Campus Ink Lands Strategic Investment to Scale NIL Store and ARENA Platform Nationwide

WASHINGTON, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Campus Ink has emerged as a game-changing force in collegiate merchandise and NIL monetization, leveraging technology to transform how student-athletes build their personal brands and generate income. Founded by CEO Steven Farag, who began selling campus apparel as a University of Illinois student before acquiring a local print shop in 2015, the company has evolved from humble beginnings into a sophisticated platform powering the creator economy for collegiate athletes. High Street Equity Partners investment in Campus Ink reflects our commitment to backing visionary founders who identify market inefficiencies and build scalable solutions that create remarkable stakeholder and shareholder value.

The NIL Store has demonstrated remarkable operational scale, surpassing 100 schools and enabling over 20,000 student-athletes from 110 Division I institutions and 40 Power 4 Institutions to sell licensed merchandise directly to fans. Since launch, the platform has distributed more than $2.5 million in royalties to student-athletes, creating tangible economic impact in this emerging market.

"Campus Ink is redefining what's possible at the intersection of sports, technology, and the creator economy. Steven and his team have built a platform that not only empowers student-athletes to monetize their brands but also reimagines how institutions, fans, and athletes connect. At High Street Equity Partners, we invest in bold founders solving real problems in overlooked markets—and Campus Ink exemplifies that vision."
— Mitch Brooks, Managing Partner, High Street Equity Partners

The company has attracted noteworthy co-investors including NBA Owner Mark Cuban, WNBA Owner Renee Montgomery, Light Bank, Scrum Ventures, Connectic Ventures, and Capital Innovators.

Campus Ink continues to demonstrate innovative growth strategies with its successful expansion into retail through a pilot kiosk program in campus bookstores. This omnichannel approach builds recurring revenue streams while extending brand presence beyond digital platforms.

The company's industry standing is further validated by being named the official locker room tee provider for the Big East Conference. Additionally, The NIL Store secured a groundbreaking NCAA NIL License, enabling athletes to earn revenue on official NCAA products during tournaments for the first time ever.

Looking ahead, The NIL Store's proprietary ARENA platform (launching soon) will streamline athlete onboarding, automate royalty payments, and provide comprehensive analytics and marketing support—technology designed to fuel long-term growth and scalability.

This investment aligns with our strategy of backing innovative companies in underserved markets. Steven and his team exemplify how entrepreneurs from diverse regions can drive transformative industry change.

Campus Ink is a compelling venture at the intersection of sports, technology, and the creator economy, benefiting from a first-mover advantage and a robust infrastructure and network that create meaningful barriers to entry.

We look forward to working closely with Steve and the Campus Ink team, providing hands-on portfolio support to scale their impact and operations. The company represents a powerful example of how technology and entrepreneurship can unlock new revenue streams for student-athletes while fostering creativity, ownership, and community. Campus Ink is building a sustainable, student-centered platform that redefines how athletes engage with fans and monetize their personal brands. We're excited to support their continued growth as they shape the future of college sports and the creator economy.

SOURCE Campus Ink