On Demand Print & Merch: Private Equity Sees Big Business in November
The future of print is all about customization! From personalized images to print on demand services, the printing industry is evolving to meet our individual needs. This trend has only grown stronger during and after the Covid-19 pandemic, as online ordering became more convenient and we all wanted to spruce up our living spaces with unique decor.
One exciting development in this space is the recent merger of two online print businesses, Printful and Printify. This merger, which was finalized in November 2025, brings together two companies that offer white-label services to independent resellers of on-demand printed products. Essentially, they help designers and retailers create and sell products with their own branding, without revealing that the products are made by others.
Printful and Printify have slightly different business models – Printful owns and manages its production facilities, while Printify acts as an intermediary connecting creators to third-party suppliers. This merger has excited the print-on-demand community, as it means more product offerings and a wider geographic reach for both companies.
Institutional investors have also taken notice of the potential in the printing industry. Printful received a $130 million investment from Bregal Sagemount in 2021, while Printify raised $45 million from Index Ventures. These investments signal a growing interest in print-on-demand businesses and the creator economy, where designers and retailers thrive in a diverse market.
Looking at the bigger picture, the printing industry is experiencing a wave of investments from private equity funds. While print-on-demand businesses make up a small portion of these investments, they are seen as key players in shaping the future of online printing. These investments support the development of digital solutions that improve order processing, production efficiency, and overall customer experience.
As we move forward, the printing industry is set to become even more personalized, convenient, and innovative. With companies like Printful and Printify leading the way, we can expect to see a continued growth in customizable products, diverse offerings, and an elevated level of personalized service for all.
