Apolla Shark Tank Update – Shark Tank Season 13
Kaycee Jones and Brianne Zborowski step into Shark Tank with Apolla Compression Socks, but will any of the Sharks stand up for an applause and/or a deal?
Kaycee Jones and Brianne Zborowski stepped into the Shark Tank to pitch Apolla, their line of compression socks for dancers, in Shark Tank Season 13 Episode 18.
Check out other Shark Tank Season 13 Episodes.
About Apolla
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Name | Apolla |
| Founders | Kaycee Jones, Brianne Zborowski |
| Industry | Apparel, Health |
| Product | Compression socks for dancers and general use |
| Deal Status | Deal secured with Lori Greiner |
| Investment Asked | $300,000 for 15% equity |
| Deal Outcome | $300,000 for 25% equity (deal did not close) |
| Valuation | $2 million (at the time of the Shark Tank pitch) |
The business started out as just an idea for Kaycee and Brianne back in 2013. They spent the next two years testing, prototyping, and learning how to manufacture their product in the USA; the company was officially launched in 2016.
By 2018, their footwear had become the top choice for Emmy and Tony-nominated choreographer Sonya Tayeh’s dance symphony, You’ll Still Call Me By Name, So You Think You Can Dance pros and choreographers, the Boston Ballet, and even professional hockey players.
In 2020, their product was included in a research study by Ohio University, which showed it was effective at reducing force. They also earned the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance.
Their socks offered arch support, ankle stability, energy absorption, and versions with added traction. Traction was important for certain aspects of dance, but the traction socks still allowed dancers to slide onstage when needed.
The traction came from a sticky substance applied to the socks. Once broken into the desired level of stickiness, dancers could maintain it with a spray adhesive sold by the company.
All of their socks, whether for dancers or everyday wear, provided compression and support and included energy-absorbing padding in the heel. They were made in the USA using REPREVE, the world’s leading brand of recycled performance fibre.
Apolla Shark Tank Recap
Kaycee and Brianne entered the Shark Tank seeking $300,000 for 15% of their company. They explained that 75% of Americans suffered from foot pain, then described how their socks’ features helped relieve it.
The Sharks examined the samples and even tried them on (Robert particularly loved his pair). The socks were made from nylon and polyester.
Kaycee and Brianne shared that they had started the company to help dancers, since both were lifelong dancers themselves and knew how common injuries were in dance culture.
Lori mentioned that she had danced for years and had even needed toe surgery, so she loved the socks. They held two utility patents and one design patent.
Since launching in 2016, they have sold 120,000 pairs of socks for $4.1 million in revenue. So far in 2021, they had sold $800,000 worth and expected to match that by year’s end.
About 85% of their sales were direct to consumer, with the rest through wholesale. Emma was impressed by their low 2% return rate.
They explained that they had surpassed $1 million in annual sales, but the COVID-19 pandemic had disrupted 2020 numbers. Their profit margins were 73%, and 52% of customers made repeat purchases.
The socks cost $6–$10 to produce and sold for $32–$40 per pair, which surprised the Sharks. After a break, the founders shared that their operating expenses were between $40,000 and $45,000 per month.
Did Apolla Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
Kevin said he wasn’t their Shark and went out.
Mark revealed that he had actually been paid to dance and had taught dance in college, but he also went out. Robert struggled to understand why the product hadn’t gone viral and decided it wasn’t for him, so he went out as well.
Emma said the business wasn’t growing as quickly as she thought it should, so she bowed out, too.
Lori admitted she didn’t love socks in general but explained that she had dealt with foot problems herself. She said the foot wearing their sock felt great and offered $300,000 for 25% equity.
The founders countered at 20%, but Lori insisted they still had a lot to prove and held firm at 25%. They accepted Lori’s deal.
What Makes Apolla Unique?
Wearing Apolla socks gives you targeted compression to assist circulation and recovery by reducing inflammation. The arch support is equivalent to taping your ankles up.
The energy absorption padding in the heel provides comfort to the metatarsals and heel. All socks are $36-$38 per pair, but you can save 5% when you bundle 3 together.
Apolla Shark Tank Update
In the immediate aftermath of the original air date, the company sold out of most of its inventory and began taking back orders.
A week after the episode aired, the founders told the Idaho State Journal they “couldn’t be happier with our deal.” The first rerun of the episode aired in July 2022, just four months after the original broadcast.
At that time, the deal with Lori had not yet closed. By July 2022, they still had a 6–10 day backlog on orders, but planned to triple their production capacity by the end of summer 2022.
As of January 2023, the deal with Lori still had not closed, but the company was doing booming business and continued to face shipping delays for its most popular products. They ended 2022 with nearly $4 million in sales.
By October 2023, they were no longer in backorder mode and aimed to reach $8 million in lifetime revenue by the end of the year.
By July 2024, they had their products in hundreds of dance studios nationwide, with annual revenue holding steady at around $4 million. The estimated net worth of Apolla ranges between $2 million and $5 million as of 2025.
Posts About Apolla on The Shark Tank Blog
Read more details about the compression socks by Apolla.
Where Can You Buy It?
Apolla socks are available on Amazon and on the company’s official website. The social media handles on Facebook and Twitter (X) also frequently post about the product and deals.
Experience patented barefoot compression with 20-30 mmHg targeted support to boost circulation, reduce pain, and speed up recovery. Built-in heel and ball cushions absorb impact, reducing fatigue and swelling. Ideal for daily wear, travel, or any activity from running to yoga. Perfect for those dealing with plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, EDS, and more.
Quick Summary
- Kaycee Jones and Brianne Zborowski pitched Apolla on Shark Tank, seeking $300,000 for 15% equity.
- Apolla socks provide arch support, ankle stability, and energy absorption, and are made in the USA with recycled materials.
- Lori Greiner offered $300,000 for 25% equity, although the deal did not close post-show.
Apolla is still afloat, but what about the other products that appeared alongside it? Check out their business updates!
