Top 12 Action Figure Investors in the U.S.
Top 12 Action Figure Investors in the U.S.
The action figure industry in the U.S. thrives on creativity and nostalgia, producing highly collectible figures largely based on popular culture. Companies range from startups to major players like Funko and Hasbro, which design and manufacture figures related to movies, comic books, and video games. This industry not only caters to children but also engages adult collectors drawn by limited-edition releases and intricate designs. As digital media rises, manufacturers are increasingly blending online engagement with product offerings, leading to innovative strategies that enhance customer interaction and community building around fandoms. The future looks promising as demand expands.
The listed investors represent a mix of venture capital, private equity, and corporate entities, primarily based in major U.S. cities like San Francisco and New York. They vary in size from small teams with focused investments to large firms overseeing extensive portfolios. Founded between 1976 and 2010, these firms made notable deals in 2024, signaling robust activity in the action figure sector. While firms like Amazon are positioned as corporate giants, others like Founders Fund and Tcg advocate for consumer-centric brands. Together, they illuminate potential growth avenues in the action figure market.
Top 12 Action Figure Investors in the US
1. Advantage Capital
- Website: advantagecap.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1992
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 5
- LinkedIn: advantage-capital-partners
Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana, founded in 1992. The firm specializes in providing equity and debt financing to small businesses across various sectors, including agribusiness, solar projects, and affordable housing. They focus on supporting entrepreneurs and businesses in underserved communities, offering flexible capital solutions to help them grow and thrive. Notably, Advantage Capital has been involved in financing Hog Wild Toys, which raised $2,105,900 in debt financing in September 2013. This investment highlights their engagement in the toy industry, which includes action figures. Additionally, they have participated in multiple debt financing transactions with companies like Carroll Shelby International and Confederate Motorcycle, showcasing their active role in providing capital to diverse businesses.
2. 500 Global
- Website: 500.co
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2010
- Headcount: 201-500
- Number of deals in 2024: 98
- LinkedIn: 500-startups
500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. Notably, 500 Global has made significant investments in companies like Tokyo Otaku Mode, which raised over $2.6 million in Series A funding in 2014 and has been involved in multiple seed rounds. Tokyo Otaku Mode is known for its focus on anime and collectibles, including action figures, which aligns with the interests of action figure enthusiasts. Additionally, 500 Global has invested in KiwiCo, a company that promotes educational projects and toys, further showcasing their engagement with the toy and collectible market. This diverse investment strategy indicates that while 500 Global primarily targets technology, they also recognize the potential in the action figure and collectibles market.
3. SV Angel
- Website: svangel.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2009
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 44
- LinkedIn: sv-angel
SV Angel is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in early-stage and growth-stage investments, primarily in the technology sector. They provide financial backing, strategic advice, and access to a vast network of industry experts to help startups navigate business challenges. Notably, SV Angel has invested in Superplastic, a company that creates designer toys and collectibles, which directly relates to the action figure market. Additionally, they have invested in Dapper Labs, known for its work in digital collectibles, further showcasing their interest in the collectible space. Their diverse portfolio and focus on innovative companies position them as a relevant player in the action figure investment landscape.
4. Kkr
- Website: kkr.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1976
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 74
- LinkedIn: kkr
KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR has established itself as a global leader in asset management, providing tailored investment solutions to institutional and individual clients. Among their significant transactions, KKR acquired ToysRUs in June 2019, a major retailer in the toy industry, which includes action figures. Additionally, KKR has a history of investing in various sectors, including a venture round for Toys R Us in 2000, further demonstrating their long-term interest in the toy market. Their recent acquisition of Varsity Brands, while not directly related to action figures, showcases their active investment strategy across diverse industries. Overall, KKR's involvement in the toy sector, particularly through ToysRUs, positions them as a relevant player in the action figure investment landscape.
5. eBay
- Website: ebay.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: San Jose, California, United States (USA)
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 1
- LinkedIn: ebay
eBay is an e-commerce platform based in San Jose, California, that facilitates online auctions and sales for a wide range of products, including electronics, fashion, and collectibles. Founded with the aim of providing a marketplace for consumers, businesses, and organizations, eBay has become a significant player in the collectibles sector. In recent years, eBay has made strategic investments and acquisitions that enhance its position in this market. Notably, eBay acquired TCGplayer for $295 million, a platform that serves collectors of trading cards and related items, which often includes action figures. Additionally, eBay's acquisition of Goldin Auctions in April 2024 further solidifies its commitment to the collectibles market, as Goldin Auctions specializes in auctioning high-value collectibles, including action figures. Furthermore, eBay's investment in CheckOutMyCards.com (COMC) indicates their ongoing interest in platforms that facilitate the buying and selling of collectibles. These transactions highlight eBay's active role in the action figure and broader collectibles industry.
6. Amazon
- Website: amazon.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, United States (USA)
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 37
- LinkedIn: amazon
Amazon.com, Inc. is a multinational technology company based in Seattle, Washington, primarily known for its e-commerce platform that offers a wide range of products and services. In 2023, Amazon led a $20 million Series A extension investment round in Superplastic, a company that specializes in creating designer toys and collectible figures, which are closely related to the action figure market. This investment highlights Amazon's strategic interest in the action figure industry, as Superplastic's products appeal to collectors and fans of unique and artistic figures. Additionally, Amazon Studios is developing a show featuring Superplastic's synthetic celebrities, further integrating its investment into the action figure culture. Other transactions, such as grants to various startups, do not directly relate to the action figure industry, but the focus on Superplastic positions Amazon as a relevant player in this market.
7. Tcg
- Website: tcg.co
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2010
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 5
- LinkedIn: the-chernin-group
The Chernin Group (Tcg) is a venture capital firm based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2010. Tcg focuses on building consumer businesses across various industries, including digital media and health and wellness. They provide capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs and management teams to help them scale their operations. Notably, Tcg led a $263 million investment in Funko Inc., acquiring a 25% share of the company, which is a major player in the action figure and collectibles market. Additionally, Tcg has invested in other companies like Goldin Auctions, which deals with collectibles, and Exploding Kittens, a game company, showcasing their interest in consumer products that often intersect with collectibles and action figures. Their diverse portfolio and strategic investments position them as a significant investor in the action figure industry.
8. Blackstone
- Website: blackstone.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1985
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 57
- LinkedIn: blackstonegroup
Blackstone Inc. is a prominent investment management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative investments such as private equity, real estate, and credit solutions. Founded in 1985, Blackstone has built a diverse portfolio that includes significant investments in various sectors. Notably, Blackstone raised $57 million for Toys R Us in 2000, a major player in the toy industry, which includes action figures. Additionally, in 2021, Blackstone acquired a majority stake in Certified Collectibles Group (CCG), a company that encompasses collectibles grading, including action figures and related memorabilia. These transactions highlight Blackstone's engagement with the toy and collectibles market, reinforcing its relevance in the action figure investment landscape.
9. L Catterton
- Website: lcatterton.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1989
- Headcount: 201-500
- Number of deals in 2024: 23
- LinkedIn: l-catterton
L Catterton is a prominent private equity firm founded in 1989, specializing in investment management with a focus on consumer brands across various sectors. The firm partners with middle market companies and high-growth enterprises, providing capital and strategic guidance to enhance brand equity and market presence. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Truck Hero, a leading provider of aftermarket accessories for trucks and Jeeps, which showcases their interest in consumer-focused brands. Additionally, their investment in SteelSeries, a company known for gaming peripherals, indicates their engagement with brands that appeal to hobbyists and collectors, similar to the action figure market. With a strong emphasis on consumer insights, L Catterton aims to drive growth and innovation within its portfolio companies, making them a potential player in the action figure industry.
10. ACON Investments, L.L.C.
- Website: aconinvestments.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1996
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 2
- LinkedIn: acon-investments
ACON Investments, L.L.C. is a private equity firm based in Washington, D.C., founded in 1996. The firm specializes in investment management, focusing on creating value through investments in the Consumer, Industrials, and Business Services sectors. ACON serves institutional and high net worth investors, providing opportunities to invest in companies at critical points in their evolution. Notably, ACON completed the acquisition of Funko, LLC in November 2015, a leading provider of branded pop culture products, including action figures and collectibles. This acquisition highlights ACON's commitment to the action figure market. Additionally, ACON has acquired Spencer Gifts and Spirit Halloween, both of which are known for offering a variety of collectibles, including action figures, during seasonal events. These transactions demonstrate ACON's strategic interest in the action figure and collectibles industry.
11. Founders Fund
- Website: foundersfund.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2005
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 44
- LinkedIn: the-founders-fund
Founders Fund is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investing in innovative technology companies across various sectors, including aerospace and software development. They provide funding and strategic support to startups, helping them grow and scale their operations. Notably, Founders Fund has invested in Superplastic, a designer toy brand known for its action figures and collectibles, raising significant funds in multiple rounds, including a $20 million Series A in 2021 and a $10 million Series A in 2019. These investments highlight their interest in the action figure industry, particularly in the intersection of physical toys and digital media. Their portfolio also includes high-impact companies like SpaceX and Palantir, showcasing their focus on transformative investments.
12. GV (Google Ventures)
- Website: gv.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2009
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 74
- LinkedIn: gv
GV (Google Ventures) is a venture capital firm founded in 2009, based in the San Francisco Bay Area, with over $10 billion in assets under management. The firm focuses on innovative technology startups across various sectors, including life sciences and artificial intelligence. Notably, GV has invested in Superplastic, a company that creates synthetic celebrity figures and has garnered attention in the action figure market. They participated in multiple funding rounds for Superplastic, including a $20 million Series A extension in 2023 and a $20 million Series A in 2021. Additionally, GV invested in Lovevery, a company that produces educational toys, which further demonstrates their engagement in the toy industry. These transactions highlight GV's commitment to supporting companies that intersect with the action figure and collectible toy markets.
Action Figure Insights: Key Investors in the US
| Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advantage Capital | New Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 1992 | 5 |
| 500 Global | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 201-500 | 2010 | 98 |
| SV Angel | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 1-10 | 2009 | 44 |
| Kkr | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 1001-5000 | 1976 | 74 |
| eBay | San Jose, California, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1 | |
| Amazon | Seattle, Washington, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 37 | |
| Tcg | Los Angeles, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2010 | 5 |
| Blackstone | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 1001-5000 | 1985 | 57 |
| L Catterton | United States (USA) | 201-500 | 1989 | 23 |
| ACON Investments, L.L.C. | Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 1996 | 2 |
| Founders Fund | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2005 | 44 |
| GV (Google Ventures) | San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2009 | 74 |
Want to find more investors focusing on the action figure industry?
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