What if holding a replica of Abraham Lincoln’s letter could spark a million-dollar business? That’s exactly what happened when Ari Siegel turned his fascination with history into History By Mail, a subscription service bringing the past to life, one envelope at a time.
The Moment That Sparked a Movement
Ari’s idea didn’t come from a boardroom. It came from the quiet halls of the Library of Congress, where he stumbled upon a handwritten letter by Lincoln. That moment made history feel alive. It was a sharp contrast to the dull textbooks he’d grown up with.
He shared the replicas with friends. Their eyes lit up. So he kept going. First biweekly, then monthly, always improving based on feedback. By 2019, History By Mail was officially launched.
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How the Sharks Reacted
By the time Ari walked into Shark Tank Season 16 in 2025, his company had already made over $3 million in lifetime sales and pulled in over $1 million the previous year alone. He was profitable, with a 43% net operating margin, and had sold over 85,000 subscriptions.
Ari asked for $250,000 for 10% equity. The sharks were hooked. Daniel Lubetzky and Kevin O’Leary each offered $250,000 for 20%. Barbara Corcoran teamed up with Daniel, with each contributing $125,000 for 10% equity. Ari accepted the joint offer from Lubetzky and Corcoran. Mark Cuban bowed out, saying: “You get to do what you love, and you’re making a killing. You don’t really need our help to get to the next level.”
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A Tangible Business in a Digital Age
So, what exactly is History By Mail? Subscribers receive replicas of historical documents, things like Rosa Parks’ arrest report, Washington’s recipes, or a WWII D-Day sketch along with context pages that bring them to life.
The documents are meticulously reproduced to match the ink, paper texture, and color of the originals. It’s tactile, nostalgic, and surprisingly emotional.
And people love it.
Subscriptions range from $8.99 monthly to $149.99 for two years. Discounts reward longer commitments, and most subscribers stay for about 18 months.
History by Mails Net Worth 2025
Before Shark Tank:
- Total Sales: $3 million
- 2024 Revenue: Over $1 million
- Net Operating Margin: 43%
- Subscribers: 85,000+
Estimated 2025 Net Worth: $1.5 million, based on a 13% CAGR for the subscription box market and a $1.25M valuation at the time of the deal.
How much do you think History By Mail will be worth by 2027?
Why It Works
History By Mail taps into something rare: emotional learning. It’s not just a gift box or trivia set. It’s a personal connection to the past, delivered to your doorstep.
It thrives in the gifting market and has expanded through Uncommon Goods. Teachers and lifelong learners use it too. It even launched a scholarship program to support history students.
The product lineup keeps growing: Historic Cartoons, National Parks letters, Sports History, each delivered with the same care and context.
What’s Next?
Ari’s roadmap includes bulk orders for classrooms, museum partnerships, and more institutional outreach. Social media growth is also on his radar, especially since that was one reason he wanted a Shark’s help.
Final Takeaway
In 2025, History By Mail isn’t just worth $1.5 million. It’s proving that in a fast-paced digital world, the slow, tactile power of a handwritten letter still has the ability to change everything.
🔹 TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
History By Mail’s net worth reached $1.5M in 2025 after a Shark Tank deal fueled massive growth in subscriptions and reach.
FAQs
What is the net worth of History By Mail in 2025?
As of 2025, History By Mail is estimated to be worth $1.5 million, following strong subscription growth and Shark Tank backing.
Did History By Mail get a deal on Shark Tank?
Yes, Ari Siegel secured a deal with Daniel Lubetzky and Barbara Corcoran for $250,000 in exchange for 20% equity.
Who owns History By Mail now?
History By Mail is still led by its founder, Ari Siegel, with support from Sharks Daniel Lubetzky and Barbara Corcoran.
How does the History By Mail subscription work?
Subscribers receive monthly replicas of historic U.S. documents, complete with contextual pages that bring the stories to life.
Where can I buy a History By Mail subscription?
You can subscribe directly via the official website or purchase through gift platforms like Uncommon Goods.
What kind of documents are included in History By Mail?
Examples include Abraham Lincoln’s letters, Rosa Parks’ arrest record, WWII battle sketches, and early American recipes.
Is History By Mail good for gifts?
Yes, it’s a popular gift item for history lovers, educators, and curious learners, offering unique and personal historical content.