Hoopi secures seed funding led by Creative Gorilla Capital

• Currently in Malaysia & Singapore, expanding to Indonesia & Thailand in 2025
• Funds will be used to expand the platform’s user base, drive growth across SEA

Hoopi Holdings Pte Ltd (Hoopi), a collectibles and trading cards platform, has secured its first institutional funding round, led by Creative Gorilla Capital (CGC), a Jakarta-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage consumer-facing businesses. The investment will enable Hoopi to expand its platform’s user ecosystem and core services, facilitating growth across Southeast Asia.

Hoopi’s founders, with significant entrepreneurial backgrounds in the gaming industry, identified a market opportunity in Southeast Asia’s fragmented toy collectibles and trading cards market, which is characterised by concerns over authenticity and transparency. To address these challenges, the startup offers a comprehensive suite of services, including a consumer-to-consumer marketplace, auction-based card trading, local card grading services, and gamified experiences for rare, high-value collectibles.

Additionally, Hoopi is the strategic partner of Robbi Art, a premium toy collectible brand known for producing limited-edition figurines for the Southeast Asian market.

Southeast Asia’s trading cards and toy collectibles market is estimated to be valued at US$5.99 billion (MYR 26.98 billion) in 2025 and is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3%, reaching around US$7 billion (MYR 31.50 billion) by 2030. This growth is driven by several key factors. Central to the industry’s expansion is the powerful role of nostalgia and emotional connection, as collectibles and childhood trading card games often evoke cherished memories and a sense of personal history. These items provide comfort and continuity, prompting many individuals to retain them even during financial uncertainty.

Southeast Asia’s trading cards and toy collectibles market is projected to reach US$5.99 billion (MYR 26.98 billion) in 2025, with a 3% CAGR, growing to around US$7 billion (MYR 31.50 billion) by 2030. Key drivers include nostalgia and emotional connections, as collectibles evoke cherished memories and a sense of personal history.

Additionally, the market benefits from a community-driven culture, with passionate fan bases engaging through tournaments, forums, and events, which sustain interest and inspire innovation. Additionally, collectibles are increasingly viewed as alternative investments, with rare items seen as assets with long-term value. These factors contribute to the market's resilience amid economic challenges.

Since its official launch in September 2024, Hoopi has gained traction, generating nearly US$2.25 million in gross merchandise value through more than 40,000 paid orders as of February 2025. The platform now boasts over 20,000 active users and more than 3,000 registered sellers. It is currently operational in Malaysia and Singapore and plans to expand into Indonesia in April 2025, with Thailand to follow later this year.

Hoopi’s CEO and co-founder, Michael, highlighted this progress, stating, “The investment from CGC has strengthened Hoopi’s core strategic pillars and supported the establishment of its growing presence in Malaysia, Singapore, and soon Indonesia, marked by the upcoming launch of the Hoopi Store in Jakarta.”

“Bolstered by an established supply and distribution network, consistent GMV growth, soon-to-be-launched offline physical stores, and our proprietary in-house grading service, Grade Master, I am confident that Hoopi and its integrated ecosystem are uniquely positioned to redefine and lead the collectibles experience in Southeast Asia,” he added.

Meanwhile, Benz Julio Budiman, managing partner at CGC, said, “I am confident that the trading cards and collectibles market in Southeast Asia is poised for significant expansion, fuelled by the region’s dynamic gaming culture and accelerating digital adoption. Hoopi’s innovative strategies, commitment to community engagement, and focus on sustained value creation position it to not only endure but excel in generating sustainable revenue streams amidst macroeconomic volatility in the region.”

“The founding team’s deep industry expertise and proven success in scaling previous ventures gives me full confidence in their ability to address market complexities and drive Hoopi toward profitability. As Hoopi continues to innovate within the trading cards and collectibles sector, I’m certain it will capture substantial market share and play a pivotal role in defining the future of this industry across Southeast Asia,” he added.