Hitcard

Hitcard, operated by Shanghai Qixing Network Technology Co., Ltd., is a notable entity in the recreational goods market, specifically focusing on the design and production of collectible cards. The company was established in 2016 and is headquartered in Shanghai, China. It has successfully secured $2.31 million in funding through various rounds, including a seed round in November 2016 and a later-stage venture round in December 2024. The firm's investor portfolio is diverse, featuring names like Akatsuki, China Literature, Cygames, and Good Smile Company, indicating strong confidence from players within the gaming and entertainment sectors.

The core of Hitcard's business revolves around creating and developing proprietary IP card games and, crucially, forming partnerships with established brands to produce collaborative card series. This B2C strategy targets collectors and fans by leveraging popular intellectual properties from media, animation, and gaming. The company's product line is extensive, featuring collectible cards based on well-known franchises such as "The King's Avatar" (全职高手), "Joy of Life" (庆余年), and "Battle Through the Heavens" (斗破苍穹). Revenue is generated through the sale of these physical card products, often in blind box formats, via online stores like their Tmall flagship.

Hitcard differentiates itself by merging high-tech applications with trendy intellectual properties, utilizing advanced printing and material technologies to enhance the collectible nature of its cards. The business model capitalizes on the growing 'Tide Play' (Chaowan) or designer toy market, collaborating with major IP holders like POP MART and 52TOYS to expand its reach. This strategy allows the company to continuously offer fresh and desirable products to a dedicated consumer base. The founder, Zhao Yunpeng, has articulated a vision for card games that extends beyond a niche male audience, aiming to build a broader cultural brand around the concept of turning anything into a cherished collectible.

Keywords: collectible cards, trading card games, TCG, intellectual property licensing, B2C e-commerce, recreational goods, Chinese startup, pop culture merchandise, Tide Play, Chaowan, character goods, blind box, animation merchandise, gaming collectibles, brand collaboration, limited edition cards, entertainment products, Shanghai, Zhao Yunpeng