Apolla is a retail apparel and fashion brand, founded in 2015 in Fort Worth, TX, specializing exclusively in socks.
Designed for both general comfort and the specific needs of dancers, Apolla’s socks are patented, sustainable, and proudly 100% Made in the USA. They have earned the prestigious American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance.
The brand’s mission is to provide eco-friendly, premium socks engineered to enhance comfort while wearing shoes. Key features include graduated compression, ankle stability, arch support, and energy absorption.
| Company Name | Apolla |
| Founder | Kaycee Jones and Brianne Zborowski |
| Product | Retail Apparel and Fashion Brand |
| Asked For | $300,000 For 15% Equity |
| Final Deal | $300,000 For 25% Equity |
| Shark | Lori Greiner |
| Episode (Shark Tank USA) | Season 13 Episode 18 |
| Business Status | In Business |
Who Is The Founder Of Apolla?
Kaycee Jones, the Founder and COO of Apolla Performance, has always had a deep love for dance. She pursued this passion by earning a B.S. in Physical Education, Sport Science, and Dance from Idaho State University, where she was a proud member of the nationally-ranked Competitive Collegiate Bengal Dancer Team.
Brianne Zborowski, Co-Founder and CEO of Apolla Performance, brings her diverse experiences as an entrepreneur, wife, mother, and lifelong dancer to the company. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services from Oakland University.
Brianne’s dance journey includes working with various companies, ultimately leading her to guide Apolla Performance for the past seven years.
Did Apolla Performance Get a Deal on Shark Tank
The founder successfully convinced Sharks Mark Cuban, Kevin O’Leary, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, and Guest Shark Emma Grede to consider investing in her company.
When assessing a startup, investors typically evaluate its growth potential and profit margins to gauge its attractiveness.
The founder initially sought $300,000 from the Sharks in exchange for a 15% equity stake, intending to use the investment for marketing.
Although most Sharks declined, Lori Greiner showed interest, offering $300,000 for a 25% equity share. The founder countered with 20%, but Greiner ultimately secured a deal at 25% for the $300,000 investment.
