Rupt Ventures Invests in Swanky Badger

 

"Rupt Ventures Invests in Swanky Badger, Fostering Emotional Connections through Personalized Gifts"

 

Austin, Texas — June 25, 2024 - Rupt Ventures, the venture arm of Rupt and the first-ever venture fund dedicated to the promotional products industry, proudly announces its strategic investment in Swanky Badger, a leader in unique and sentimental gifts. This partnership highlights Rupt Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative ventures that emphasize progressive thinking and exceptional quality within the promo industry.

Following its investments in Sweeter Cards and Desk Plants, Rupt Ventures continues its mission to back visionary founders and businesses transforming the promo industry landscape. With a focus on sustainability and meaningful customer experiences, Rupt Ventures seeks investments with outstanding growth potential and positive impact. The investment in Swanky Badger marks a pivotal milestone in Rupt Ventures' journey to build a diverse portfolio of industry-leading brands.

Helmed by promo industry trailblazers Jason Lucash and Mike Szymczak, Rupt Ventures is revolutionizing venture investment within the promo sector by identifying and supporting businesses dedicated to sustainability, innovation, or both, with exponential growth potential. Swanky Badger exemplifies these values, offering a unique approach to corporate gifting through its unique focus on creating emotional connection through personalization.

Founded by Mark Hanratty in 2014, Swanky Badger began with a mission to create high-quality, personalized gifts that enable real human connections. When Mark couldn’t find meaningful gifts for his wedding party, he created Swanky Badger to fill this gap. The San Diego-based company pivoted into the promotional products industry in 2022, recognizing a need for more thoughtful and intentional gift options. Since then, Swanky Badger has seen significant growth, particularly in barware and leather goods, thanks to its distinctive one piece minimum, on-demand quick turn model.

"Swanky Badger epitomizes the core values of Rupt Ventures – innovation, speed, and entrepreneurial excellence," stated Jason Lucash, CEO of Rupt. "Mark Hanratty's vision and dedication to creating meaningful gift experiences with no minimum align perfectly with our mission. We are excited to support Swanky Badger's growth and amplify their impact in the promo industry and beyond."

"We are thrilled to partner with Rupt Ventures as we embark on this next chapter of growth," said Mark Hanratty, Founder of Swanky Badger. "Their expertise and resources will enable us to expand our reach as the industry evolves, and more and more end-users come to see the immense value in personalization and intentional gifting."

Swanky Badger's commitment to giving back is also a significant aspect of their mission. Inspired by his own family's experiences, Mark established a give-back program where a portion of every sale is donated to Children's Hospitals across the U.S. This dedication to philanthropy underscores the company's ethos of creating meaningful connections and giving back to the community.

With the backing of Rupt Ventures, Swanky Badger plans to accelerate its expansion efforts, enhance its product offerings, and strengthen its sales and marketing initiatives to reach a broader audience. The investment will support Swanky Badger's ongoing commitment to creating personalized, sentimental gifts that foster emotional connections and lasting memories.

 

About Rupt Ventures:

Rupt Ventures is the first-ever venture fund solely dedicated to the promotional products industry. Founded by promo industry veterans and founders of Rupt, Jason Lucash and Mike Szymczak, Rupt Ventures aims to catalyze innovation and growth within the promo industry by investing in founder-led businesses with compelling stories and unparalleled potential for growth. To learn more about Rupt ventures please visit: http://rupt.com/pages/ventures 

 

About Swanky Badger:

Established in 2014 by Mark Hanratty, Swanky Badger has quickly become a leader in personalized, sentimental gifts. Initially inspired by a personal need for meaningful groomsmen gifts, Swanky Badger expanded its focus to offer a range of premium, customizable products. After pivoting to the promotional products industry in 2022, the company has seen rapid growth, particularly in barware and leather goods, thanks to its "Emotional Promotional" approach. Swanky Badger also gives back by donating a portion of every sale to Children's Hospitals nationwide. For more information, please visit: https://swankybadgerpromo.com/