It started with a piece of string, and turned into a million dollar idea. Here’s how ZipString became one of the most viral toys to appear on Shark Tank.

ZipString, a simple yet captivating toy that creates loops with a string, was pitched on Season 14 of Shark Tank in 2022. Founders Cole Nevills and Sean Neville secured a deal with Robert Herjavec and Kevin O’Leary, which significantly boosted their brand visibility.

What Happened to ZipString?
  • Shark Tank Pitch: Secured $100K for 10% from Barbara Corcoran.
  • Net Worth: $1 million (2024).
  • Sales: Annual revenue of $665K.
  • Consumer Feedback: Viral hit, praised for fun; critics questioned utility.
  • Production: Addressed initial durability and delivery issues.
  • Current Status: Sold online, popular with kids and toy enthusiasts.

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Since their appearance, ZipString has grown in popularity, leading to a valuation of around $1 million as of 2024. The company continues to operate independently, with no major acquisitions reported.

While they didn’t pursue crowdfunding, ZipString has expanded its product line and distribution, solidifying its status as a fun, innovative toy that resonates with both kids and adults.

ZipString Net Worth

Estimated Net worth$1 million (2024)
Annual Sales Revenue$665,000 (2024)
Lifetime SalesNot available
Shark Tank InvestorKevin O’Leary and Robert Herjavec
FounderStephen Fazio and Austin Hillam
EmployeesNot available

ZipString Pitch on Shark Tank

Company nameZipString
ProductToy makes the strings fly in the air
EpisodeSeason 14 Episode 09
Founders Stephen Fazio and Austin Hillam
Asked for$100K for a 10% equity
Final deal$100K for a 20% equity
SharksKevin O’Leary and Robert Herjavec
LocationJohns Creek, Georgia, USA

Don’t miss these products from Season 14

ZipString Founders

ZipString was founded by Stephen Fazio and Austin Hillam in 2021. On August 12, 2021, ZipString gained widespread attention when its creators, Stephen Fazio (22) and Austin Hillam (22), introduced their invention to the public. While perfecting the design, Stephen, Austin, and Austin’s father, Mark, established a workspace where they invented numerous product versions. ZipString’s founders, Stephen Fazio and Austin Hillam, have a combined net worth of approximately 1 million USD as of 2024.

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Key accomplishments

YearAccomplishment
2021In October 2021, they ran a successful Kickstarter campaign and secured $90,000 in funding for their company.
2022The company appeared on Shark Tank Season 14 and got the deal from Kevin O’Leary and Robert Herjavec.

Conclusion

From their beginnings on Shark Tank to their current status as a thriving business, they have proven that with the right idea and execution, anything is possible. We can’t wait to see the future for ZipString and its continued success.

ABOUT KESARA BANDARAGODA
Kesara Bandaragoda is a Sri Lankan-born media entrepreneur currently based in Dubai, with a lifelong passion for storytelling, innovation, and all things screen-worthy. Whether it's a mind-bending sci-fi epic or the latest startup pitch on Shark Tank, Kesara is all in. In fact, he was one of the earliest content creators to cover Shark Tank Australia online and has been tracking its businesses, products, and founders since 2019 — long before it was cool.

Kesara is the visionary CEO behind BrandFactory, a digital media company powering multiple content platforms that reach millions. When he’s not leading a team of creatives, he’s often geeking out over Marvel and DC universes, decoding Spielberg's directorial magic, or revisiting classics like The Shawshank Redemption, Interstellar, and Pirates of the Caribbean (yes, he's a Johnny Depp loyalist).

INDUSTRY FOCUS
Kesara’s writing and content leadership often focus on the intersection of entrepreneurship, entertainment, and emerging digital cultures. He’s particularly passionate about telling stories that celebrate founders, dissect business blueprints from media narratives, and spark curiosity in audiences across the globe.

FAVORITE MEDIA
A sci-fi enthusiast with a taste for high-stakes storytelling, Kesara’s favorite titles range from cerebral time-space odysseys to charismatic pirate adventures. He thrives in content that mixes real-world business insight with the spectacle of entertainment — think Shark Tank meets Black Mirror, with a touch of Marvel heroics.

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