Dancers push their bodies to the limit. Hours of practice lead to sore feet, blisters, and injuries. Most socks don’t provide enough support. Kaycee Jones and Brianne Zborowski knew this struggle firsthand. Both professional dancers suffered foot injuries that regular socks couldn’t prevent.
Frustrated, they created Apolla Performance Socks, compression socks designed specifically for dancers. These weren’t just ordinary socks. They had extra padding, arch support, and breathable fabric to reduce pain and fatigue.
In Shark Tank Season 13, Kaycee and Brianne asked for $300,000 for 15% equity. They had already made $4.1 million in lifetime sales, proving there was demand. The Sharks were impressed but divided. Some thought the socks were too expensive. Others loved the product but wanted faster growth. In the end, Lori Greiner made a deal, $300,000 for 20% equity.
Apolla Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Kaycee and Brianne were looking for an investment of $300k in exchange for 15% equity in the company. At the time of the episode, they valued their company at $2 million. Kaycee and Brianne successfully secured a deal with Lori for an investment of $300k for 25% equity in the company. The investment adjusted the company’s net worth to around $1.2 million. After the show aired, Apolla Performance experienced a good boost in exposure. As per my rough estimate, the current net worth of Apolla Performance is around $5 million.
Shark(s) name
Offer & Demand
Counteroffer
Accepted?
Emma Grede
Out
N/A
N/A
Lori Greiner
$300,000 for 25% equity
$300,000 for 25% equity
Yes
Kevin O’Leary
Out
N/A
N/A
Robert Herjavec
Out
N/A
N/A
Mark Cuban
Out
N/A
N/A
Kaycee and Brianne Backstory + Their Initial Pitch
Kaycee and Brianne are two dancers who faced similar challenges with foot injuries caused by long hours of dancing. Regular socks weren’t providing the support and comfort they needed, so they decided to create their own solution. In 2015, they launched a company called Apolla Performance with the goal of making better socks designed specifically for dancers’ feet.
To achieve this, they experimented with various materials and designs until they found what worked best. Their socks have unique features that set them apart from regular socks:
– Targeted compression helps to increase blood flow in the feet, which is beneficial for performance and recovery.
– Strategic padding provides extra cushioning to minimize the shock and pressure on the joints when dancing.
– Breathable material ensures that feet stay cool and comfortable, even during intense rehearsals.
When they appeared on Shark Tank, they highlighted not only the innovative aspects of their socks but also shared impressive sales figures, indicating a strong demand for their product. They reported a total of $4.1 million in lifetime sales and $800,000 in revenue from just the year they filmed the show.
They were looking for an investment of $300,000 in exchange for 15% ownership in their company, valuing it at $2 million. Their story showcases both the personal motivation behind their product and the promising business they built.
Queries + Shark’s Responses, and Final Deal
Each Shark has their own unique opinion about the product and its market potential.
Kevin O’Leary, one Shark, was the first to decide he wasn’t interested. He thought the price of $32-$40 per pair of socks was too high and didn’t believe that many people would want or buy them, so he left.
Mark Cuban liked the concept but also thought the price was too steep. He mentioned that he couldn’t see spending $40 on socks, which led to him dropping out as well.
Robert Herjavec appreciated the socks but was confused as to why they weren’t more famous or widely used. The entrepreneurs explained that the socks were very popular among dancers, but Robert still chose not to invest.
Emma Grede, the guest Shark, was looking for rapid sales growth and stated she needed to see significant sales numbers before she would consider investing. After hearing this, she decided to walk away from the deal.
This left Lori Greiner, the last Shark, who really liked the socks and saw a lot of potential in them. She made an offer to invest $300,000 in exchange for 25% ownership of the business.
The entrepreneurs, Kaycee and Brianne, countered her offer, proposing to give her 20% instead of 25%. However, Lori stood firm on her original offer. Ultimately, the entrepreneurs accepted her first offer of 25% ownership for the $300,000 investment.
Product Availability
Apolla socks are designed for different purposes and needs. Here’s a quick overview of the types they offer:
1. Compression socks: These are great if you’re recovering from an injury. They provide support and help improve blood flow.
2. Joule Barefoot socks: These are lightweight and perfect for everyday use. They’re designed to be comfortable and let your feet feel more natural.
3. Shock Sleeves: These provide support for your ankles, which can be helpful during physical activities.
You can buy Apolla socks at their official website, Amazon, and Specialty dance stores. The prices for these socks are typically between $32 and $40, depending on which style you choose.
What Happened To The Apolla After Shark Tank?
After the show, Apolla quickly sold out of its products, which helped it gain even more popularity. Apolla has been featured in well-known publications such as Dance Magazine and Pointe, and they appeared on the TV show So You Think You Can Dance, which increased their visibility and credibility. Their products received the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance, which means they are recognized for being safe and beneficial for foot health.
Apolla has expanded its offerings and now sells not just footwear, but also sleeves and various accessories for dancers. Their products can now be found in dance stores across the country, making it easier for customers to purchase them.
Conclusion
Kaycee and Brianne turned their pain into a solution for dancers. Even though some Sharks doubted them, Lori Greiner saw their potential.
Today, Apolla Performance is a trusted brand in dancewear. Their socks help athletes perform better and recover faster.
If you’re a dancer or someone who’s always on their feet, these socks might be worth trying. Who knows? They could save your feet years of pain!
Hey, I’m Amna Habib, an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. Shark Tank has always been one of my favorite TV shows because it offers a unique glimpse into the world of entrepreneurship. The way entrepreneurs present innovative solutions to everyday problems aligns with my academic interests and fuels my curiosity about business strategies. Each pitch showcases creativity and strategic decision-making, which I find both insightful and inspiring. Watching the show has deepened my passion for business and motivated me to explore the world of entrepreneurship even further. Beyond business and writing, I love food, shopping, and spending time with my friends and family.
