ZipString is an innovative, handheld electronic toy that captured the attention of both kids and adults worldwide. Designed for fun, education, and interactive play, the toy allows users to launch and manipulate a looped string at high speeds, performing tricks, shapes, and movements using tension, drag, and gravity. Its unique concept has made it comparable to classic toys like the yo-yo, Etch A Sketch, and Rubik’s Cube.
Founded in 2021 by Stephen Fazio and Austin Hillam, ZipString went viral almost immediately. A social media video featuring a benchtop string launcher amassed 20 million views in a single day, bringing unprecedented attention to the product. By the time of its Shark Tank appearance in December 2022, ZipString had already sold thousands of units online, and the exposure on the show propelled the company into rapid growth.
What Is ZipString?
ZipString is a rechargeable, handheld electronic toy that propels a looped string at speeds up to 35 mph using dual motors powered by a USB-C battery. It is completely safe to touch and comes with three string loops of varying sizes, allowing users to perform tricks, shapes, and creative movements. The toy targets both children and adults, combining fun, learning, and skill-building in a single gadget.
Available in five vibrant colors Bodacious Blue, Rock’It Red, Vivacious Violet, Luscious Lime, and Aesthetic Aqua ZipString offers a customizable experience. Production cost is around $6.35 per unit, and the retail price ranges from $25 to $36.99, depending on the variant and special features like glow-in-the-dark ZipString Luma.
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Founders of ZipString
ZipString was founded in 2021 by Stephen Fazio and Austin Hillam, with guidance from Austin’s father, Mark Hillam. Both Stephen and Austin paused their college studies Stephen at Georgia Tech and Austin at BYU to focus on turning their viral idea into a real product.
The founders were inspired by a viral social media video of a benchtop string launcher that received 20 million views in a single day. They realized the toy had the potential to capture the attention of both children and adults worldwide.
Stephen and Austin worked closely together in the Hillam family basement to hand-build the first units, testing designs and creating a prototype that would later be funded through a Kickstarter campaign. Their dedication and creativity laid the foundation for ZipString’s success.
The Story Behind ZipString
ZipString’s journey started in the basement of the Hillam family home in Johns Creek, Georgia, where the founders began experimenting with a handheld string launcher. A video showcasing the toy performing intricate tricks quickly went viral on Reddit and social media, amassing an astonishing 20 million views in a single day, which immediately captured global attention.
Motivated by the overwhelming response, Stephen Fazio and Austin Hillam decided to temporarily put their college education on hold Stephen at Georgia Tech and Austin at BYU—to focus entirely on developing a commercial version of the toy. The first units were meticulously hand-assembled in their basement, and a Kickstarter campaign in 2021 successfully funded the production of the initial 4,000 units.
To safeguard their invention, the founders filed patents early, ensuring protection against copycats and knockoffs. By the time they pitched ZipString on Shark Tank, the product had already sold 10,000 units online, driven by social media marketing and growing demand, proving that the toy had real commercial potential.
ZipString’s Shark Tank Appearance
ZipString appeared on Season 14, Episode 9 of Shark Tank, which aired in December 2022. Founders Stephen Fazio and Austin Hillam pitched the toy while dressed in matching black suits and sunglasses, drawing comparisons to iconic toys like the yo-yo, Rubik’s Cube, and Etch A Sketch. They requested $100,000 for 10% equity, valuing the company at $1 million pre-money.
During the demonstration, the Sharks interacted with the toy, performing tricks themselves. The live demo highlighted ZipString’s fun, skill-based gameplay, generating laughter and excitement in the tank. Despite viral buzz of over 300 million views, concerns over low pre-show sales made some Sharks hesitant to invest.
- Episode: Season 14, Episode 9, December 2022.
- Pitch: Founders wore black suits and sunglasses, comparing ZipString to yo-yo and Rubik’s Cube.
- Investment Asked: $100,000 for 10% equity, valuing the company at $1 million.
- Shark Demo: Sharks tried the toy, enjoying its fun and skill-based gameplay.
- Concerns: Low pre-show sales made some Sharks cautious despite 300M+ viral views.
Sharks’ Reactions and Deal Outcome
Barbara Corcoran dropped out early, citing a dislike for toy investments, while Kevin O’Leary and Robert Herjavec offered a counter deal of $100,000 for 20% equity, reducing the valuation to $500,000 post-money. The founders accepted the offer, securing funding to scale manufacturing and expand the business.
This deal allowed ZipString to meet production demand,invest in marketing, and strengthen its retail partnerships. The Shark Tank exposure also fueled immediate online sales, confirming that the product resonated with both kids and adults.
Post-Shark Tank Growth and Expansion
Following the Shark Tank episode, ZipString experienced instant success. Inventory sold out within minutes, and the company’s website received over 100,000 visits in a matter of days. The toy line expanded to include ZipString Luma (glow-in-the-dark variant) and ZipString Aracna, a limited edition model launched in 2025.
Retail partnerships include Amazon, Walmart (with Dude Perfect co-branding), and Target (2025 launch). Internationally, ZipString products are available at Hamleys in the UK. Social media exposure, awards, and a Toy of the Year Finalist nomination in 2025 further cemented the brand’s credibility.
Challenges and Operational Issues
ZipString faced several obstacles that impacted smooth growth and customer satisfaction. Despite popularity, operational and market challenges created hurdles for scaling the business.
- Manufacturing Delays: High demand led to production slowdowns.
- Inventory Shortages: Products often sold out quickly, frustrating customers.
- Knockoff Products: Copycats reduced potential sales and market share.
- Customer Complaints: Issues included shipping delays, tangled strings, and overheating.
- Limited Support: No phone support caused slow refund and response times.
- Retail Scaling Challenges: Slotting fees and logistics made expansion complex.
ZipString Net Worth and Valuation Updates
| Year / Event | Valuation / Net Worth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Shark Tank | $1,000,000 | Based on initial sales and growth potential before the show. |
| Post-Shark Tank Deal | $500,000 | Deal: $100,000 for 20% equity with Kevin O’Leary and Robert Herjavec. |
| Estimated 2024 Value | ~$1,000,000 | Reflects growing popularity and ongoing sales. |
| 2025 Conservative Estimate | $665,500 | Assumes 10% annual growth from post-show sales. |
| 2025 Higher Estimate | $20–50 million | Considers 1M+ units sold, retail expansion, and intellectual property. |
ZipString’s Current Status in 2025
As of 2025, ZipString remains active and thriving under ZipString LLC. The company continues to sell its popular toys, including the ZipString Aracna, with retail prices around $29.99 and extra string packs at $5.99. The official website and social media channels are fully operational, promoting new products and updates.
The brand has expanded to major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target, with international distribution through Hamleys in the UK. The founders maintain a focus on innovation, fun, and educational play, while the company’s estimated net worth is around $1 million, reflecting steady growth and continued market presence.
Lessons for Entrepreneurs
ZipString’s journey offers key takeaways for aspiring business owners:
- Leverage Virality: Social media can create massive awareness and demand quickly.
- Protect Your Product: Patents help prevent knockoffs and preserve market share.
- Plan for Scaling: Rapid growth requires operational and logistical readiness.
- Invest Strategically: Funding, even post-Shark Tank, can accelerate growth.
- Balance Fun and Safety: Especially for kids’ products, reliability and user trust matter.
- Adapt to Customer Feedback: Addressing complaints can improve reputation and retention.
Frequently Asked Questions
ZipString is a handheld, rechargeable electronic toy that launches a looped string for tricks, shapes, and interactive play.
The toy was founded by Stephen Fazio and Austin Hillam in 2021, with help from Austin’s father, Mark Hillam.
Yes, they accepted a deal from Kevin O’Leary and Robert Herjavec for $100,000 in exchange for 20% equity.
Over 1 million units have been sold worldwide as of 2025.
The company’s estimated net worth is around $1 million, reflecting steady growth from sales and retail partnerships.
Final Thoughts
ZipString is a creative and fun toy that combines skill, technology, and interactive play for both kids and adults. From its viral launch to Shark Tank success and retail expansion, it has built a strong presence in the toy market. Despite some challenges, the company continues to grow steadily. With innovation and smart marketing, ZipString remains a promising and enjoyable product for the future.