David Cox, the founder of PC Classes Online, is bringing his business to Shark Tank to change the way people learn about and use their computers. Cox, also known as the “Mac Guru,” first got the idea for his business while teaching classes at a local Apple Dealer. He realized that many “techies” may know their stuff, but they often struggle to teach others. With his background as a people person and a techie, Cox saw an opportunity to create an online platform for computer classes.
PC Classes Online offers live classes online, similar to podcasts, with time for questions and discussions. Cox also creates mini video tutorials based on questions from his live classes. The target market for PC Classes Online tends to be individuals aged 50 and above, with younger people often signing up to help their parents with computer-related tasks. The platform can accommodate up to 10,000 students at once.
Cox is working on securing a partnership with computer stores to have PC Classes Online as a “boxed item” available for purchase. This would provide a value-add for customers and a new revenue stream for the dealers. He also has a vision to create a curriculum for high school students, teaching them essential computer skills that would make them job-ready.
For his appearance on Shark Tank, Cox will be accompanied by his personal friend and comedy writer, Bruce Vilanch. Vilanch is a fan of the show and watches it with his 90-year-old mother every week. Cox taught Vilanch’s mother, and their friendship developed from there. Vilanch will be providing humorous commentary and being a visual aid during Cox’s pitch to the Sharks.
While Cox can’t reveal the details of his Shark Tank experience due to a non-disclosure agreement, he believes that PC Classes Online will come across well on national TV. He has hired a publicist to help with publicity after the show airs. Cox is also excited about using his appearance on Shark Tank as a platform to help others. He plans to use his fifteen minutes of fame to support his summer hometown of Provincetown and make a positive impact.
Whether or not Cox secures a deal on Shark Tank, he is determined to continue growing PC Classes Online and helping people learn about computers in a user-friendly way.
