Our Story

ZipString was founded with a simple yet impactful goal: to create genuine moments of wonder. The brand seeks to inspire awe and excitement in every interaction, aiming to make people stop, smile, and feel a rush of joy. At its core, ZipString is dedicated to designing play experiences that surprise, delight, and spark the imagination. The goal is to craft products that encourage creativity, evoke a sense of wonder, and create lasting memories. Whether for children, teens, or adults, ZipString’s innovative toys are made to foster fun and bring people together through shared experiences. The team is passionate about pushing the boundaries of design, continuously experimenting with new ideas, and creating fresh, engaging products that provide endless entertainment.

The journey began in December 2020, when Georgia Tech student Stephen Fazio took on a challenging classroom project: building a circuit board smaller than a credit card capable of performing any given function. While searching for ideas, Stephen discovered a YouTube video by Bruce Yeany showcasing a large machine that could launch string through the air. Intrigued by the concept, Stephen wondered if it was possible to miniaturize the idea into something portable. This curiosity led him to create the first-ever handheld device capable of controlling the movement of string. His early prototype, affectionately named the “train card,” marked the beginning of what would later become a groundbreaking invention.

By the summer of 2021, Stephen had transformed his prototype into a fully functioning circuit board. With this critical step, the idea moved from an experimental project to a potential marketable product. Around the same time, Stephen teamed up with Austin Hillam and his father, Mark, to help take the concept further. A turning point came when Stephen decided to share a demonstration of the prototype on TikTok. What was supposed to be a small preview quickly went viral. The video, posted on August 12, 2021, garnered over 20 million views and even made its way to Reddit’s front page. The overwhelming response confirmed that the invention had captivated a global audience, sparking widespread interest.

Seizing the momentum, the team secured patents and worked to protect the product’s design. They launched a Kickstarter campaign to bring ZipString to market. Stephen and Austin made the bold decision to pause their studies at Georgia Tech and BYU, respectively, to dedicate their full attention to the company. The first 4,000 units were assembled by hand in the Hillam family basement—a testament to the dedication and passion of the team to ensure each product was of the highest quality.

The brand’s growth accelerated in 2022 when ZipString made its debut on Shark Tank. The product immediately captured the attention of all five investors, resulting in a bidding war that exposed the brand to millions of viewers. This appearance helped solidify ZipString’s position in the toy industry as an innovative and exciting company. In 2023, ZipString introduced ZipString Luma, a glow-in-the-dark version of the product, and also partnered with Dude Perfect for a cobranded model sold in Walmart stores nationwide.

By 2024, ZipString had surpassed one million units sold, expanding its reach across the globe. The ZipString Luma received multiple awards for its innovative design and engineering, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for creativity. As 2025 draws closer, ZipString is preparing for its next major step—a nationwide launch in Target stores, offering even more customers the chance to experience the wonder and creativity that the brand embodies.

From its humble beginnings as a student project to its rise as a global sensation, ZipString continues to deliver moments filled with imagination and excitement. The products reflect the spirit of innovation and playfulness that drove their creation, and with each new release, ZipString invites people of all ages to rediscover the joy of playful discovery.