The Texas-based company, which makes and distributes everything from K-Pop Demon Hunter backpacks to AC/DC water bottles, is looking for the next up and coming consumer brands to back.
Bioworld Merchandising, a Texas-based pop culture merchandising company, has set up an investment arm, Bioworld Ventures, to invest in the next generation of up-and-coming global consumer brands.
“Bioworld Ventures represents the evolution of our global brand – providing the opportunity for us to further extend our expertise to elevate and invest in consumer brands that are focused on product innovation,” said Raj Malik, CEO and founder of Bioworld. “For 25 years, we’ve built a global platform that helps great ideas scale, and now we’re formalising that into a dedicated investment arm.”
Bioworld, which began in 2000 as a maker of licensed music headwear, has since grown into a full platform service helping pop culture brands create, ship and promote their merchandising items. It offers everything from K-Pop Demon Hunters backpacks to Stranger Things slippers and AC/DC-branded drinks bottles, working with 1,000 brands and 2,000 retail partners globally.
The new Bioworld Venture unit will be led by Matt Alexander, vice president of corporate development, who also oversees M&A activity. The ventures team is looking to invest in disruptive early-stage startups at the seed and series A stages, initially focusing on opportunities in the US, UK and Canada.
“Our structure gives us the freedom to support founders on their terms, at their pace,” said Alexander. “Whether leading a round or providing targeted operational help, we want to be a thoughtful, founder-friendly partner that helps great ideas become sustainable global brands.”
The size of the fund and team were not disclosed. Bioworld said it would also be open to providing venture debt for startups and would give its portfolio companies access to its global network for logistics, sourcing and licensing.
The launch of the venture investment arm comes after a series of strategic acquisitions by the company. Earlier this year it bought UK-based home textiles company Character World Brands, and in 2024 it acquired party accessories company Packed Party and licensed headwear and sportswear maker Portland Accessories.
Maija Palmer
Maija Palmer is editor of Global Venturing and puts together the weekly email newsletter (sign up here for free).
