Rare Candy
We make collecting trading cards fun.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| investor | €0.0 | round | |
* | N/A | Support Program | |
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
| USD | 2022 |
|---|---|
| Revenues | 0000 |
| EBITDA | 0000 |
| Profit | 0000 |
| EV | 0000 |
| EV / revenue | 00.0x |
| EV / EBITDA | 00.0x |
| R&D budget | 0000 |
Source: Dealroom estimates
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Rare Candy is a digital marketplace targeting the "nerd culture" collectibles market, with an initial focus on trading card games (TCGs). The company was co-founded in 2021 by Lee Steinfeld, a prominent Pokémon content creator known as "Leonhart," and Chris Knape, a seasoned product and marketplace operator. Steinfeld, a former attorney, transitioned his passion for Pokémon into a full-time career, building a substantial YouTube following by creating content around card openings and connecting with the collector community. This background provides Rare Candy with an authentic, influencer-led entry point into a hyper-engaged fanbase.
The platform aims to solve common issues in the collectibles space, such as fraud and poor customer experience, by providing a trusted venue for authenticated items. It functions as a centralized hub designed to replicate the community feel of a local hobby shop in a digital format. Rare Candy serves collectors of various TCGs, including Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, One Piece, and Lorcana, offering both new and experienced fans a place to transact and connect. The business generates revenue through a flat seller fee on transactions conducted on its marketplace; the company states a standard 13% fee, with promotional rates available for high-volume sellers.
Rare Candy's product is a mobile application and online platform that combines e-commerce with community and collection management tools. Key features include live auctions, fixed-price listings, and curated drops from influential creators. A significant component is its collector toolkit, which features AI-powered card scanning technology to help users identify, value, and manage their personal collections. The app provides real-time pricing data and allows users to track their portfolio's value, scan graded cards from services like PSA and BGS, and participate in a community feed to share their items. By integrating these tools directly into the marketplace, Rare Candy seeks to create a comprehensive, social, and seamless experience for collectors.
Keywords: collectibles marketplace, trading card games, TCG, Pokémon cards, Lee Steinfeld, Leonhart, Chris Knape, authenticated collectibles, live auctions, collection management, card scanner, nerd culture, Magic: The Gathering, One Piece, Lorcana, Lerer Hippeau, 776 Capital, Konvoy Ventures, influencer-led business, social commerce