTDrones experienced significant growth after appearing on
The company expanded its training programs to over 40 cities across the nation.
Further, it also increased its course offerings to serve industries such as public safety, infrastructure inspection, and aerial photography.
In 2018, Abby was recognized in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list for her contributions to the drone industry.
DARTDrones has also formed partnerships with major city governments and law enforcement agencies, emphasizing the growing reliance on drones in public safety and service sectors.
Our DARTDrones update research found that as of 2023, the company operates across more than 25 cities in America and has trained over 25,000 individual drone pilots.
Moreover, the company celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2024, highlighting its expansion into international territories.
We’re calling this DARTDrones update a success.
For other company updates from
Before you go, be sure to check out our list of all the Shark Tank Season 8 products.
Kimberly is a writer for Shark Tank Recap. She has written episode summaries and updates across multiple seasons of Shark Tank, with a focus on complete and accurate information since 2021. She believes that getting the business aspects of each deal correct is extremely important for viewers and fans. Her favorite Shark Tank products are The Wobbles and Rocketbook!