Printify

Printify was founded in 2015 by James Berdigans, Gatis Kandis, and Artis Kehris in Riga, Latvia, with the goal of simplifying print-on-demand for small businesses. The company initially operated as a marketplace connecting merchants with print providers, and it gained early traction by offering a free tier and a user-friendly design interface. In 2019, Printify raised $3 million in a seed round led by Point Nine Capital, followed by a $50 million Series A in 2021 led by Index Ventures, which fueled expansion of its provider network and technology infrastructure.¹

Printify's core service allows merchants to upload designs, select products from a catalog, and choose from a network of print providers that fulfill orders on demand. The platform integrates natively with major e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, and Amazon, as well as with marketplaces like eBay and TikTok Shop. It offers a mockup generator, bulk order management, and automated order routing to the nearest provider, reducing shipping times and costs. Printify also provides a premium subscription tier that offers discounted product prices and access to exclusive features.²

Printify operates on a pay-as-you-go model, charging merchants a base product price plus a small fulfillment fee, with no monthly subscription required for the free plan. The company competes with other print-on-demand services like Printful, Gooten, and CustomCat, but differentiates itself through its multi-provider marketplace approach, which allows merchants to compare prices and quality across different print shops. Printify has been recognized for its scalability, serving both hobbyists and large brands, and it reported over 8 million registered users by 2023, with a significant share of revenue coming from its premium subscription.

Beyond its mainstream services, Printify has several lesser-known facets. It launched a dedicated app for iOS and Android in 2021, allowing merchants to manage orders on the go. The company also runs a 'Printify Express' shipping option that guarantees faster delivery for select products. In 2022, Printify introduced a sustainability initiative, partnering with eco-friendly providers and offering products made from organic or recycled materials. Additionally, Printify has a community forum and a 'Printify University' with free courses on e-commerce and print-on-demand, which are often overlooked by new users. The company's headquarters remain in Riga, with a second office in San Francisco, reflecting its global footprint.

Print-on-demand

A business model where products are manufactured only after an order is placed, eliminating inventory costs.

Print provider

A third-party company that physically prints and ships products on behalf of the platform.

Mockup generator

A tool that allows merchants to preview designs on products before listing them for sale.