Rupt Ventures Invests in Denik

Art with Purpose: Why We’re Backing Denik at Rupt Ventures

At Rupt, we believe the best promotional products aren’t just branded, they’re built to make an impact. That’s why we created Rupt Ventures, the first venture fund focused exclusively on the promo industry, backing founder-led companies disrupting the space with bold ideas and scalable innovation.

Our latest investment? Denik, a brand that proves a custom notebook can be so much more than a giveaway item.

Denik combines high-quality, no minimum custom notebooks with a mission to support artists and build schools in developing countries. Since 2011, they’ve funded nine school builds across Mali, Guatemala, Laos, and more, while partnering with thousands of creatives to bring unique, artist-designed notebooks to market. Whether used for corporate gifting, internal branding, or retail, Denik’s notebooks turn everyday items into storytelling platforms.

They’re making waves in both retail and the promotional products space, with placements in over 16,000 stores nationwide and explosive B2B growth. Their customization platform allows businesses to create branded notebooks that are not only visually stunning, but deeply meaningful.

And it’s all powered by an on-demand model with no order minimums, fast turnaround, and a 200% Lifeproof Guarantee.

From our first conversation with founders Tyler Tolson and Alex Sanderson, it was clear: this isn’t just a business—it’s a movement. They’ve built a brand rooted in creativity, sustainability, and impact. That’s exactly what we look for at Rupt Ventures.

With our backing, Denik will scale its promo product offerings, strengthen operations, and expand its platform to serve even more businesses looking for creative promo items that make a difference. Together, we’ll help them grow their footprint and amplify their purpose.

If you’re a brand looking to break out of the cookie-cutter promo box and put real meaning behind your merchandise, Denik is the future.

We’re proud to welcome them to the Rupt Ventures portfolio.

Explore all our investments and our mission to reimagine promo at:
rupt.com/pages/ventures