Campus Ink: A Game Changer in Collegiate Merchandise and NIL Monetization
May 12, 2025, 4:37 am
Location: United States, Missouri, Saint Louis
Employees: 1-10
Founded date: 2011
In the bustling world of collegiate sports, a new player is making waves. Campus Ink, a Chicago-based company, is redefining how student-athletes monetize their brands. With a recent investment from High Street Equity Partners, the company is poised for significant growth. This partnership is not just about funding; it’s about transforming the landscape of college athletics.
Founded by Steven Farag, Campus Ink started as a small venture selling campus apparel. Farag’s journey began at the University of Illinois, where he recognized a gap in the market. He bought a local print shop in 2015, laying the groundwork for what would become a sophisticated platform for collegiate merchandise. Today, Campus Ink stands at the forefront of the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) monetization movement.
The NIL Store, a flagship offering, has already made a significant impact. It serves over 100 schools and empowers more than 20,000 student-athletes from 110 Division I institutions. This platform allows athletes to sell licensed merchandise directly to fans, creating a direct connection that was previously missing. Since its launch, the NIL Store has distributed over $2.5 million in royalties to student-athletes. This figure isn’t just a number; it represents real economic opportunities for young athletes navigating the complexities of college sports.
The recent investment from High Street Equity Partners is a testament to Campus Ink’s potential. The amount remains undisclosed, but the implications are clear. High Street is known for backing innovative companies in underserved markets. Their support signals confidence in Campus Ink’s vision and its ability to disrupt the traditional college merchandise landscape.
Co-investors like Mark Cuban and Renee Montgomery add credibility to the venture. Their involvement underscores the belief that Campus Ink is not just another startup; it’s a transformative force in the creator economy. The company’s innovative approach combines technology with sports, creating a unique ecosystem where athletes can thrive.
Campus Ink is not resting on its laurels. The company is expanding its reach through a pilot kiosk program in campus bookstores. This omnichannel strategy allows for a seamless shopping experience, blending online and offline sales. It’s a smart move, creating recurring revenue streams while enhancing brand visibility. The goal is clear: to build a robust infrastructure that supports long-term growth.
The company’s recent achievements are noteworthy. Being named the official locker room tee provider for the Big East Conference is a significant milestone. It not only validates Campus Ink’s standing in the industry but also opens doors for further partnerships. Additionally, the NIL Store has secured a groundbreaking NCAA NIL License. This license allows athletes to earn revenue on official NCAA products during tournaments, a game-changer for many.
Looking ahead, Campus Ink is set to launch its proprietary ARENA platform. This technology will streamline athlete onboarding, automate royalty payments, and provide comprehensive analytics and marketing support. It’s designed to fuel growth and scalability, ensuring that Campus Ink remains a leader in the space.
The investment from High Street Equity Partners aligns with a broader strategy of supporting bold founders who are solving real problems. Campus Ink exemplifies this vision. The company is at the intersection of sports, technology, and the creator economy. It’s a compelling venture that benefits from a first-mover advantage and a strong network.
In a world where college athletes are often overlooked, Campus Ink is shining a light on their potential. The company is not just about merchandise; it’s about empowerment. It’s about giving athletes the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing landscape. The NIL movement has opened doors, and Campus Ink is leading the charge.
As the collegiate sports landscape evolves, Campus Ink is well-positioned to adapt and thrive. The combination of innovative technology, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to athlete empowerment sets it apart. The future looks bright for Campus Ink, and the impact on student-athletes could be profound.
In conclusion, Campus Ink is more than a company; it’s a movement. It’s redefining how athletes engage with fans and monetize their brands. With the backing of High Street Equity Partners and a vision for the future, Campus Ink is set to change the game. The intersection of sports, technology, and entrepreneurship has never been more exciting. As the company continues to grow, it will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on the collegiate sports landscape. The journey has just begun, and the possibilities are endless.
Founded by Steven Farag, Campus Ink started as a small venture selling campus apparel. Farag’s journey began at the University of Illinois, where he recognized a gap in the market. He bought a local print shop in 2015, laying the groundwork for what would become a sophisticated platform for collegiate merchandise. Today, Campus Ink stands at the forefront of the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) monetization movement.
The NIL Store, a flagship offering, has already made a significant impact. It serves over 100 schools and empowers more than 20,000 student-athletes from 110 Division I institutions. This platform allows athletes to sell licensed merchandise directly to fans, creating a direct connection that was previously missing. Since its launch, the NIL Store has distributed over $2.5 million in royalties to student-athletes. This figure isn’t just a number; it represents real economic opportunities for young athletes navigating the complexities of college sports.
The recent investment from High Street Equity Partners is a testament to Campus Ink’s potential. The amount remains undisclosed, but the implications are clear. High Street is known for backing innovative companies in underserved markets. Their support signals confidence in Campus Ink’s vision and its ability to disrupt the traditional college merchandise landscape.
Co-investors like Mark Cuban and Renee Montgomery add credibility to the venture. Their involvement underscores the belief that Campus Ink is not just another startup; it’s a transformative force in the creator economy. The company’s innovative approach combines technology with sports, creating a unique ecosystem where athletes can thrive.
Campus Ink is not resting on its laurels. The company is expanding its reach through a pilot kiosk program in campus bookstores. This omnichannel strategy allows for a seamless shopping experience, blending online and offline sales. It’s a smart move, creating recurring revenue streams while enhancing brand visibility. The goal is clear: to build a robust infrastructure that supports long-term growth.
The company’s recent achievements are noteworthy. Being named the official locker room tee provider for the Big East Conference is a significant milestone. It not only validates Campus Ink’s standing in the industry but also opens doors for further partnerships. Additionally, the NIL Store has secured a groundbreaking NCAA NIL License. This license allows athletes to earn revenue on official NCAA products during tournaments, a game-changer for many.
Looking ahead, Campus Ink is set to launch its proprietary ARENA platform. This technology will streamline athlete onboarding, automate royalty payments, and provide comprehensive analytics and marketing support. It’s designed to fuel growth and scalability, ensuring that Campus Ink remains a leader in the space.
The investment from High Street Equity Partners aligns with a broader strategy of supporting bold founders who are solving real problems. Campus Ink exemplifies this vision. The company is at the intersection of sports, technology, and the creator economy. It’s a compelling venture that benefits from a first-mover advantage and a strong network.
In a world where college athletes are often overlooked, Campus Ink is shining a light on their potential. The company is not just about merchandise; it’s about empowerment. It’s about giving athletes the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing landscape. The NIL movement has opened doors, and Campus Ink is leading the charge.
As the collegiate sports landscape evolves, Campus Ink is well-positioned to adapt and thrive. The combination of innovative technology, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to athlete empowerment sets it apart. The future looks bright for Campus Ink, and the impact on student-athletes could be profound.
In conclusion, Campus Ink is more than a company; it’s a movement. It’s redefining how athletes engage with fans and monetize their brands. With the backing of High Street Equity Partners and a vision for the future, Campus Ink is set to change the game. The intersection of sports, technology, and entrepreneurship has never been more exciting. As the company continues to grow, it will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on the collegiate sports landscape. The journey has just begun, and the possibilities are endless.