The startups nailing branded merch

You’ve worked your butt off to start your dream business, and now it’s time to get people talking about it. For many entrepreneurs, it’s not creating the product or service that’s the biggest challenge, but getting people to actually give it a go. And competition is high: the number of new startups in the UK keep on growing, especially due to the possibilities AI brings.

There are lots of ways to convince customers that your company is the one to try, like free trials, giveaways, and of course, creating your own company merchandise. A carefully considered cache of branded merch can go a long way; a way of embedding the name of your startup in the minds of potential customers, branded merchandise also a way of strengthening your relationship with existing users.

At ICON, we’re often working with ambitious new businesses as well as those more established in the startup world. Whether you’re launching your first startup or refreshing your brand, well-designed merchandise can make a lasting impression. In this blog, we’ll look at eight tech startups that have used branded merchandise to strengthen their identity, and what you can learn from them.

Why Startup Merch Gains Attention

For startups, every customer interaction counts. Branded merchandise helps increase visibility, creates a stronger connection with customers, and gives employees something they’re proud to wear. Whether it’s t-shirts, hoodies, tote bags or stickers, great startup merch should feel like an extension of your brand rather than just another promotional giveaway.

There’s no single formula for successful startup merch, but the strongest brands all have one thing in common: they create products people would happily wear even if they didn’t work there. The examples below show how different startups have approached branded merchandise in their own way while staying true to their identity.

Hive

Hive’s mission is to get people working in happier, healthier ways. With clients including Brewdog and River Island, it uses employee feedback to help businesses develop. Its merchandise, like this t-shirt, printed by ICON, helps spread the positive message. 

Monzo

This card and banking app has revolutionised the way many people spend, allowing us to track our purchases in real time, and transfer money to others easier than ever before. Plus its bright orange card is impossible to lose! 

GitHub

This code hosting platform began as a startup in San Francisco, before being bought by Microsoft for a whopping $7.5 billion in 2018. Its branding has proved so successful that the cat logo now adorns t-shirts, hoodies, stickers and even kids clothes.

Habito

Applying for a mortgage can be a nightmare of fees, paperwork and confusion, and that’s why Habito promises to sort it all out for you. This startup is not only super useful, it’s also stylish – their distinct, cartoon-style graphics are all over their easy to navigate platform. ICON teamed up with the brand to create these t-shirts, which make even mortgage hunting look fun.

Improbable

This video games firm, headquartered in East London Tech City, carries its simple but memorable logo in black and white on a range of staff t-shirts. Company founder Herman Narula is never seen without one, even when presenting his TED Talk. 

Dropbox

This excellent file sharing service really needs no introduction, but you might not know that the company produces lots of cool swag for its employees, including limited editions like these LGBTQ pride t-shirts.

https://www.instagram.com/p/puJDZ0Po_e/

Cuvva

Launched in 2014, the Cuvva app helps you find quality car and travel insurance easier than ever before. With ICON, they’ve produced a swish range of hoodies and t-shirts, incorporating the brand’s eye-catching purple, and adorned with the company logo in print and embroidery.

Evernote

The employees of this popular note-taking app firm are unusually loyal – one fan even got a tattoo of the company’s elephant logo, which you’ll also see on stickers, and high quality t-shirts. We’re in.

What Successful Startup Merch Has in Common

Looking at these brands, it’s clear that successful startup merch is about much more than adding a logo to a t-shirt. The best merchandise reflects the company’s personality, feels authentic to its audience, and is something people genuinely want to wear.

Here are a few principles that many successful startups share:

• Keep it wearable. Design merchandise that looks good beyond the office or event.
• Prioritise quality. A well-made hoodie or t-shirt creates a much better impression than a cheap giveaway.
• Stay true to your brand. Colours, graphics and messaging should feel consistent with your company’s identity.
• Think beyond promotion. Great merch helps build community, strengthens company culture and turns employees and customers into brand ambassadors.
• Start simple and grow over time. Many successful startups begin with a small collection before expanding into a wider merchandise range.

Whether you’re launching your first product or scaling your business, thoughtful merchandise can become one of the most effective ways to build long-term brand recognition. ICON Printing offer fast turnaround printing on a range of garments, counting clients such as BLOK, WeWork, Habito, Cuvva and Hive. Get a quote in 2 minutes online.

Frequently asked questions about startup merch

What is startup merch?

Startup merch is branded clothing and promotional products created to build awareness, strengthen company culture and connect with customers.

What should a startup include in its merchandise?

Most startups begin with essentials such as t-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, caps and stickers before expanding into a wider merchandise range.

Why is branded merchandise important for startups?

Branded merchandise increases visibility, helps employees represent the business and creates memorable experiences for customers, investors and partners.