CNBC today announced new primetime original series, ADVENTURE CAPITALISTS, which will debut Monday, August 22 at 10PM ET/PT. The four-episode series gives entrepreneurs the chance to showcase their product in the environment it's designed for ? the great outdoors! From an acoustic shark repellent and a collapsible loo for camping, to a three-wheel, all-terrain electric bike, "Adventure Capitalists" tests these potentially game-changing products to see if they're worthy of a big investment.
Produced by 3 Ball Entertainment, the series features passionate thrill-seeking investors ? Dhani Jones, Jeremy Bloom and Craig Cooper ? who take on both physical and financial risk while setting out on the next great adventure.
In each one-hour episode, hopeful entrepreneurs pitch the Adventure Capitalists on a new recreation product for the outdoors in hopes of landing a life-changing investment. With real expeditions in different terrains each week, the Adventure Capitalists put the products through extreme endurance testing to see how they hold up against Mother Nature.
Expeditions/products:
Adventure Capitalists - Lake/Mountain
Premiere Episode: Airing Monday, August 22 at 10PM ET/PT
The Adventure Capitalists trek through the Sierra Nevada Mountains to meet entrepreneurs in the outdoor recreation industry and put their new products to the test. Will they find the next big thing and decide to invest? Products include Electrafin - electric propeller for paddleboards; Fusar Mohawk - smart helmet system; and Slingfin - a range of windproof, high-quality tents.
Adventure Capitalists - Desert
Episode #2: Airing Monday, August 29 at 10PM ET/PT
The Adventure Capitalists journey to the Mojave Desert in search of the next great outdoor recreation product. While the investors confront the searing heat, each entrepreneur they meet must sweat out what could be a life-changing decision - whether they'll receive the financial backing they need that could make their business a success. Products include Instaprivy - full-body wilderness privacy toilet; Rungu - electric-powered all-terrain mountain trike; and Shouldit Hydrosport - active wear hydration vest.
Adventure Capitalists - Ocean
Episode #3: Airing Monday, September 5 at 10PM ET/PT
The Adventure Capitalists dive into the shark-infested waters of the Bahamas to decide if they want to invest in hopeful entrepreneurs looking for financing. Will the entrepreneurs get to grow their businesses and keep them from going underwater? Products include The Hookahroo - floatation device; The Sharkstopper - acoustic shark repellent; and The X2 - underwater jetpack.
Adventure Capitalists - Coastal Forest
Episode #4: Airing Monday, September 12 at 10PM ET/PT
The Adventure Capitalists make an expedition through a Redwood Coastal Forest to discover the next disruptive outdoor recreation product that will tower about the competition. Which entrepreneur will prove they have what it takes to score an investment? Products include Nubé -- hammock shelters; The M.U.L.E. - user-propelled load assisting device; and Bixpy Jet - battery-powered propulsion device for kayaks.
Meet the Adventure Capitalists:
DHANI JONES
Dhani Jones is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, NFL linebacker, author, host and explorer, who began his career in the NFL, playing with the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles and Cincinnati Bengals. For Jones, the NFL was a jumping off point, and in 2010, he launched his philanthropic endeavor, BowTie Cause, designing signature bow ties for organizations around the country. He has also since become partner of two major advertising agencies; PROCLAMATION based in Cincinnati, and VMG-Creative in New York. His entrepreneurial spirit has continued to push him in new directions, as Jones currently serves as chairman of investment fund Qey Capital Partners and CEO of Hyur Staffing Services.
Jones is also an author, writing his travelogue/memoir in 2011, "The Sportsman: Unexpected Lessons from an Around the World Sports Odyssey," which recapped his rise to NFL fame, as well as his time as a host of Travel Channel's original series, "Dhani Tackles the Globe."
In addition to "Adventure Capitalists," Dhani is currently the host of NBC's "Spartan" and serves as a reporter for the Olympics in Rio for NBC.
JEREMY BLOOM
Jeremy Bloom is the only dual-sport athlete to ski in the Olympics and be drafted into the NFL. He is a three-time World Champion, two-time Olympian, eleven-time WorldCup gold medalist and a member of the United States Skiing Hall of Fame. He won a record six straight World Cup events, the most in a single season in the sport's history. He's also an All-American football player at the University of Colorado and played in the NFL for the Eagles and Steelers.
In 2008, Bloom founded Wish of a Lifetime, which grants lifelong wishes to seniors.The non-profit has granted over 1000 wishes in 46 states.
In 2010, Bloom co-founded the marketing software company Integrate. The company has raised capital from Comcast, Foundry Group and Liberty Global. Integrate was named as the "Best New Company" at the American Business Awards. Forbes Magazine called Bloom one of the 30 most influential people in technology under 30 and in 2013 Bloom was a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
He is also a COLLEGE FOOTBALL and Olympic Sports Television Analyst and has worked for ESPN, Fox, NBC and The Pac-12 Network.
CRAIG COOPER
Craig Cooper is a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, fitness author, and TV host. He was co-founder of Boost Mobile (USA), the managing director and head of venture capital at Saban Ventures, and a founding partner in the Softbank Capital Technology Fund. His venture capital funds together have raised over $800M and were early investors in many leading digital media companies including The Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, xAD, Associated Content, and Buddy Media.
A passionate surfer, skier, mountain biker, adventure racer, scuba diver and waterman, Cooper was also formerly a senior associate at Australia's largest national law firm where he acted for clients such as United Airlines, The Disney Corporation and DHL International. Cooper also co-founded NRG Asia-Pacific - which became Australia's largest independent power producer with over AUD5.5 billion in energy generation assets - and was CEO of E-world Technologies Limited, Australia's largest mobile software company, among other ventures.
"Adventure Capitalists" kicks off a week of premieres including season four of CNBC's hit series "The Profit" premiering Tuesday, August 23 at 10PM ET/PT and new series "Cleveland Hustles" premiering Wednesday, August 24 at 10PM ET/PT.
"Adventure Capitalists" is produced by 3 Ball Entertainment with Todd A. Nelson, DJ Nurre, Ross Weintraub and Grady Candler serving as executive producers. Jim Ackerman and Marshall Eisen are the executive producers for CNBC.
