Zipz wine gets funding on Shark Tank

Single serve wine brand Zipz has secured a record $2.5m in funding on the US equivalent of Dragon’s Den, called Shark Tank on ABC.

Founders Andrew McMurray, vice president of Zachys Wine & Liquor in New York, and American entrepreneur J. Henry Scott, landed the deal in an episode that aired on ABC last Friday.

The largest sum ever to be offered in the history of the show, investor Kevin O’Leary offered the pair $2.5m for a 10% stake in the company.

Fellow “shark” Lori Grenier has also been brought onto the Zipz team to help with the marketing and retail side of the business. Wall Street titan Patrick Scire meanwhile, is on board as president of the company.

Launched in April, Zipz is a patent-protected single-serve recyclable container shaped like a wine glass.

Suited to outdoor drinking occasions like picnics, the Clean Wrap-covered packaging is made with BPA-free plastic offering the look of traditional stemware.

“We have perfected our products to offer a high-quality, innovative wine experience that can be enjoyed anywhere,” said Scott.

“After noticing a complete absence of wine offerings at sports arenas and other public venues I realised this is exactly what was missing,” he added.

With the range including a Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio, Zips wines are available online and at select US retailers including Zachys.