Custom Ink, a name synonymous with personalized creativity, is an American-based online retail company that has been turning ideas into custom clothing and other items since 1999. Born out of the collaborative vision of college buddies Marc Katz, Dave Christensen, and Mike Driscoll, the company has grown into a powerhouse that offers a wide array of personalized items such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, bags, and tech accessories.
Throughout its journey, Custom Ink has demonstrated a forward-thinking approach by constantly evolving its offerings. This was evident when the company branched out in 2013, using a $40 million investment from Revolution Growth to launch two new projects: Booster and Pear. In 2016, the company broadened its horizon even further by acquiring Represent.com, a Los Angeles-based company that assists celebrities in selling limited-run merchandise to their fans and followers.
Not resting on its laurels, Custom Ink continued to expand its footprint in the merchandise world. In 2019, the company added Sidestep, a platform exclusively for concert merchandise, to its portfolio. This was followed by the acquisition of Swag.com, a New York City-based giveaway startup, and Printfection, a swag management platform, in 2021 and early 2022, respectively.
Custom Ink's success, however, is not just reflected in its growth and acquisitions. The company is also recognized for its positive work environment, and was ranked as one of the Top 100 places to work by Fortune and Great Place to Work in 2014. This speaks volumes about its commitment to its employees and its dedication to maintaining a culture of creativity and innovation.
In the end, Custom Ink's story is one of continuous evolution and dedication to its customers and employees. It's not just about personalized merchandise, it's about bringing ideas to life and creating lasting memories through unique, customized items​.