News Summary

Makeship, a startup that originated in Kitchener, is rapidly becoming a prominent player in the creator economy. Founded in 2018 by Rakan Al-Shawaf and Wang (Kevin) Tao, the company began with a modest $8,000 investment and has grown into a global business with over 65 employees. Originally focusing on plush toys, Makeship enabled online content creators to launch high-quality, limited-edition products through crowdfunding campaigns. This model allowed the company to scale without incurring debt or requiring external funding. Makeship’s success is attributed to its ability to partner with creators having loyal followings, enabling them to sell merchandise effectively. The company is now expanding into new product lines such as apparel and offering enhanced services to creators, including custom storefronts and marketing support. With its roots in the Waterloo Region’s tech ecosystem, Makeship has benefitted from local tech hubs like Communitech and Velocity. The company is part of Team True North, aiming for $100 million in annual revenue within three years.