It’s rare to see the sharks on “Shark Tank” let loose, laugh, and genuinely enjoy themselves during a pitch. But Austin Hillam and Stephen Fazio managed to pull off just that during their appearance in Season 14. Dressed in matching black suits and sunglasses, the duo introduced the sharks to ZipString, a toy that channels the nostalgic joy of classics like the yo-yo, Etch A Sketch, and Rubik’s Cube.
The Birth of ZipString: A Basement Invention with Big Dreams
The story of ZipString began when Stephen Fazio witnessed a physics teacher demonstrate a device that looped a string on a tabletop. Fascinated by the concept, Fazio couldn’t let it go. He collaborated with Austin Hillam and Hillam’s father to refine the idea, eventually creating a handheld version that transformed into ZipString.
The toy is simple but mesmerizing — at the click of a button, a string loops, swirls, and flies at speeds of up to 35 mph. The best part? It’s completely safe to touch. With the ability to create corkscrews and spirals, the toy instantly captivates both kids and adults.
ZipString’s Moment on Shark Tank: Laughter and a Double Deal
When Hillam and Fazio stepped onto the Shark Tank stage, they asked for $100,000 in exchange for 10% equity. The sharks were intrigued by the concept, and as the entrepreneurs demonstrated ZipString, the room quickly filled with excitement.
Robert Herjavec, in particular, couldn’t get enough of it. “Couldn’t love it more, seriously,” he said as he played with the toy. But things got serious when the entrepreneurs started sharing their sales numbers. Despite 20 million views on social media and reaching Reddit’s front page, ZipString had only sold 10,000 units at $25 each.
The bottleneck? Production couldn’t keep up with demand.
While several sharks dropped out, Robert Herjavec and Kevin O’Leary remained interested. Herjavec offered $100,000 for 20% equity, while O’Leary countered with $100,000 for 15%. After a brief negotiation, Hillam and Fazio accepted a joint deal: $100,000 for 20%, split between Herjavec and O’Leary.
What Happened After Shark Tank?
Since their Shark Tank appearance, Austin Hillam (24) and Stephen Fazio (26) have continued to focus on their original ZipString product. While some companies diversify quickly, ZipString has stayed true to its roots. The toy is now available in five vibrant colors — Bodacious Blue, Rock’It Red, Vivacious Violet, Luscious Lime, and Aesthetic Aqua. The price has increased slightly to $29.99, but customers can save by purchasing multiple units or extra strings for $5.99.
Production still takes place in the Hillam family’s basement in Johns Creek, Georgia. According to their website, orders are fulfilled daily by the small team, who stack inventory against the basement walls. Despite the humble production line, the company continues to grow. “Hard work and dreams can still be launched from a basement and yet have influence around the globe,” their website proudly states.
While the sharks’ investment implied a $500,000 valuation post-deal, ZipString’s current net worth isn’t public knowledge. However, with continued social media growth and consistent sales, the company seems to be thriving.
Mixed Reviews: Customers Weigh In
ZipString has a 3.9-star rating on Amazon, reflecting a mix of delight and mild frustration. Many customers rave about the toy’s uniqueness and entertainment value. One parent shared, “My 6-year-old picked this out for his birthday, and let me tell you, it is endless fun! He’s not easily entertained, but this keeps him occupied for hours.”
However, not all reviews are glowing. Some customers found the string tangled too easily, while others reported that the toy became hot after extended use. A few noted that their children quickly lost interest, suggesting the product might have more appeal in classrooms for science demonstrations rather than as an everyday toy.
Despite the mixed feedback, ZipString continues to sell and entertain families across the country.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for ZipString?
According to the ZipString website, the team is working on the next iteration of the toy, though no official details have been released. With Herjavec and O’Leary potentially involved, there’s a chance that ZipString’s next version could capture more widespread appeal.
In the meantime, the company is growing its online presence. Since their Shark Tank episode, ZipString’s Instagram following has grown from 4,600 to over 6,300, with TikTok and YouTube numbers rising as well.
Will ZipString Become the Next Yo-Yo or Rubik’s Cube?
The big question remains: can ZipString reach the legendary status of toys like the yo-yo or Rubik’s Cube? While it’s too early to tell, the potential is there. Its mesmerizing loops and swirls have already captured millions of online viewers. If the upcoming version addresses some of the initial feedback and expands its capabilities, ZipString could very well become a cultural hit.
For now, Austin Hillam and Stephen Fazio’s journey is a reminder that great ideas can come from anywhere — even a basement in Georgia. Whether ZipString reaches the heights of toy stardom or remains a niche favorite, it’s clear that these two entrepreneurs have already left their mark. And who knows? Maybe one day, every kid will have a ZipString in their toy box.
