"Every cent matters": Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary shares his opinion on the biggest mistake entrepreneurs often make

On March 25, 2025, Shark Tank investor and judge Kevin O'Leary shared a video clip via his Instagram handle where he talked about the "biggest mistake" entrepreneurs make after receiving their first round of funding. His advice to them was not to assume that there would be a second round.

Before expecting a second round of funding, entrepreneurs need to work on their first round and treat it as if it were the only funding they would ever receive. The reason for this, he explained, is that "every cent matters."

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Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary reveals the biggest mistake entrepreneurs make regarding funding

In his recently shared Instagram clip, Shark Tank judge Kevin O'Leary shared his thoughts on the biggest mistake that entrepreneurs make. He discussed funding and how important it is to manage it before it runs out. He advised entrepreneurs not to think there would be a second round of funding.

Kevin O'Leary captioned the video clip with the following:

"Entrepreneurs, listen up! The biggest mistake you can make with your first round of funding? Assuming there's a second. WRONG! You need to treat that first check like it's the last dime you'll ever raise. Every cent matters. Waste money? There won't be any more. Simple as that."

With this mindset, spending the first and only round of funding should be planned meticulously.

"Make a mistake entrepreneurs make with their first round of funding is assuming there's a second. You've got to go into the first saying it's the last money you raise. You can't make the assumption that people just want to keep pouring money on losses. Every cent matters on the first raise," he said.

Furthermore, in the video clip, Mr Wonderful stated that entrepreneurs often make mistakes by assuming there would be more funding rounds. Right from their first round, it is necessary that they are careful with how they spend the money. The Shark Tank mentor added:

"Don't ever assume there's more after that. You've got to make it work with every dime you have. Save, save, save, save, and don't waste money. You waste money. There won't be anymore."

Fans who follow the Shark Tank investor know that he often shares business insights and tips for entrepreneurs. Kevin O'Leary is an active participant in discussions about AI, Crypto, and Economic conditions on various platforms.

In another one of his motivational posts shared on March 19, 2025, Leary mentioned how individuals are afraid of "potential rejection". As a result, many entrepreneurs hesitate to move forward with their ideas.

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Fans can follow Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary via his socials (Instagram: @kevinolearytv) and stay updated with his latest business tips and insights.