Nick Romero founded The Ave Venice, a custom printing company specializing in personalized sneakers and apparel using a patent-pending machine that prints artwork directly onto sneakers.
Inspired by a custom t-shirt printing shop he discovered while on vacation, Nick spent two years modifying a printing machine and designing software to create custom sneaker prints. He appeared on Shark Tank Season 3, Episode 6, seeking $125,000 for 15% equity to expand his retail store and franchise the concept.
| Company Name | The Ave Venice | |
| Founder/Co-Founder | Nick Romero | |
| Founded | 2010 | |
| Product | Custom printing for sneakers and apparel | |
| Asked For | $125,000 for 15% equity | |
| Final Deal | No Deal | |
| Shark | No Shark | |
| Episode | S3 E9 | |
| Air Date | February 24, 2012 | |
| Business Status | In Business | |
| Website | Visit Website | |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, California, United States | |
| Annual (Revenue) | Over $3 million annually (as of 2023) | |
| Worth / Valuation | $833,333 | |
| Buy and Watch | Buy Now | Amazon Prime |
Business Pitch Episode Recap
Nick entered the Tank with an established 470-square-foot store generating $570,000 in sales and $150,000 in profit. He demonstrated his patent-pending printing machine live, printing a pair of custom sneakers on stage. Nick’s business model focused on walk-in retail customers who could bring their artwork or select from available designs.
He planned to expand by opening more retail locations and franchising, with each store as a retail outlet by day and a fulfillment center for online orders by night. The Sharks were impressed by the sales and the technology, but expressed concerns about the scalability of a retail-heavy model.
Mark Cuban questioned Nick’s hunger and adversity, noting that Nick was already living off profits and seemed comfortable, which led Cuban to exit. Other Sharks, including Daymond John and Robert Herjavec, declined to invest due to the business model and growth strategy. Ultimately, Nick left without a deal.
Sharks Offers List
| Sharks | Offers |
|---|---|
| Mark Cuban | No Offer |
| Daymond John | No Offer |
| Robert Herjavec | No Offer |
| Kevin O’Leary | No Offer |
| Barbara Corcoran | No Offer |
| Founder’s Counter | No Counter |
| Final Deals | No Deal |
The Ave Venice Shark Tank Update
Despite not securing investment on Shark Tank, Nick Romero continued to grow his business. He obtained a patent for his printing technology in 2014 and rebranded as The AVE Los Angeles. The company moved to a larger 5,000-square-foot facility in downtown Los Angeles.
With patented technology in hand, Nick secured licensing agreements in the USA, Europe, and Canada. He partnered with NVR SHOES, the world’s first casual shoe brand designed specifically for direct-to-garment printing. The AVE Los Angeles expanded its online presence, allowing customers to create custom-designed shoes or choose from pre-printed licensed artwork.
By November 2023, the company was generating approximately $3 million in annual revenue, with products worn by celebrities and a growing loyal customer base.
What Is The Ave Venice’s Net Worth?
At the time of the Shark Tank pitch, The Ave Venice was valued at approximately $833,333, based on Nick’s ask of $125,000 for 15% equity. Although the Sharks passed on investing due to concerns about scalability and business strategy, Nick’s persistence and innovation led to significant growth post-show.
Today, The AVE Los Angeles has a net worth reflecting its multi-million-dollar annual revenue, patented technology, and expanded licensing deals, making it a successful example of a Shark Tank business that thrived without a deal.
