Ending Soon! Save 33% on All Access

Kevin O'Leary Opens Up on Losses Incurred in the FTX Deal The investor stated he was drawn to FTX's compliance systems which led him to invest in the crypto exchange

By Saptak Bardhan

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Wikimedia Commons

Investor and Shark Tank Judge Kevin O'Leary on Thursday said that he has lost $15 million FTX paid him to act as a spokesperson for the now bankrupt crypto exchange. Some people have called FTX fraudulent.

Celebrities like Tom Brady, Shaquille O'Neal and Larry David were sued by FTX investors. According to the FTX investors, the exchange's ambassadors should have done more due diligence and exercised extra caution before promoting the crypto exchange. He stated that he feel prey to groupthink. However, none of O'Leary's partners lost money.

"It was not a good investment," O'Leary said. "Total deal was just under $15 million, all in. I put about $9.7 million into crypto. I think that's what I lost. I don't know. It's all at zero."

The investor stated he was drawn to FTX's compliance systems which led him to invest in the crypto exchange. He aggressively promoted the crypto firm on Twitter and online. Since the collapse of FTX, Sam Bankman-Fried has resigned as well as facing multiple investigations and the company is battling bankruptcy claims in the courts.

According to O'Leary, he had more than $1 million of FTX equity which has since been rendered worthless due to the bankruptcy case.

Saptak Bardhan

Former Trainee Writer

Former Trainee Writer
News and Trends

CoverSure and CirclePe Raise Early-Stage Funding

Here are the Indian startups that announced early-stage funding rounds.

Business Models

How to Become an AI-Centric Business (and Why It's Crucial for Long-Term Success)

Learn the essential steps to integrate AI at the core of your operations and stay competitive in an ever-evolving landscape.

Devices

Get This Handy Color Sensor for $50 Through Memorial Day

Keep your business in touch with any color that inspires you.

Business News

'Creators Left So Much Money on the Table': Kickstarter's CEO Reveals the Story Behind the Company's Biggest Changes in 15 Years

In an interview with Entrepreneur, Kickstarter CEO Everette Taylor explains the decision-making behind the changes, how he approaches leading Kickstarter, and his advice for future CEOs.