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Founded in 1910 by Joyce Clyde Hall, Hallmark Cards is a Kansas City, Missouri-based manufacturer that produces greeting cards, gift wrap, and related consumer products for various occasions. Operating as one of the oldest and largest greeting card manufacturers in the United States, this privately held, family-owned enterprise generates its revenue by supplying personalized sentiment items to a wide network of local retailers. The company pioneered modern gift wrap and expanded its diverse product lines under the leadership of executives like Donald Hall Senior, Donald J Hall Junior, and David E Hall. Throughout its history, the organization has engaged in strategic commercial licensing agreements, which notably included an early 1932 partnership featuring Disney characters. Officially adopting its current corporate name in 1928, the renowned gifting industry leader was later awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1985.
Cards has raised $100K across 1 funding round.
Cards has raised $100K in total across 1 funding round.
Cards has raised $100K in total across 1 funding round.
Cards's investors include Katha.
Cards has raised $100K across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $100K Seed in September 2024.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 1, 2024 | $100K Seed | — | Katha | Announced |
Cards Technology is a managed IT services provider based in Ocean Pines, Maryland, specializing in IT support, cybersecurity, cloud solutions, hardware/software procurement, and ancillary services like telephone systems and security cameras for small-to-medium businesses (SMBs) in the Delmarva region.[1][2] Founded in 2000, it evolved from computer repairs to comprehensive 24/7 managed services, serving local businesses with a focus on problem-solving and operational success; the company was acquired by ICS (a ClearLight Partners portfolio company) in 2022, expanding its reach in the Mid-Atlantic.[1][2]
With around 30 employees and revenue under $5 million pre-acquisition, Cards Technology addresses SMB pain points like unreliable IT support by offering proactive, round-the-clock solutions that align with growing demands for integrated technology stacks.[1][2]
Cards Technology traces its roots to Sam Card, who began helping home users set up personal computers in the Delmarva area before formally launching Cards Computers in 2000 as a computer repair business in Ocean Pines, Maryland.[1] As technology and market needs shifted—particularly with local businesses demanding more robust, 24/7 IT solutions—Sam transitioned the company to Cards Technology, emphasizing managed services to support SMB growth.[1][2]
This pivot marked a pivotal moment, professionalizing operations with a strong leadership team and disciplined processes; by 2022, its reputation for reliable service led to acquisition by ICS, integrating it into a larger Northeastern IT managed services platform under CEO Kevin Blake.[2]
Cards Technology rides the wave of SMB digital transformation, where rising cyber threats, cloud adoption, and remote work demand outsourced IT expertise amid talent shortages.[2] Its timing aligns with post-pandemic acceleration in managed services, as SMBs—lacking resources for full IT departments—seek affordable, scalable solutions; market forces like increasing ransomware attacks and hybrid work models favor providers bundling cybersecurity with core IT.[1][2]
By serving diverse industries in a underserved regional market, it influences the ecosystem through reliable support that enables local business resilience and tech adoption, now amplified by ICS's national footprint.[2]
Post-acquisition, Cards Technology will likely expand ICS's Mid-Atlantic presence, leveraging combined strengths for more project-based services and client wins in high-growth sectors like healthcare and finance.[2] Trends like AI-driven IT automation and zero-trust security will shape its path, positioning it to capture SMB demand for integrated, predictive support amid evolving threats.
Its influence may grow as a regional anchor in consolidated IT services, evolving from local fixer to scalable platform player—echoing its origin in hands-on problem-solving for enduring business impact.[1][2]
