You’ve seen the pitch. A charismatic founder walks into the Tank, starts rapping, and suddenly everyone is staring at a phone stuck to a piece of glass. It looks like magic, but it’s actually a mix of gecko feet physics and some serious hustle.
When Akeem Shannon appeared on Shark Tank in Season 12, he wasn't just selling a phone accessory. He was selling a comeback story. Honestly, the story behind the Flipstik Shark Tank appearance is way more complex than the ten-minute edit you saw on ABC. From losing a full-ride scholarship to Howard University to landing a spot on a stage with Snoop Dogg, Akeem’s path to the Sharks was anything but a straight line.
The Secret Sauce: It’s Not Just "Sticky Tape"
People often assume the Flipstik is just another adhesive pad. It’s not. Most of those sticky pads lose their grip after a week because of dust and pocket lint. Basically, Flipstik uses something called "Synthetic Setae."
This technology was actually researched by NASA in the 1970s. It’s inspired by the way geckos climb walls. Instead of a chemical glue that dries out, it uses millions of microscopic hair-like structures to create a physical bond with a surface.
You can literally drop it in a bowl of sand or cover it in spaghetti—Akeem actually did this during the pitch—and it still works. You just wipe it down with a bit of water or alcohol, and the stickiness comes right back. It can hold up to two pounds. That’s enough to keep a heavy iPhone hanging on a brick wall or a car dashboard without breaking a sweat.
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The Drama in the Tank
Akeem walked into the room asking for $100,000 in exchange for 20% of his company. The margins were what really made the Sharks’ eyes pop. It costs about $0.58 to make one, and they sell for $15. That’s the kind of math Kevin O’Leary lives for.
Kevin jumped in early with an offer that matched exactly what Akeem asked for: $100k for 20%.
But then things got kinda tense.
Akeem hesitated. He wanted to hear from Lori Greiner. Why? Because Lori is the queen of "visual" products—the kind of things that sell instantly on QVC or through viral TikToks. Kevin didn't like the hesitation and eventually pulled his offer. Mark Cuban and Daymond John also bowed out, mostly because the sales at the time weren't world-shaking. Akeem had done about $115,000 in sales over 30 months, which isn't huge for the Tank.
In the end, Lori Greiner offered $100,000 for 25% equity. Akeem took it. He knew her expertise in retail was worth that extra 5% sliver of the pie.
What Happened After the Cameras Stopped Rolling?
This is where the "Shark Tank Effect" usually kicks in. After the episode aired in November 2020, Flipstik's sales basically doubled in a single week.
However, if you look at the official records, there’s a common rumor that the deal with Lori never actually "closed" in the formal sense. This happens a lot on the show. After the handshake, there’s a due diligence process where the Sharks dig into the books. While the official partnership might have shifted behind the scenes, Akeem didn't let that stop him.
He stayed busy:
- He raised over $1.15 million from outside investors, including Maxine Clark (the founder of Build-A-Bear).
- He landed the product in over 300 Target stores.
- He secured partnerships with AT&T and Pilot Flying J travel centers.
The company didn't just stick to the original design either. They realized that the world was moving toward MagSafe and wireless charging. If you have a thick sticky pad on the back of your phone, you can't charge it wirelessly. So, they launched the Flipstik Pro and the MagStik. These newer versions are thinner, work with magnetic mounts, and allow for 360-degree rotation.
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Is Flipstik Still a Thing in 2026?
Yes. Despite the smartphone accessory market being incredibly crowded with PopSockets and cheap knockoffs, Flipstik is still standing.
The company is currently valued at around $5 million. Akeem has pivoted slightly, focusing more on the "content creator" angle. Since the Flipstik allows you to stick your phone to a mirror or a wall at eye level, it’s become a go-to tool for people filming TikToks or Reels without a tripod.
It’s a niche, sure. But it’s a profitable one.
One thing most people don't realize is how much Akeem uses his platform now for motivational speaking. He’s very open about his past struggles, including a stint in a psychiatric hospital and his battle with anxiety. He uses the Flipstik story as a way to show that setbacks don't have to be permanent.
Real Talk: Does It Actually Work?
If you’re thinking about getting one, there are a few things you should know that the commercials won't tell you.
It works best on flat, non-porous surfaces. Glass? Great. Polished wood? Perfect. Stainless steel? Amazing. But if you try to stick it to a heavily textured "popcorn" wall or a dirty piece of leather, it’s going to fail. You also have to keep it clean. If the adhesive gets covered in dust, it won't stick, and your $1,200 phone is going to hit the floor.
Also, the "twist to remove" move is mandatory. If you just try to rip the phone off a wall, you might leave a mark or, worse, pull the Flipstik right off your phone case.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Tech Gear
If you're looking to maximize the life of a Flipstik or any "sticky" phone accessory, follow these steps:
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- Prep the Surface: Before sticking your phone to a wall for a long video call, wipe the spot down. Even a little bit of skin oil or dust can weaken the bond.
- The "Lick" Method: It sounds gross, but Akeem actually suggests it. If you're out and about and the stickiness is fading, a tiny bit of moisture (even a damp finger) can reactivate the setae fibers instantly.
- Check Your Case: These don't stick well to silicone cases that have a "soft-touch" oily finish. Stick to hard plastic or TPU cases for the best grip.
- Rotation is Key: If you get the newer Pro or MagStik versions, use the rotation feature to find your level before you press it against the wall. Once it’s stuck, it’s stuck.
Akeem Shannon proved that a good pitch and a NASA-backed patent can take you far, but the real work started after he walked off that carpet in front of the Sharks. Flipstik survived the post-show slump by evolving with the tech, moving from a simple "sticky stand" to a legitimate tool for the creator economy.