Snaptee

Based in Hong Kong, Snaptee operates as a mobile-first platform for on-demand, custom-designed apparel. The company was established in 2013 by co-founders Wai-Lun Hong, who serves as CEO, and Gary Lee, the Chief Strategy Officer. Before launching Snaptee, the founders gained experience in the digital commerce space with their work on the group-buying site, GoBuya. The venture secured a total of $1.35 million in seed funding across two rounds in 2013 and 2014, with backing from investors such as Fresco Capital, Nest, and SXE Ventures.

Snaptee's business model centers on its mobile application, which empowers users to design and purchase their own T-shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts. Revenue is generated through the direct sale of these custom garments. The platform also incorporates a marketplace, allowing users to publish their designs for others to buy. Designers earn a 10% commission on each sale of their creation, providing a revenue stream for the user community. The company handles the entire fulfillment process, from digital printing on 100% organic cotton T-shirts to worldwide shipping, operating on a print-on-demand basis to minimize waste.

The service targets individuals seeking self-expression through fashion, offering a suite of in-app tools to facilitate creativity without needing prior design experience. Users can import photos directly from their smartphone or Instagram, add text with various fonts and colors, and apply custom filters and design templates. A key feature is the 'Remix' button, which allows the community to reinterpret and build upon existing designs, fostering a collaborative environment. Initially launched on iOS in August 2013, the app expanded to Android to meet user demand and reach a broader global market.

Keywords: custom apparel, mobile commerce, T-shirt design app, print-on-demand, user-generated design, fashion technology, creative marketplace, direct-to-garment printing, personalized clothing, social commerce, app-based business, Hong Kong startup, Wai-Lun Hong, Gary Lee, digital printing, organic cotton apparel, design marketplace, fashion e-commerce, clothing customization, photo-to-tshirt