Rupt Ventures – the venture arm of Austin, Texas-based supplier Rupt (PPAI 826757, Standard-Base) – has announced its fourth strategic investment in the promotional products industry: RIPL Goods (PPAI 812763, Standard-Base).
A certified B Corporation, RIPL Goods was founded by Leo Bellis-Jones, a former advertising industry professional whose love for the ocean led him to create a business centered on sustainability.
After witnessing the plastic crisis firsthand during a trip to Bali, he launched RIPL Goods in 2021, offering fashion-forward, sustainable products for businesses and individuals to create tangible change.
Each product in the supplier’s range funds one of three critical impact programs:
- Every RIPL bottle funds a full day of employment for someone in a remote coastal community to collect plastic.
- Every RIPL notebook funds the purchase and protection of 1,000 sq. ft. of tropical forest.
- Every RIPL tech bag and tote bag funds a full week of education for a child in need.
“RIPL Goods embodies exactly what we look for at Rupt Ventures: entrepreneurs who challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what’s possible in promo,” says Jason Lucash, CEO of Rupt and the winner of The Pitch at The PPAI Expo 2025. “Leo and his team have built something truly special, proving that promotional products can be powerful vehicles for global change. We’re excited to help accelerate their impact and growth within the promo industry and beyond.”
Jason Lucash
CEO, Rupt
Mutual Friends In Promo
Lucash says he first heard about Bellis-Jones through his friends at BAMKO after they had worked together on a MetLife project that generated a lot of buzz.
Stacy Stahl, founder of St. Louis-based supplier Sweeter Cards – Rupt Ventures’ first strategic investment, which was realized after being acquired by Maple Ridge Farms – also vouched for Bellis-Jones, saying that RIPL Goods aligned perfectly with the vision and principles Rupt Ventures was looking to invest in.
- At The PPAI Expo 2024, Lucash and his longtime business partner Mike Szymczak came out of retirement to introduce Rupt, the first supplier whose entire product line is made from recycled materials.
- The duo previously co-founded Origaudio, which they sold to HPG in 2018.
- Rupt Ventures is a side play that will pour venture capital into a stable of other suppliers dedicated to sustainability and/or innovation, with exponential growth potential.
“Mike, Leo and I met for dinner while we all happened to be in Hong Kong,” Lucash says. “We immediately hit it off and knew we had to make this happen together.”
With Rupt’s backing, RIPL Goods will have the resources and expertise to expand its product line, optimize operations and maximize its impact in the promo industry.
“Our mission is simple: to make it effortless for companies to create lasting social and environmental change through their merchandise,” Bellis-Jones says. “Rupt Ventures shares our vision of how the promo industry can be a force for good, and its investment will allow us to scale our efforts, introduce new products and impact more communities.”
Leo Bellis-Jones
Founder, RIPL Goods
‘Incredible Journey’
February marks one year since Rupt Ventures’ coming out party.
- In addition to RIPL Goods, the company is currently invested in Austin, Texas-based supplier Desk Plants and San Diego-based supplier Swanky.
Lucash says it has been an “incredible journey.”
“Mike and I knew from the start that building something meaningful takes time, but we’re really happy with the progress so far,” he says. “We’ve now invested in four companies that align with our vision, worked alongside some brilliant founders and seen real momentum with our investments.”
“More than anything,” Lucash adds, “we’re excited about what’s ahead – continuing to support the teams we’ve invested in and discovering new opportunities that push boundaries and challenge the status quo. It’s been a strong start for Rupt Ventures, and we’re only getting started.”
