Flipstik on 'Shark Tank': What's the cost? Here's where to buy the phone stand that impressed P Diddy, Snoop Dogg
Thanks to the power of the internet and modern technology, we can carry out nearly every task on our very own mobile phones, without needing to open our laptops or computers. From streaming our favorite movies and shows to video calling our loved ones, everything is now possible on the mobile phone. Although our mobile phones are extremely compact and handy, there are instances when we can't hold them while using it. Like for instance when you are attending a dance class on zoom, or want to stream something on your phone while doing the dishes, etc. The many phone stands and pop sockets we currently get in the market are either very fragile or not conducive for usage on every surface. In comes Flipstik!
The sharks on 'Shark Tank' were impressed and intrigued by this simple yet essential innovation. Read on to know more about it.
What is Flipstik?
Flipstik is a thin phone stand that can be attached to the back of your phone. Flipstik allows the user to use their phone hands-free, as it can be stuck to nearly any flat surface. One of the best features of this nifty phones and is that it is reusable and can be washed several times! The product's official website describes it as: "Flipstik is a thin device that attaches to the back of your phone. It's customizable cover functions as a kickstand and their trademarked “Synthetic Setae” adhesive allows you to stick your phone to nearly any flat surface for hands-free use! Plus it’s reusable and washable 1000s of times! This enables hands-free selfies, zoom conferences, hands-free Youtube or Netflix viewing on planes and trains, and hands-free GPS use while in any vehicle." The "Synthetic Setae" that is used on Flipstik is based on an adhesive researched by NASA and developed based on the feet of geckos.
Who is the founder?
Flipstik was developed and designed by Akeem Shannon, a St. Louis native. Upon losing his full scholarship to Howard University to study chemical engineering, Akeem returned home to St. Louis, with a determination to out-earn his friends who would be graduating soon. According to Flipstik's website, the young entrepreneur found great success as a salesperson at two large telecom companies and was eventually recruited into a large fintech company. In 2017, Akeem kissed goodbye to his corporate career and soon came up with an idea that would pan out to be Flipstik. During a late-night call with his uncle, a NASA engineer, Akeem learned about a reusable adhesive that the premier space station had researched about in the 70s.
Akeem then immediately set to work, and created Flipstik, while teaching himself to write a patent and trademark it. He then launched his business on Kickstarted in 2018. In a span of two years, Flipstik has seen incredible growth. It reportedly made about $115k in sales and won the 1st position at the 2019 CES Retail Pitch competition by TechStars. Akeem also managed to impress rappers P Diddy and Snoop Dogg with his invention.
What is the cost?
According to the company's website, a classic Flipstik costs $15 per piece. Customized Flipstiks in designs such as zodiac signs, pop art, stones, wild, etc, are available for purchase. The website is currently running an offer of buying 3 Flipstiks for $40, 6 Flipstiks for $75, and 10 Flipstiks for $100.
Where to buy?
You can purchase your very own unique Flipstik from here.
'Shark Tank' Season 12 Episode 4 will premiere on November 6, 2020, at 10 pm ET on ABC. Episodes can also be viewed the next day on demand and on Hulu.