Hoopi secures seed funding led by Creative Gorilla Capital

Hoopi secures seed funding led by Creative Gorilla Capital
  • In 2025, expand to Indonesia & Thailand from Malaysia & Singapore.
  • Funds will be used to increase the system’s user base and promote regional growth.

Hoopi Holdings Pte Ltd ( Hoopi), a platform for collectibles and trading cards, has completed 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 may help Hoopi expand its core services and user ecosystem, facilitating growth in Southeast Asia.

Hoopi’s founders identified a business opportunity in Southeast Asia’s scattered doll collectibles and buying cards marketplace, which is characterized by concerns over authenticity and transparency. They had considerable innovative backgrounds in the gaming industry. The company offers a comprehensive set of services, including a consumer-to-consumer industry, native card grading services, and gamified experiences for unique, high-value collectibles.

Also, Hoopi is working with Robbi Art, a superior toy collectable brand known for its limited-edition figurines for the East Asian market.

Southeast Asia’s market for trading cards and collectible toys is estimated to be worth US$ 5.99 billion ( MYR 26.98 billion ) in 2025, and it is anticipated to grow at a compounded annual growth rate ( CAGR ) of 3 %, increasing to US$ 7 billion ( MYR 31.50 billion ) by 2030. There are several important factors that are driving this progress. The prominent position of sentimentality and emotional connection that are essential to the industry’s expansion are frequently invoked by cherished memories and a sense of individual history. Collectibles and childhood trading card games frequently help people feel nostalgic and connected to their past. These things offer stability and comfort, which keep many people coming back for more despite economic confusion.

Southeast Asia’s market for trading cards and collectible toys is expected to grow to US$ 5.99 billion ( MYR 26.98 billion ) in 2025, growing to US$ 31.50 billion by 2030, with a 3 % Rate. The main vehicles are personal associations and memories, as collectibles evoke fond thoughts and a sense of personal history.

Also, the market benefits from a community-driven tradition, with passionate fans participating in tournaments, forums, and events that maintain interest and inspire creativity. Also, items are increasingly viewed as other investments, with unique items increasingly being viewed as assets with long-term price. These elements aid in the market’s endurance in the face of economic issues.

Hoopi has gained popularity since its official release in September 2024, and as of February 2025, it had roughly US$ 2.25 million in gross products value as a result of more than 40, 000 paid orders placed. More than 3, 000 registered retailers and more than 20, 000 active users are currently a part of the program. It is already in use in Singapore and Malaysia, and it intends to expand there in April 2025, with Thailand expected to follow later this month.

Michael, the company’s CEO and co-founder, praised this progress, saying,” The funding from CGC has strengthened Hoopi’s primary corporate pillars and supported the establishment of its growing presence in Malaysia, Singapore, and immediately Indonesia, marked by the upcoming release of the Hoopi Store in Jakarta.

I’m confident that Hoopi and its integrated ecosystem are uniquely positioned to redefine and lead the collectibles experience in Southeast Asia, he said, supported 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.

Meanwhile, Benz Julio Budiman, managing partner at CGC, stated that he is confident that Southeast Asia’s trading cards and collectibles market will experience significant growth, helped by the region’s dynamic gaming culture, and by the region’s rapid digital adoption. Hoopi’s creative strategies, commitment to community engagement, and focus on sustained value creation enable it to succeed in generating sustainable revenue streams despite the region’s macroeconomic volatility.

I have full confidence in the founding team’s ability to address market complexities and propel Hoopi toward profitability because of their deep industry expertise and proven success scaling previous ventures. I’m confident that Hoopi will continue to innovate in the trading cards and collectibles industry, leading to significant market share and contributing to shaping Southeast Asia’s future,” he added.