HYPD
DealFootwear and apparel
Best known from its Shark Tank appearance, HYPD is a footwear and apparel in Season 15, and convinced Barbara Corcoran to invest.
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From the show
The Shark Tank pitch
- $125K
- Asked for
- 5%
- Offered equity
- $2.5M
- Sought valuation
- $350K
- Deal amount
- 25%
- Deal equity
- $1.4M
- Deal valuation
Cheng Kue and Marc Herzberger walked into the Tank in Season 15, Episode 21 in the episode that aired April 19, 2024, bringing their Anaheim, CA business with them. HYPD, the footwear and apparel, pitched in the Fashion & Beauty category, one of 239 fashion & beauty businesses to brave the Tank across all 17 seasons.
On the carpet, the number was $125,000 for a 5% stake, which valued the company at $2.5M.
Barbara Corcoran made the deal at $350,000 for 25% equity. That priced the company at $1.4M, a haircut from the $2.5M the founders walked in asking for, which is how negotiations in the Tank usually go.
HYPD was one of 87 businesses to pitch in Season 15, where 59 deals got done. In the Fashion & Beauty category overall, roughly 58% of pitches have landed a shark across the show's history.
The full story
Everything to know about HYPD
HYPD, also known as The Hype Company, makes custom modular footwear, most notably recovery slides with interchangeable straps and bases so fans can personalize them with team logos, photos, and designs. The brand was founded by Cheng Kue and Marc Herzberger and is based in Denver, Colorado. Cheng brought deep footwear-industry experience, having worked with major shoe brands, which shaped the modular, made-to-order approach.
The pair came into Season 15 asking for 125,000 dollars for a 5 percent stake. The pitch hit a rough patch as the sharks balanced the valuation against the business, and several stepped out. Barbara Corcoran ultimately stepped in to save the deal, negotiating to a larger investment and equity share than the original ask, structured with cash and a credit line to fund growth.
HYPD stood out for its customization angle and the founders' real footwear pedigree, which gave the modular slide concept credibility. The drama of nearly leaving without an offer before Barbara stepped in made the segment memorable. The idea that fans could build slides featuring their favorite team or even their pet gave the brand an obvious hook in the sports and merchandise world.
Where HYPD is now
After airing, HYPD used Barbara's backing and the show's visibility to expand operations and pursue licensing partnerships, including officially branded collegiate slides. The brand built out its customization options and leaned into its fan-merchandise positioning, pairing the modular design with plant-based midsole materials.
As of 2026 The Hype Company is still operating and selling through its official site at hype-company.com, where customers can build custom slides and shoes. The brand continues to manufacture in Denver and emphasizes quick, made-to-order production. It runs as an active custom-footwear business focused on sports fans and personalized designs.
Where to buy HYPD
HYPD slides and custom footwear are sold through the official site at hype-company.com, where you design your pair by choosing bases and interchangeable straps. A purchase gets you customizable recovery-style slides built with plant-based midsole materials and made to order. They are a good fit for sports fans who want personalized gear or anyone who likes the build-your-own approach. Because they are custom, expect to pay more than a generic slide and allow time for production.
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Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy HYPD?
Check current price and availability on Amazon. Note that some Shark Tank products are discontinued or sold under a new name. The company's official website is another option.
Did HYPD get a deal on Shark Tank?
Yes. HYPD closed a deal for $350,000 in exchange for 25% equity, with Barbara Corcoran.
Which shark invested in HYPD?
Barbara Corcoran invested in HYPD ($350,000 total as aired).
What season of Shark Tank was HYPD on?
HYPD appeared in Season 15, Episode 21, which aired April 19, 2024.
How much was HYPD asking for on Shark Tank?
The founders asked for $125,000 for 5% of the company, a $2.5M valuation.
What does HYPD sell?
HYPD, also called The Hype Company, sells custom modular footwear, especially recovery slides with interchangeable straps and bases. Customers can personalize them with team logos, photos, and designs, and the midsoles use plant-based materials.
Where is HYPD based?
HYPD is based in Denver, Colorado, where it handles its made-to-order production. It was founded by Cheng Kue and Marc Herzberger, and Cheng has an extensive background in the footwear industry.
Is HYPD still in business?
Yes. The Hype Company is still operating in 2026, selling custom slides and shoes through hype-company.com and pursuing licensing partnerships, including collegiate-branded designs.
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