Pitch Deck That Creator Merch Startup Warren James Used to Elevate $6M

• Warren James makes merch for creators together with Hasan Piker, Safiya Nygaard, and DeeStroying.
• The corporate has raised $6 million, following a $125,000 seed spherical 4 years in the past.
• A brand new division will cofound corporations with creators within the CPG area, together with ‘better-for-you’ snack objects.

Warren James, the merch associate to a selection roster of creators together with Hasan Piker and Safiya Nygaard, has raised $6 million in Collection A funding. It is going to use the funds to construct a brand new unit on the firm devoted to CPG merchandise – particularly meals and beverage manufacturers, cofounder and CEO Kevin Ramsey informed Insider.

The corporate will even rent to gas its current merch enterprise, which incorporates attire, plush toys, jewellery, and extra. Warren James plans so as to add workers within the US in addition to China, the place it has places of work with 30 staff on the bottom. 

The funding spherical, led by Crossbeam Enterprise Companions with participation from FJ Labs, follows a $125,000 seed spherical from an undisclosed angel investor at launch 4 years in the past, Ramsey mentioned. 

In its pitch deck, Warren James sought to underscore its profitability since day one, in addition to its evolving relationships with influencers. 

Right this moment, it largely units multi-year licensing offers with finish dates (an ordinary format within the merch enterprise), Ramsey mentioned. However because it eyes new classes – together with CPG and publishing – Warren James will take an fairness stake in ensuing companies.

Ramsey, who previously oversaw merch for Roblox, declined to share specifics, however mentioned new manufacturers might roll out as quickly as this yr. 

Ramsey mentioned that in meals, a class that has a form of “built-in subscription” given that individuals are inclined to eat the identical objects often, Warren James is wanting past well-trod classes like power drinks and low in favor of snacks and dried meals with an emphasis on “better-for-you” objects. Merchandise additionally have to have good shelf life and be simple to ship.

“We’re investing vital capital … to essentially develop and create fairness in these companies in order that 5 years from now possibly it does get acquired from an enormous conglomerate,” he mentioned.

Warren James is selective about its roster – which additionally consists of Deestroying, DrDisRespect, KREW, and MoistCritikal. Ramsey mentioned that is due to its bespoke method, which includes in-house product growth, advertising, manufacturing, achievement, and retail companies. He mentioned creator companions sometimes drive seven figures in annual gross sales.

The corporate additionally just lately started providing companions minimal ensures and advances, one other enterprise that the funding will assist.

And whereas it is seeking to develop its roster, Warren James will proceed its “hands-on, closed door” method. 

“The quantity of creators that also do not have even one piece of merchandise is loopy – not to mention which might be dialing it in to the best diploma doable,” Ramsey mentioned. “We’re fairly stoked.”

Here is the 12-page pitch deck it makes use of to get funding: