When culture meets commerce, the impact goes far beyond the pitch. The Shark Tank stage has seen many ambitious founders, but few have entered with the cultural mission and entrepreneurial fire of 1587 Sneakers. When Adam King and Sam Hyun appeared on Season 16, they weren’t just pitching shoes; they were pitching a movement for Asian American pride and representation in an industry that has long overlooked their community.
The Founding Story: From Frustration to Foundation
For co-founder Adam King, sneakers were more than just a fashion statement; they represented an opportunity to challenge long-standing stereotypes. With nearly two decades of experience at major brands like Adidas, Reebok, and KOIO, King noticed a disconnect: although Asian Americans make up a significant portion of sneaker consumers in the U.S., they were often overlooked by the industry’s marketing efforts.
Motivated to create a brand that authentically represents Asian American stories and culture,…
King partnered with Sam Hyun, a respected community leader and advocate. Their shared vision and immediate connection led to the creation of 1587 Sneakers, a brand named after the year the first Asians are documented to have arrived in North America.
Through this venture, King and Hyun aim to celebrate Asian American heritage and push back against the narrative that Asian Americans are newcomers, highlighting a history that spans over four centuries.
The Shark Tank Pitch: Ask, Valuation, and the Deal King and Hyun entered the Tank seeking $100,000 for 15.87% equity, a nod to their brand’s name. This valued the company at roughly $630,000.
Their pitch focused on creating sneakers that honored Asian American history and identity, with models like the Morrow Bay (named after the landing site of the first documented Asians in America) and the AP87, a classic tennis silhouette…
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