34/52: Merch, it's all about the merch

#CapitalAtRisk

Above: Me with what3words and Black Bullion merch

The 2010s was the decade of the Entrepreneur. The 2020s will be the decade of the Investor.

“Cut me and I bleed merch”.

Jeremy Usborne

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Stash, merch, clobber, swag, loot…

Probably starting with my Cuths ‘stash’ c. 2003 I’ve always loved a bit of merch. I have occasionally wondered, however, if a software company starts selling t-shirts have they lost focus?

Is that right? Nah — everyone should have a bit of merch. It feels kind of exclusive when wearing an obscure or early stage startup’s t-shirt and someone asks, ‘Is that….?’.

So get involved. #SupportStartups. Here are some of my favourites:

• For what3words t-shirts, hoodies, signs, key rings, cushions and, importantly, a sign for your front door, shop here (I have two mew t-shirts coming as of this morning, which prompted this post).

• If you want to have that Unplugged experience at home (and you should) then you can buy one of their lock-your-phone-in-a-box boxes here.

• I’ve not had an alcoholic drink since Boxing Day 2022 and it’s Only With Love that sell my favourite AF drinks (as those of you who’ve come to the 9others parties know!). Their kombuchas are a good place to start, here.

• I think you’ll have to get yourself to a Black Bullion event or become an investor (highly recommended!) to get your hands on one of their mugs. Here’s mine 😇

• Since they sold to Revolut the NoblyPOS mug is probably a collector’s item. Here’s mine for posterity.

• Another possible collector’s item is the VALUEx 2023 rucksack, here on a trip up t’ north. I’ve signed up for 2024 so stay tuned…

And of course I couldn’t have all the above without some 9others merch. You can get the bookmarks and stickers here but I’m afraid there are only (ever?!) two 9others mugs.

Above: One of two 9others mugs

Portfolio products

As well as buying a bit of merch I’ve written before, here, about being an encourager and buying products from startups.

Here are the startups in my own portfolio that ‘sell stuff’ as their core product:

• Desmond & Dempsey sells amazing luxury PJs designed in the UK.

• Bearded Colonel sells top quality razor at a fair price.

• Stitched sells made-to-measure curtains and blinds, all eco-friendly.

• Seep sells eco-friendly sponges, rubber gloves, bin bags and more.

Above: Seep. For the washing up fans!