Who Are These Startups? Featuring Joseph Pinho, Co-Founder of Mod Merch on Demand In this episode of "Who Are These Startups?", The Startup Coach interviews Joseph Pinho, the Co-Founder of Mod Merch on Demand, during the Collision conference in Toronto. Mod Merch on Demand is an innovative platform within the creator economy that empowers creators, communities, and businesses to collaborate with their fans in producing custom merchandise. This episode delves into the origins of the company, the challenges faced by independent creators, and how Mod Merch on Demand is revolutionizing the way fan art is commercialized. Episode Overview Joseph Pinho recounts the inspiration behind Mod Merch on Demand, highlighting how the company emerged from a need to support independent music artists struggling to launch their merchandise. Recognizing a broader opportunity within the creator economy, Mod Merch on Demand expanded its focus to include fan art, providing a legitimate channel for fans to collaborate with creators. The company offers a B2B SaaS platform that enables fans to upload their designs, which creators can then approve and sell as official merchandise. This process not only legitimizes fan art but also opens up new revenue streams for creators while strengthening their connection with their community. Key Takeaways The Genesis of Mod Merch on Demand: Joseph shares that the idea for the company came from observing the difficulties independent music artists faced in setting up their merchandise. Mod Merch on Demand evolved to address a significant gap in the market by allowing fan art to be formally recognized and monetized within the entertainment industry.How the Platform Works: Mod Merch on Demand integrates with existing websites, merch stores, or marketplaces, offering a licensing system where fans can submit their designs. These designs are then reviewed, approved, or revised by the creators, making the entire process collaborative. The platform is a tool that facilitates seamless interaction between creators, their businesses, and their fans.Funding and Growth: Mod Merch on Demand has been bootstrapped from the start, with a focus on organic growth through strategic partnerships and collaborations. Joseph discusses the company’s current funding situation and its plans for scaling through innovative collaborations within the creator community.Collision Conference Insights: Joseph attended Collision to connect with other startups, creators, and companies. He reflects on the valuable experiences and connections made during the event, particularly in the context of Toronto's vibrant tech ecosystem.Who Should Reach Out to Mod Merch on Demand?: The platform is ideal for businesses, community leaders, and creators looking to enhance their merchandise offerings by incorporating fan-generated content. Whether you're an artist, influencer, or part of a larger community, Mod Merch on Demand provides the tools to monetize fan art while fostering deeper engagement with your audience. Additional Resources and Links: Mod Merch on Demand: modinc.caStartup Talk Podcast: StartupTalk.caWho Are These Startups?: WhoAreTheStartups.comSilicon Scoop Podcast: Silicon Scoop PodcastFuturetech Podcast: Futuretech PodcastStartup Investor Drinks: Startup Investor DrinksTorontoStarts Startup and Entrepreneur Community: TorontoStartsWork with The Startup Coach: The Startup Coach Follow Us on Social Media: Twitter: @TorontoStartsStartup Coach on LinkedIn: Craig Major on LinkedInInstagram: @TorontoStartsYouTube: TorontoStarts on YouTube Tune in to "Who Are These Startups?" for more founder stories and insights from the Canadian startup ecosystem. Don’t forget to check out our upcoming live events and workshops designed to empower entrepreneurs and foster growth within the startup community. This episode is essential listening for anyone involved in the creator economy, fan engagement, or the future of merchandise in the digital age. Whether you're an artist seeking to monetize your fan base or a business exploring new revenue streams, Joseph Pinho’s insights offer valuable guidance on how to leverage fan art in a meaningful and profitable way.
