There are various toys on the market. Kids love to play and enjoy as they wish. Kids have already enjoyed the era of yo-yo and Rubik’s Cube. But there is always room for more. So, Austin Hillam and Stephen Fazio have invented a new toy for kids who love new sci-fi toys.
Zip String is a new toy that moves as you wish to move it in the air. It can swirl, move on smooth surfaces, and is safe to touch. This toy is a combination of science and fun. So kids can grab it to enjoy. The entrepreneurs Austin and Stephen invented this toy from a scientific concept.
The pitch was exciting. Sharks loved it and enjoyed it a lot while playing with it. However, sales were quite low despite millions of views on social media. The demand is for $100,000 for 10 % equity. Did the entrepreneur get a deal on Shark Tank? Check out our Zip String update to find out!
Zip String Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Austin Hillam and Stephen Fazio asked for a $100k investment in exchange for 10% equity in their company. This meant they valued their company at $1 million. They made a deal with Robert and Kevin for $100k in exchange for 20% of their company. This new deal valued their company at $500,000. After the show aired, Zip String saw a big increase in website traffic, sales, and social media exposure. With an estimated 10% yearly growth rate (typical business growth), the current net worth of Zip String in 2025 is about $665,500.
After its appearance on Shark Tank, the product attracted a lot of attention. The customer demand was huge enough to increase the cost from $25 to $29.99. However, the social media audience increased too. Zip String had amazing reviews with a 3.9-star rating. The company is still growing and looking forward to its advanced version.
Yes, Zip String got a deal with Robert and Kevin for $100,000 for 20% equity. Keep reading our Zip String update to see what happens next!
| Shark(s) name | Offer & Demand | Counteroffer | Accepted? |
| Robert + Kevin | $100,000 for 20% equity | $100,000 for 15% equity | Yes |
| Robert Herjavac | #1: $100,000 for 20% equity #2: $100,000 for 10% equity | N/A | Yes |
| Lori Greiner | Out | N/A | No |
| Kevin O’Leary | #1: $100,000 with a royalty of $1 on each unit sold #2: $100,000 for 15% equity #3: $100,000 for 9% equity | N/A | No |
| Barbara Corcoran | Out | N/A | No |
| Mark Cuban | Out | N/A | No |
Zip String Shark Tank Pitch
Stephen is a passionate lover of electronics. Initially, he saw a physics teacher explaining a benchtop string launcher. He took that technology and packed it in a handheld device. The prototype wasn’t efficient enough, so Austim took over here. His father helps them make it a playable toy.
Austin and Stephen introduced themselves. Austin then explained how toys have entertained people for centuries. They have introduced their product, Zip String. Zip String is a toy that moves in every direction. It moves 35 miles per hour and swirls around smoothly.
The sharks were impressed and tried it. They enjoyed it like kids. The entrepreneurs then closed their pitch with their proposal. They demand $100,000 for 10% equity. Next, they helped the Sharks test it. Robert loved it.
Robert inquired if they had invented it. Stephen replied Yes, he invented it. Robert then inquired about its backstory. After their backstory, Stephen mentioned that he posted this toy on social media. They got 20 million views and were featured on the Reddit front page. Robert inquired when it was. Austin replied a year ago that this had happened.
Kevin inquired if they had any sales. Austin said 10,000 until there were sales. Kevin was disappointed and inquired about their cost. Austin replied that it cost $25. Lori inquired why there were so many sales despite too many views on its video. Kevin inquired about the cost of making it. Austin replied that it costs $6.35.
He further explained that they started a Kickstarter campaign with Dude Perfect that was successful. It became famous nationwide, popular in 50 countries, and it has over 200 million views.
Robert inquired about the number of dollars sold after Kickstarter became popular. Austin replied that it’s $277,000. Robert inquired about the reason behind such low sales after the popularity. Austin replied that they have been struggling with the supply chains. They were pre-orders, and they could keep up with them. Kevin inquired if they could do the hundred thousand units. Austin replied Yes.
Kevin then stated that they needed to reduce the cost of making it. Austin replied that we could reduce it to $5.87.
Kevin stated that it was too expensive. As other Sharks agree. Robert disagreed and mentioned that it was appropriate. Austin mentioned that they have a verbal commitment with Walmart Canada, where it will be sold for $14.97. Kevin then made an offer.
Kevin offered $100,000 with a royalty of $1 on each unit sold. Lori loved the idea, but she thought it was too early to invest, so she stepped out. Next, Barbara steps out. As she thinks she can’t do anything about the product. Robert loved the idea and made an offer.
He offered $100,000 for 20% equity. Kevin immediately revised the offer. He offered $100,000 for 15% equity. Robert revised his offer to $100,000 for 10% equity. Kevin revised his offer again. He offered $100,000 of 9% equity. Mark stepped into the counter-strike of offers.
Mark stepped out as he thought the product would roll out at some point. Kevin jumped in and asked Robert to join him in the offer. He offered $100,000 for 20% equity with Robert. Austin questioned if the previous deal was still on the table. Robert mentioned that they are no longer on the table. Austin counteroffers. He offered $200,000 for 15% equity. Both Sharks declined. Both entrepreneurs agreed. The deal was done.
What Went Wrong with Zip String On Shark Tank
The pitch was good, but sales were down. Despite this, the Sharks liked the idea. While three Sharks quit the deal. Robert and Kevin made their offer. They compete with each other for the deal. Finally, they settled on one deal with the entrepreneurs.
Products Availability
Zip String is a toy to kill time and enjoy the science invention. This toy is easy and safe to use. It has a USB-C port to charge the toy. It is available in five different colors: Bodacious Blue, Rock’It Red, Vivacious Violet, Luscious Lime, and Aesthetic Aqua. You can also purchase a pack of extra strings for $5.99. You can purchase from stores like Walmart. Or you can order it online. You can check its website for more details.
Conclusion
Austin and Stephen came to Shark Tank Season 14. They demanded $100,000 for 10% equity for their product, Zip String. This sci-fi toy swirls in the air and on smooth surfaces as you wish to move it. This amazing toy has amazed millions online, including the Sharks. However, the sales are average, which is why the Sharks were disappointed.
Despite this, Kevin and Robert made an offer. At first, they made individual offers. But they joined hands to get their hands on the product. So, they settled on $100,000 for 20% equity. Entrepreneurs grabbed the offer and got the deal sealed.
Hello everyone, I’m Sara Javed. I’m an IT professional expert with project management and design skills. Besides writing, I love playing video games, designing digital art, and reading books. I love Shark Tank due to its innovative business idea and unpredicted reactions of Sharks. This keeps me glued to the screens to watch the next catchy moment. Read more About me.
