31 art startups giving artists the tools needed to live their dream

What are art startups?

Art startups are businesses that generate revenue through the art industry. They include everything from art galleries and auction houses to online marketplaces where buyers and sellers can meet online.

Art startups are often based on innovative ideas, but they can also be created by simply taking advantage of an opportunity that already exists in the market. Furthermore, art startups tend to fall into two categories: The first is about helping artists sell their work online, and the second is about connecting people who love art with artists.

In the end, art startups are not a new phenomenon, but they have been gaining momentum in recent years. As the world becomes more digitized and connected, entrepreneurs are using technology to create innovative platforms for art lovers to buy, sell and trade their favorite pieces.

World’s most innovative art startups

We have selected the most promising art startups that you need to watch this year. All of the following arts startups are revolutionizing their industries by helping others discover and create art, providing artists with the tools needed to live their dream, and focusing on creating beautiful works of art instead of finding an audience for them.

Kittl

Founded in 2020, Kittl is a user-friendly online design platform. Unlike complex design software, Kittl lets you jump right in to visually build flyers, social media posts, ads and more in minutes. Simple drag and drop features mean no advanced technical skills are required. Kittl’s library of fonts, illustrations, templates and palettes provides endless options to explore your creativity.

As you use Kittl, the platform gives tips and tricks directly in the editor so you can master new techniques on the fly. This makes the tool helpful for marketers, entrepreneurs, online influencers and personal users wanting to take their design abilities to the next level.

Artcomun

Artcomun is a comprehensive platform that revolutionizes the way people interact with art by harnessing the power of algorithms. It offers a centralized space for artists, collectors, and enthusiasts to seamlessly create, collect, and trade artwork. The platform streamlines the entire process, making it easier than ever to engage with the art world. With Artcomun, users can showcase their creative works, discover new pieces, and participate in a thriving marketplace. The algorithm-driven approach ensures a personalized experience, connecting users with art that aligns with their interests and preferences.

Whether you’re an emerging artist looking to showcase your talent or a passionate collector seeking to expand your collection, Artcomun provides a user-friendly and efficient platform to explore the fascinating world of art.

ArtWallSt

ArtWallSt is a fast-growing art startup that has a mission to make Web3 and NFTs accessible to everyone. To help newcomers kickstart their journey into the Metaverse, they aim to become the leading open platform that provides a superior user experience for anyone to familiarise themselves with the key aspects of interacting with Web3 and owning NFTs. 

Moreover, they enable a seamless purchase of NFTs with credit and debit cards, easy wallet setup, open-sea listings, and transferable tokens. With all that, ArtWallSt provides a familiar Web2 e-commerce experience for your existing audience so you can interact with your NFTs or other tokens and seamlessly get onboarded to Web3.

Return to Art

Return to Art is an art startup that developed a platform to revolutionize the way people discover, experience, and collect art. This platform is driven by the mission to make art more accessible and make collecting art more exciting, and achieve all of that while supporting talented artists from all over the world. 

We aspire to revive the idea of collecting art; make it personal, cool, part of a lifestyle, and cultivate an interest in the arts in all generations. With their dedication and solutions, they embrace the power of art to move and allow us to think freely and express ourselves.

Category41

Another one of the most innovative art startups in 2022 is Category41. The team of this art startup created experience-driven entertainment at the intersection of digital and physical. As a result of their experiences immersing audiences in surprising and visceral universes, Category41 is revolutionizing how people feel, see, and interact with the world around them.

Moreover, this global experience company has a team of pioneers and leaders from across the media and entertainment industries who are makers, creators, and visionaries committed to building new mediums at their core.

Entertwine

Entertwine is a community and AI-powered platform for creatives in the Film, TV, and Theatre industries. This art startup developed a virtual platform that fosters creativity and production creation using AI recommendation systems, providing all entertainment resources (jobs, auditions, opportunities, competitions, entertainment news, etc.), and creating performance or mixer events, all in one central place.

Their customers are careerists breaking and maintaining their passion and presence in the industry. From art students and freelancers to aspiring artists, Entertwine is the solution to favoritism or tribalism and the lack of diversity in the entertainment industry.

RtistIQ

RtistIQ is an online art marketplace that is leveraging Blockchain and NFC technologies. This fast-growing art startup empowers artists and collectors equally by providing a secure and transparent environment for passion-driven transactions. 

Moreover, the art marketplace is combined with Augmented Reality and AI, and it enhances the art experience multifold in a digital economy. Since their core values are diversity and social and environmental responsibility, RtistIQ builds a vibrant community of collectors, artists, art enthusiasts, soon galleries, and art professionals.

HandyCraft World

HandyCraft World launched a fair price platform for artists who have very restrained or no access to any market with the intent to create a bridge between near to extinction artwork and modern-day artists. 

This art startup also envisions preserving the ancient techniques and skills by educating the young generation at the hand of skilled artists. Furthermore, through workshops, exhibitions, and seminars at the local and international levels, HandyCraft World raises awareness about the finesse of converting stones into sanctity, flowers, leaves, and wood to colors and woven textures, and scrap into something meaningful.

Knackit

Knackit is a talent-sharing platform where users can showcase and monetize their artistry. The team of this art startup has a prime goal to get talented and passionate individuals recognized by the industry experts. 

Based in India, Knackit is dedicated to helping various forms of art (performing or visual) to be acknowledged as potential professions, and change the sad fact that some top-notch artists get left behind.

Artflakes

Artflakes is an online marketplace where users can discover new works, engage with artists, and sell and buy art prints. The platform already has over 620,000 photographs, graphic designs, paintings, and illustrations, which makes it a perfect place for both artists and art lovers.

They have high-quality art prints in many designs, and they can also make custom-made designs for you. Furthermore, they have fast and safe shipping in Europe, but they also are available for delivery anywhere in the world.

Art Fix

Art Fix believes that every work has a story behind it that’s just waiting to be told, therefore they’ve developed an online art platform that makes contemporary art accessible and exciting to all. Why makes this art startup amazing is the fact that episodes are viewable on any device and always around 30 minutes, every month there’s a new episode, and you have unlimited access to all episodes and stories and more.

This is a mind-blowing art solution that keeps away with the complicated museum descriptions and replaces them with accessible online episodes. Thus, art is accessible anytime and anywhere you are.

Odisei Music

Odisei Music is one of the best art startups that designs and manufactures electronic wind instruments. The founder of this art startup, as a musician himself, was aware of all the obstacles musicians who play wind instruments have, therefore, he was able to create one of the best solutions for musicians around the world. 

Since they created the first electronic wind instrument, one thing led to another and now they have been obsessed with creating the smallest and lightest electronic saxophone in the world. Thanks to the dedication of Odisei Music, saxophonists can now practice and play silently when and wherever they want without disturbing others.

Connected.ART

Connected.ART  is an ecosystem for all stakeholders within the art industry with an interest in new methods and technology. This art startup’s goal is to make new and relevant technologies available to artists, art investors, art consumers, and art galleries.

Furthermore, they are aiming to ensure real and substantial value in contemporary digital art with transparent trades and transactions, and contribute to the creation of high-quality digital art. Although Connected.ART has a team with clear ideas about conceptual and technological innovations, yet, their vision is simply to be a facilitator of curiosity, creativity, and joy.

Spoonflower

Spoonflower is another art company that inspires individuals to make, sell and buy unique products built around color and pattern. They’ve created an e-commerce website that makes it possible for individuals to create, sell, and shop for unique fabrics, wallpaper, and home decors, such as table linens and bedding.

The good news is Spoonflower is already the world’s largest marketplace of surface designs which makes it the best place for designers to sell their artwork. In the future, their goal is to continue to expand the reach of Spoonflower’s services internationally, and, more generally, to expand the opportunities available for individuals to express themselves.

Startbahn

Startbahn is building a digital infrastructure for art and creativity and is protecting the value of artworks with blockchain. They have a few well-thought products including products for digital certificates for galleries, artists, etc., headless NFT solutions, and more.

Wondering how it works? Each artwork registered is given a unique IC Tag so it can be easily viewed and managed online. As contemporary art uses a variety of media and becomes increasingly multi-disciplinary, there’s no reason to make artwork information any less transparent.

Singulart

Singulart is one of the most promising art startups for this year, that curates a selection of original artworks from around the world and is among the three leading online art galleries in the world.

Creativity has an immense power to express emotions for which there are no words, no matter the language. Knowing the power of creativity, the team of this art startup is supporting contemporary creators because their creativity opens minds and brings people together. They value designers and artists as they deserve since they offer us their visions of society through their unique perspectives.

Displate

Speaking of aspiring art startups, Displate is a managed marketplace and a global community of independent artists and passionate people from all over the world. They print collectible metal posters and they have over 1.5 million designs. 

They work with the biggest brands and most talented artists and as they say, their artworks consist of three main ingredients: 51% excellent art, 46% highly sophisticated tech, and 3% magic.

Rise Art

Rise Art is another extraordinary curated online gallery. With a team of experts that scour the globe looking for great art, from extraordinary artists, you can find the best art from the comfort of your laptop. 

This art startup uses a combination of technology and traditional expertise to help those seeking high-quality art for any setting. Hence, whether you’re a seasoned collector or just curious about art, Rise Art is the best place to shine a light on the most exciting, talented, and culturally relevant artists of our time.

Artsper

Artsper, one of the world leaders in contemporary art, developed a platform that provides access to a large catalog of contemporary artworks from the best galleries around the world. Using Artsper you can discover works by world-renowned or young emerging artists, and find a variety of mediums including painting, photography, sculpture, print, and mixed media.

Additionally, in keeping with their desire to make art more accessible, Artsper also offers an online contemporary art magazine and an art advisory service available for those who would like personalized advice throughout their buying process.

Mixkit

Mixkit is another art startup that makes artists’ lives easier. More specifically, Mixkit is a free gallery of awesome stock video clips, sound effects, music tracks, and video templates. All content is freely licensed and available for use. 

They carefully curate tunes, clips, and templates from some of the world’s most talented creators with all content available for free. Also, their free library is growing fast with new video assets being added every week so you’ll always find the perfect high-quality item to download and use in your project.

Vastari

Vastari is an art startup with an amazing team that developed an online platform that connects content owners with institutions worldwide to help facilitate exhibitions. Using this platform, creators can promote, find and request exhibition content effortlessly.

Simply put, Vastari facilitates exhibition loans and tours worldwide, connecting global participants, whether private or public, novice or experienced. This online platform for artists and its bespoke services facilitate international exhibition loans and tours.

Kuaikan Manhua

Launched in 2014, Kuaikan Manhua partners with independent artists and studios to share thousands of titles with millions of readers globally. Fans enjoy immersive digital comic experiences via app and web.

Kuaikan Manhua provides tools for creators to publish and monetize original IP while retaining rights and control. Readers get easy access to fresh content daily.

Dogami

Launched in 2021, Dogami issues lovable detailed 3D dog NFTs with different breeds and rare traits. Players battle their NFT dogs in arcade mini-games to earn rewards. The dogs can also be used in other metaverse worlds.

Blending Tamagotchi-style pet care, crypto gaming, and digital collectibles, Dogami taps into multiple zeitgeists while maximizing accessibility and fun. The cute NFT art and casual gameplay provide a friendly Web3 entry point.

Barnebys

Founded in 2011, Barnebys aggregates millions of curated listings from vetted auction houses, galleries, and sellers worldwide. Collectors can explore and discover rare, unique items spanning eras and regions.

By centralizing global inventory data, Barnebys provides a valuable resource for both sellers and buyers of one-of-a-kind vintage pieces to connect and transact. Their selectivity balances scale with trust.

Ray Studios

Founded in 2018, Ray Studios offers customized tattoo removal plans using cutting-edge lasers that target tattoo pigment while minimizing damage to surrounding skin. Their in-house experts handle entire removal process.

Ray Studios delivers a private, judgment-free environment focused on making clients feel comfortable through the multi-session removal process. Their medical-grade methods aim to remove tattoos fully and safely.

Sweef

Founded in 2020, Sweef offers collections of one-of-a-kind shelves, tables, chairs and more made meticulously from recycled wood using traditional joinery techniques. Each functional artwork has its own charm.

Sweef’s goal is providing an alternative to mass-produced furniture by perfectly imperfecting each piece. Their focus on natural materials and artisanal processes results in designs brimming with warmth, character, and purpose.

Patch

Launched in 2019, Patch offers adaptable plant varieties that are optimized to thrive indoors alongside busy city lifestyles. Their DTC subscription model delivers plants selected for abilities to purify air, reduce stress, and brighten living environments.

By focusing on user-friendly plants and convenient delivery, Patch aspires to transform city dwellers into successful plant parents. As interest surges in wellness and biophilia, expect their approach to resonate with aspiring urban green thumbs.

Acqustic

Founded in 2020, Acqustic offers an easy way for people to arrange intimate at-home concerts delivered by independent artists. Musicians list their offerings and users can browse and request shows.

From birthday serenades to marriage proposals, Acqustic facilitates creating personalized musical moments and memories. Fans connect with artists while supporting local talent.

Berrly

Founded in 2018, Berrly offers white label ticketing software, APIs, and analytics dashboards to optimize multi-channel inventory control, settlement, deliveries, accounting, and more between primary and secondary ticket sellers.

By centralizing distribution workflows, Berrly aims to reduce conflicts, bottlenecks, and data gaps across the fragmented event ticketing ecosystem. Their solutions enable seamless ticketing integrations.

Glambou

Founded in 2017, Glambou provides an elegant online marketplace for boutique designer jewelry from around the world. Their curated collection features pieces from over 100 emerging brands.

Glambou’s platform handles photography, marketing, fulfillment, and customer service on behalf of the designers. This allows the creators to focus on their craft while still accessing Glambou’s global consumer base.

Patrivia

Founded in 2019, Patrivia aims to make it easier for travelers to research and book trips focused on historical and cultural attractions. Their platform helps match travelers with expert local guides at heritage destinations.

Patrivia offers customizable tour packages including options like private guides, priority entry tickets, and immersive experiences like hands-on cooking classes or archaeological digs.

What all art startups have in common

One of the things all most successful art startups have in common is providing artists with valuable resources that help them succeed at their craft. Furthermore, all fast-growing and promising art startups have a unique selling proposition (USP). This can be something as simple as having a more convenient location or offering better customer service than others in the field.