In a groundbreaking development for the print-on-demand sector, Printful and Printify, two Latvian-born industry leaders, have announced their merger, marking a transformative moment for e-commerce and custom product fulfillment. The merger, unveiled on November 5, 2024, aims to combine their complementary strengths, expand market reach, and drive innovation in the rapidly evolving creator economy.
Redefining the Sector
Lauris Liberts, Co-founder and Chairman of Printful, described the merger as a milestone for both the company and the region. “Printful has been on an exciting journey for over ten years now, and it’s fantastic to be moving to the next stage of our journey through a merger with Printify,” Liberts said. “Bringing together these two innovative technology and production-on-demand businesses will place us at the forefront of the country’s thriving technology sector and unlock huge growth potential for our company and the region.”
Founded in 2013, Printful has established itself as a leader in in-house production, fulfilling over one million items per month for a diverse client base ranging from solo entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 companies. Printify, launched in 2015, operates a global network of over 85 third-party print partners and has facilitated more than 60 million orders worldwide. Together, the companies plan to revolutionize the print-on-demand ecosystem, providing more robust tools, broader product offerings, and enhanced customer support.
Enhancing Customer Offerings
Jānis Berdigans, Founder and Executive Chairman of Printify, highlighted the alignment between the two companies. “We have always been focused on driving Printify towards its full potential, and Printful is the perfect partner to allow us to achieve that,” Berdigans stated. “It is clear that our businesses are hugely complementary and that this merger will ensure we are in the best possible position to serve our customers, enhance our offering, and grow further in new markets.”
For customers, the merger promises a seamless experience, combining Printful’s in-house production expertise with Printify’s scalability through its third-party network. Plans include the rollout of innovative tools, faster delivery, and expanded product categories ranging from premium apparel to home goods and accessories.
Looking Ahead: Innovation and Expansion
While the two brands will retain their individual identities for the time being, a rebranding under a unified name is on the horizon, accompanied by a consolidated leadership structure. Both CEOs—Alex Saltonstall of Printful and Anastasija Oļeiņika of Printify—will remain in their roles, ensuring continuity and strategic alignment.
The companies are poised to expand their footprint in new and existing markets, focusing on sustainability and advanced technology. Their shared commitment to reducing waste through on-demand production reflects a broader push towards eco-friendly practices, a growing priority in the custom merchandise sector.
Industry-Wide Implications
This merger underscores a broader trend of consolidation in the creator economy, driven by a challenging funding environment and the need for scalability. By uniting resources, Printful and Printify aim to set new benchmarks in customer service, innovation, and sustainability, further solidifying their leadership in the global print-on-demand industry.
As competitors scramble to respond, the combined entity is expected to redefine the landscape, offering unparalleled opportunities for entrepreneurs and corporations alike to create, scale, and thrive in an increasingly competitive market.
