Julia Dixon was a college counselor. She noticed that hiring a counselor was too expensive for many students. To solve this problem, she started a company called ESAI in 2023. ESAI uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help students apply to college at a low cost. The AI helps students write essays, find scholarships, plan application deadlines, and gives guidance like a real counselor.
By May 2025, ESAI has helped 100,000 students. Julia appeared on Shark Tank Season 16, Episode 19 to ask the Sharks for investment. Let’s find out if any Sharks invested money in her business.
| Company Name | ESAI | |
| Founder | Julia Dixon | |
| Founded | 2023 | |
| Product | AI Counselor for college student | |
| Asked For | $250k for 5% equity | |
| Final Deal | $250k for a 5% equity + 2.5% in advisory shares | |
| Sharks | Mark Cuban | |
| Episode (Shark Tank USA) | S16 E19 | |
| Air Date | May 9th, 2025 | |
| Business Status | In Business | |
| Website | Visit Website | |
| Headquarters | New York, NY, USA | |
| Lifetime Worth (Sales) | $100k *estimated | |
| Valuation | $5 Million *estimated | |
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Who Is The Founder Of ESAI?
Julia Dixon officially launched the AI counselor tool ESAI in 2023. She was previously a college counselor and also worked as a Production Intern at Black River Farm and Ranch and CBS Sports.
Additionally, she worked for more than six years at Weber Shandwick in various job positions. Regarding her education, Julia completed her studies at the University of Michigan.
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of ESAI?
Julia Dixon appeared on Shark Tank asking for $250,000 in exchange for 5% equity in her AI-powered company ESAI, valuing it at $5 million. She explained how ESAI helps students get into the best colleges by guiding them through the application process using AI.
Julia shared that she recently started monetizing the tool and earned $70,000 in annual recurring revenue (ARR). She also raised $1 million from a venture capital firm at the same $5 million valuation.
During the pitch, Robert Herjavec showed interest but later said the business was not a fit and left. Lori Greiner liked the product but was concerned about the early $1 million funding, so she declined. Barbara Corcoran wanted proof of long-term user engagement and also chose not to invest.
Mark Cuban was interested in Julia’s vision and the future of the platform as a Gen Z storytelling tool. He offered $250,000 for 10% equity. Kevin O’Leary made the same offer. After negotiation, Julia accepted Mark Cuban’s deal of $250,000 for 5% equity plus 2.5% in advisory shares.
Breakdown Sharks Offer
Note: Here’s a quick summary of the offers and counteroffers between the Sharks and Landon McKinnis:
| Sharks | Offers |
| Kevin O’Leary | No Offer |
| Barbara Corcoran | No Offer |
| Mark Cuban | $250k for 10% equity |
| Lori Greiner | No Offer |
| Robert Herjavec | No Offer |
| Founder’s (Countered) | $250k for a 5% equity + 2.5% in advisory shares |
| Final Deals | $250k for a 5% equity + 2.5% in advisory shares |
ESAI AI Counselor Shark Tank Update
Since Mark Cuban invested in Julia’s AI-powered company ESAI, there has been a large increase in free users on the platform. ESAI offers many free features for students, including:
- Story Strategist
- Major Mentor
- Activity Planner
- LOCI Tool
- Passion Project Picker
Students can use these tools at no cost.
By paying $49.99 per month, users get access to additional features such as:
- Story Strategist (enhanced)
- School Match Maker
- Major Mentor (full access)
- Personal Statement Topic Finder
- Activity Planner (advanced)
- Supplemental Essay Assistant
- Outline Assistant
- Conclusion Coach
- Hook Helper
- Essay Draft Editor
- Scholarship Guide
- Personal Stat Calculator
- LOCI Tool (full access)
- Letter of Recommendation Request
- Passion Project Picker (full access)
ESAI also partners with popular edtech platforms like Acely, Prep Expert, and CollegeAdvisor. Additionally, ESAI offers a free course on Ethical AI Practices for College Admissions, which includes a certificate upon completion.
This freemium model helps many students get personalized college admissions support while making advanced tools available through subscription.
What Is the Net Worth of ESAI?
ESAI received investment on Shark Tank at a $5 million valuation, but its current sales remain low. However, there is strong potential for future demand for the product. Based on this, ESAI’s estimated net worth could be around $1.2 million.
