The landscape of sports merchandise is shifting, and Campus Ink is leading the charge. Today, we are thrilled to announce the closing of a $3 million investment round, marking a pivotal milestone in our mission to reimagining how athletes and fans connect through licensed apparel and our NIL Store platform.
This isn’t just a financial win; it’s a testament to the power of the athlete-driven economy. From the court to the boardroom, we are doubling down on our commitment to the "athlete’s journey."
A Full-Circle Moment: Zach Edey Joins as Investor
Perhaps the most exciting highlight of this round is the participation of Purdue legend and Memphis Grizzlies Center, Zach Edey.
As a two-time National Player of the Year and the all-time leading scorer in Purdue history, Edey’s NIL journey was unique. Due to complex legal hurdles facing international athletes, Edey required a specialized approach to merchandising. By leveraging the NIL Store’s innovative marketing solutions, he became the highest-earning athlete in our company’s history.
Now, Edey is transitioning from our top performer to our first former athlete investor, joining a prestigious group of backers that includes:
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RiverPark Ventures (Lead Investor)
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Alumni Ventures
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Mark Cuban (Early Investor)
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Priority Sports Group
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Scrum Ventures, Lightbank, and Connetic Ventures
“Managing this many athletes is a marketing & technology problem we’re solving for every day. From player IP, school IP, licensing, royalties, payouts, design & fulfillment, our work stretches far beyond selling t-shirts. Licensed apparel in sports has been stuck in the stone age and is finally catching up. It's an incredible time for sports and innovating within it is truly a privilege. We believe there is always a better way.” — Steven Farag, Campus Ink Co-Founder and CEO
By the Numbers: Scaling the NIL Revolution
Since our inception in July 2021, Campus Ink and the NIL Store have moved at lightning speed. Our growth reflects the massive demand for authentic, athlete-branded gear:
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$50M+ in lifetime revenue since the NIL Store launch.
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$Millions paid out directly to college athletes.
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150+ school partnerships nationwide.
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30,000+ athletes currently on our roster.
Beyond the Campus: Expanding into the Pros
While our roots are in the collegiate space, the future of Campus Ink is "pro." We are aggressively expanding our footprint to support athletes as they transition from Saturday morning games to Sunday night lights.
Urban Champs & Professional Licensing
This spring, we are launching Urban Champs, a new lifestyle brand designed to bridge the gap between campus life and professional careers. To support this leap, we have officially secured licenses with the MLBPA and WNBPA, ensuring that fans can support their favorite players at every stage of their professional journey.
The "Post-Season Specialist"
We’ve proven that we can move as fast as the game itself. Last year, Campus Ink became the first company to utilize the NCAA’s new NIL championship event license. This allowed athletes to benefit from official merchandise in real-time as they progressed through the Final Four.
Why It Matters
Licensed sports apparel has been "stuck in the stone age" for too long. At Campus Ink, we believe there is always a better way to reward the talent that makes the game possible. By combining cutting-edge technology with a "player-first" mentality, we aren't just selling hoodies—we’re building a sustainable ecosystem for the modern athlete.
Contact
For media inquiries: Sean Ellenby (sean@campus.ink).
For partnership opportunities: Adam Cook (adam.cook@campus.ink)
For retail opportunities: Lindsay Quick (lindsay@campus.ink)
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