Shark tank former Goldman “Investment Banker” contestant

Was watching shark tank on yt and this guy Dustin Finkel said he was an investment banker at GS. I did a quick search on his LinkedIn and he had that he was a “Sr. Financial Analyst” in global investment research. Just curious do you consider him to be lying about his job title or is this still considered being an investment banker ?

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Weird to lie about something like that. He does say he was an investment banker, and his LinkedIn makes it seem like he was in equity research but I think he must’ve worked on the asset/wealth management side based on the description; his whole thing screams poser.

 

Two points to consider:

1. To most people outside of finance, anyone working for GS (or similar) would be an "investment banker" (as a generic term).

As a result, many people tend to use that generic term, to show off; even if it doesn't precisely apply to their job role.

I've heard back office admin (e.g. paperwork) people, interns, and entry-level analysts all claiming to be investment bankers -- especially among those from GS (who perhaps-famously have a unique sense of GS pride).

That motivation to seek recognition as an "investment banker" is especially strong when it might yield a beneficial outcome -- whether trying to impress a girl at a bar, or seeking a deal on Shark Tank, it's the same expectation that someone will swoon upon hearing mention of Goldman Sachs.

Therefore, it's not surprising that he might try to show off by presenting himself as an "investment banker" + mention of GS.

2. People on Shark Tank tend to inflate details by a LOT, and that is part of the reason that ~90% of tentative deals on Shark Tank don't pass even basic DD after the show.

I've met people from the show (a couple of Sharks + a few behind the scenes people) in a slightly unrelated context.

They all mentioned the same thing: People who pitch on Shark Tank tend to inflate details so much, that it's almost laughable, and incredibly frustrating, when details are uncovered.

With that said, it's likely he was inflating details, in the hopes of getting a deal.

Investor (30+ years); IB/RE/PE/Corp (MD level); currently, head of boutique private equity firm; principal of family office.
 

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