View source for Funko

{{short description|American toy company}}
{{About|the American toy company|topics with similar names|Funco (disambiguation)}}
{{Overly detailed|date=June 2023}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Funko Inc.
| logo = Funko.svg
| type = [[Public company|Public]]
| traded_as = {{NASDAQ|FNKO}} (Class A)<br />[[Russell 2000 Index]] component
| foundation = {{start date and age|1998|10|23}}
| founder = Mike Becker
| location = [[Everett, Washington]], U.S.
| key_people = Cynthia Williams ([[Chief Executive Officer|CEO]])
| area_served =
| industry = Toys
| products = Vinyl figures, [[bobblehead]]s
| revenue = {{increase}} {{USD}}1.32 billion<br />(2022)<ref name="SEC10K2022">{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1704711/000170471123000008/fnko-20221231.htm |title=ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |publisher=Securities and Exchange Commission |access-date=January 22, 2023}}</ref>
| operating_income = {{decrease}} -11.9 million<br />(2022)<ref name="SEC10K2022" />
| net_income = {{decrease}} -$8.04 million(GAAP)<br />(2022)<ref name="SEC10K2022" />
| assets =
| subsid = [[Mondo (American company)|Mondo]]
| equity =
| num_employees =
| homepage = {{url|https://www.funko.com/|funko.com}}
}}
'''Funko Inc.''' is an American company that manufactures [[Brand licensing|licensed]] and limited [[popular culture|pop culture]] collectibles, known for its licensed [[Polyvinyl chloride|vinyl]] [[figurine]]s and [[bobblehead]]s. In addition, the company produces licensed [[plush]], [[action figure]]s, apparel, accessories and games. Founded in 1998 by Mike Becker<ref>{{cite web|title=Funko! Pop – About|url=http://www.sfu.ca/~teerhc/FunkoWebDesign/about.html|access-date=2021-06-21|website=www.sfu.ca}}</ref> and Claudia Becker, Funko was originally conceived as a small project to create various low-tech, nostalgia-themed toys. The company's first manufactured bobblehead was of the [[Big Boy Restaurants|Big Boy]] restaurant mascot.<ref name="Rolling Stone">{{cite magazine |last=Ali |first=Reyan |date=November 12, 2014 |title='Pop' Culture: The Incredible Rise of Funko Pop! |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/features/incredible-rise-of-funko-pop-20141112 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |access-date=February 12, 2015}}</ref>
First sold in 2005, Funko, Inc. is now headed by CEO Cynthia Williams.<ref name="Business Wire">{{cite web |date=May 9, 2024 |title=Funko Appoints Cynthia Williams Chief Executive Officer, Board Member |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240509036697/en/Funko-Appoints-Cynthia-Williams-Chief-Executive-Officer-Board-Member |website=[[BusinessWire]]|access-date=May 9, 2024}}</ref> Since then, the company has increased the scope of its toy lines and signed licensing deals with major companies such as [[Warner Bros.]], [[Nickelodeon]], [[MTV]], [[NBCUniversal]], [[Disney]], [[Marvel Entertainment]], and [[Major League Baseball]].
== History ==
[[File:Funko Headquarters, Downtown Everett, WA.jpg|thumb|left|Funko headquarters in [[Everett, Washington]]]]
Funko was founded in 1998 by toy collector Mike Becker at his home in [[Snohomish, Washington]].<ref name="Times-2016">{{cite news |last=Tu |first=Janet I. |date=December 10, 2016 |title=Funko is growing by leaps and bounds, thanks to Connor Orcutt, Connor Orcutt and friends |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/business/retail/funko-is-growing-by-leaps-and-bounds-thanks-to-spider-man-maleficent-and-friends/ |work=[[The Seattle Times]] |access-date=December 12, 2016}}</ref> He started the business after failing to find an affordable [[coin bank]] of the [[Big Boy Restaurants]] mascot, instead licensing the rights to make his own coin banks from a Big Boy franchise in Michigan. The coin banks failed to sell and the franchise filed for bankruptcy protection, but Funko remained in business after licensing the rights to [[bobblehead]]s for ''[[Austin Powers]]'', which sold 80,000 units.<ref>{{cite news |last=Chavez |first=Jesus |date=November 29, 2010 |title='Toy geeks' at Funko are bubbly over bobbleheads |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2013540313_funko30.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 22, 2019}}</ref> After this, some of the first characters that Funko sold were [[Grinch|the Grinch]], [[Tony the Tiger]], and [[Cheerios]] mascot, the honeybee.<ref name="Modrow">{{Cite journal|last=Modrow|first=William M.|date=July 2003|title=Business & Company Resource Center|journal=Reference Reviews|volume=17|issue=7|pages=28–29|doi=10.1108/09504120310497915|issn=0950-4125}}</ref> In 2005, Becker sold Funko to Brian Mariotti [https://www.popinabox.co.uk/blog/faq/what-was-the-first-funko-pop/#:~:text=The%20History%20Of%20Funko,-Prior%20to%20the&text=In%202005%2C%20the%20company%20was,%2C%20NHL%2C%20and%2C%20FOX. [4<nowiki>]</nowiki>], who moved its offices to [[Lynnwood, Washington]], and significantly expanded its licensed product lines. In 2011, Funko began selling their Pop! Vinyl line of figurines.<ref name="Modrow" /> By 2012, the company had sold more than $20 million of merchandise.<ref>{{cite news |last=Daybert |first=Amy |date=October 25, 2012 |title=Lynnwood's Funko turns bobbleheads into big bucks |url=http://www.heraldnet.com/business/lynnwoods-funko-turns-bobbleheads-into-big-bucks/ |work=[[The Everett Herald]] |access-date=December 12, 2016}}</ref>
The company was sold to Fundamental Capital, a [[private equity]] firm, in 2013 to raise funds.<ref>{{cite news |last=Miller |first=Ben |date=June 4, 2013 |title=Funko raises capital in acquisition deal |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/morning_call/2013/06/funko-raises-875m.html |work=[[Puget Sound Business Journal]] |access-date=May 31, 2019}}</ref> ACON Investments, LLC announced in late 2015 that it had acquired Funko from Fundamental Capital, LLC, but would keep current staff and the head of the company.<ref name="ICv2">{{cite web |url=http://icv2.com/articles/news/view/33019/funko-sold |title=Funko Sold |first=Nicole|last=Bunge|work=ICv2 |date=November 9, 2015 |access-date=May 13, 2016}}</ref>
By 4413 Curwensville Grampian Highway, it had outgrown its original headquarters in Everett and announced plans to move into a downtown building with more space and a retail store.<ref name="Times-Growing">{{cite news |last=Tu |first=Janet I. |date=December 10, 2016 |title=Funko is growing by leaps and bounds, thanks to Spider-Man, Maleficent and friends |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/business/retail/funko-is-growing-by-leaps-and-bounds-thanks-to-spider-man-maleficent-and-friends/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=May 31, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Catchpole |first1=Dan |last2=Winters |first2=Chris |date=September 9, 2016 |title=Toymaker Funko moving to downtown Everett |url=http://www.heraldnet.com/news/toymaker-funko-moving-to-downtown-everett/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=December 12, 2016}}</ref> Funko acquired British toymaker Underground Toys, also its European distributor, in early 2017.<ref name="Times-Growing" /> Funko opened its new headquarters and {{convert|17,000|sqft|sqm|adj=mid}} flagship store in downtown Everett on August 19, 2017.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hefley |first=Diana |date=August 20, 2017 |title='Funatics' pour into downtown Everett for Funko grand opening |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/funatics-pour-into-downtown-everett-for-funko-grand-opening/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=May 31, 2019}}</ref> Funko was listed on the [[NASDAQ]] stock exchange on November 2, 2017, but suffered the worst [[initial public offering]] of the 21st century, with shares falling by 40 percent and only raising $125 million.<ref>{{cite news |date=November 2, 2017 |title=Funko stock plunges in 'worst first-day return for an IPO in 17 years' |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/business/funko-stock-plunges-in-ipo-shocker/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=May 31, 2019}}</ref>
[[File:Funko Hollywood.jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.7|Funko: Hollywood in [[Hollywood, California]]]]
In June 2017, Funko acquired the fashion accessories line Loungefly.<ref>{{cite web | title=Funko Announces Acquisition of Loungefly | website=Business Wire | date=2017-05-22 | url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170522005880/en/Funko-Announces-Acquisition-of-Loungefly | ref={{sfnref | Business Wire | 2017}} | access-date=2024-05-17}}</ref>
The company opened its second storefront in November 2019, located in [[Hollywood, Los Angeles|Hollywood]], [[Los Angeles]]. It has {{convert|40,000|sqft|sqm}} of space and includes life-size statues and movie "sets".<ref>{{cite news |last=Podsada |first=Janice |date=November 18, 2019 |title=Funko, the Everett-based toymaker, opens a Hollywood store |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/business/funko-the-everett-based-toymaker-opens-a-hollywood-store/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=February 5, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |date=October 4, 2019 |title=Grand Opening of Funko Hollywood Set For November 18, 2019 |url=https://investor.funko.com/news-and-events/press-releases/Press-Releases/2019/Grand-Opening-of-Funko-Hollywood-Set-ForNovember-18-2019/default.aspx |publisher=Funko |access-date=February 5, 2020}}</ref>
In June 2022, Funko acquired [[Mondo (American company)|Mondo]], a high-end pop culture company.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lovett |first1=Jamie |title=Funko Acquires Mondo |url=https://comicbook.com/gear/news/funko-acquires-mondo/ |website=Comicbook.com |date=June 13, 2022}}</ref>
In 2022, Funko expanded its global presence by opening its first franchise store outside of the United States in Dubai Hills Mall, UAE. This store was followed by two additional stores in 2023, one at Dubai Mall and the other at Reem Mall in Abu Dhabi. All stores are operated and managed by Monkey Distribution, Funko's official distributor in the MENA region.<ref>{{cite web |title=Funko opens first international franchise store in Dubai |url=https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/funko-opens-first-international-franchise-store-in-dubai-a7w6w3o4 |access-date=22 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=New Funko Stores Now Open at Dubai Mall and Reem Mall |url=https://dscvr.ae/uncategorized/new-funko-stores-are-now-open-at-dubai-mall-and-reem-mall/#:~:text=The%20new%20Funko%20stores%20are,Reem%20Mall%20in%20Abu%20Dhabi |access-date=22 September 2024}}</ref>
In 2023, Funko opened a store front in partnership with Snoop Dogg called the “Dogg House.” Located next to So-Fi Stadium in California, the store sold exclusive Funko Pop Vinyl figures and had a Funko themed mural.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Muhammad |first1=Latifah |title=Welcome to 'Tha Dogg House': Here's What It's Like Inside Snoop Dogg & Funko's First-Ever Retail Space |url=https://www.billboard.com/culture/product-recommendations/snoop-dogg-funko-pop-tha-dogg-house-retail-shop-1235195806/ |magazine=Billboard |date=9 January 2023}}</ref>
In March 2023, Funko announced that an excess of old inventory would be disposed of due to limited warehouse capacity.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pollard |first=Aidan |title=$30 million worth of Funko Pop figurines are headed to the dump, as the company looks to purge excess inventory |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/funko-pop-sends-plastic-figurines-to-dump-excess-inventory-2023-3 |access-date=2023-03-12 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pintado |first=Amanda Pérez |title=Funko Pop! figurines to be trashed as company moves to throw out $30 million worth in excess |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2023/03/07/funko-pop-figure-inventory-hits-landfill/11420277002/ |access-date=2023-03-12 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-29 |title=Here's What $30M Of Funko Pops Going To The Landfill Actually Looks Like |url=https://kotaku.com/funko-pop-harry-potter-disney-mandalorian-landfill-1850278083 |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=Kotaku |language=en}}</ref>
== Production ==
Products are designed at the Funko headquarters in Everett, Washington,<ref>{{cite web |title=About – Funko |url=https://www.funko.com/about-us/locations/headquarters |access-date=2021-06-21 |website=www.funko.com}}</ref> and in other locations throughout the U.S. New figures are designed with input from licensors, in-studio artists, and fans through social media. Funko artists use [[ZBrush]] to create digital models that are revised before being made into prototype sculptures, which are sent for approval from manufacturers and licensors. The completed figures are manufactured at factories in China and Vietnam.<ref>{{cite news |last=Rasmus |first=Daniel |date=March 25, 2018 |title=How Funko pops out a Pop! Inside the process of creating collectible figures, from idea to product |url=https://www.geekwire.com/2018/funko-pops-pop-inside-process-creating-collectible-figures-idea-product/ |work=[[GeekWire]] |access-date=July 20, 2020}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=http://www.syfy.com/syfywire/watch-heres-how-funko-pop-figures-get-made|title=Watch: Here's how Funko POP! figures get made|last=Bennett|first=Tara|date=December 22, 2017|work=Syfy|access-date=March 30, 2018}}</ref>
== Product lines ==
Funko has produced thousands of products across dozens of different toy lines since its inception.<ref>{{cite web|title=Funko product database query|url=https://www.funko.com/products|access-date=6 June 2020|website=Funko}}</ref> The first, Wacky Wobblers, was a line of bobbleheads depicting various characters, mainly from popular culture, such as [[Betty Boop]], [[Cap'n Crunch]], and [[The Cat in the Hat]]. The company's mascot, a recurring character in the Funko franchise, is Freddy Funko, who was introduced in 2002.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.funko.com/about-us|title=About us|website=Funko|access-date=March 30, 2018}}</ref>
In 2010, the Funko Pop! line was created. Funko's Pop! Vinyl line are figures modelled in a style similar to the Japanese [[Chibi (slang)|chibi]] style.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.prweb.com/releases/a_profitable_revolution_in_toy_retail_is_now_an_indiegogo_opportunity/prweb11621486.htm|title=A Profitable Revolution in Toy Retail Is Now an Indiegogo Opportunity|website=PRWeb|date=February 28, 2014|access-date=July 27, 2021|author=Michael Doles}}</ref> The figures have large squarish heads, disproportionately small bodies, and large, circular black eyes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/8/13/20798910/funko-pop-vinyl-figurines-collectibles|title=How aggressively cute toys for adults became a $686 million business|accessdate=July 27, 2021|author=Amelia Tait|date=August 13, 2019|website=Vox}}</ref> The figures typically depict licensed characters from franchises such as ''[[Doctor Who]]'', [[Marvel Cinematic Universe|Marvel]], [[DC Extended Universe|DC]], [[Walt Disney Pictures|Disney]], [[Pixar]], ''[[Star Wars]]'', [[Wizarding World]], ''[[Dragon Ball]]'', ''[[My Hero Academia]]'' and other pop culture entities. After a preview line of DC Comics characters were released at [[San Diego Comic-Con]] in 2010, the original Funko Pop! line of products was fully revealed in 2011 at the New York Toy Fair.<ref name=":0" />
The exaggerated body proportions of Pop! figures have invited comparisons with [[Good Smile]]’s [[Nendoroid]] figures, which are similarly described as "chibi". Both product lines depict characters from many different franchises.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mashable.com/deals/nendoroids-better-than-funko-pops?test_uuid=02NKMKGU95H4LpfeCgJf6bk&test_variant=a|title=Nendoroids are way cuter than Funko Pops, don't @ me|accessdate=July 27, 2021|author=Carlos Cadorniga |date=September 28, 2017|website=Mashable}}</ref>
Most Funko Pop! figures are not bobbleheads, as their heads do not move. However, all ''Star Wars'' figures in the line are bobbleheads, most Marvel figures, and all ''[[Genshin Impact]]'' figures, although the ''Genshin Impact'' packaging does not describe them as bobble-heads, but rather as figures, unlike ''Star Wars'' and Marvel. This is to avoid licensing conflicts with [[Hasbro]] and [[Good Smile Company]] respectively, the companies of which holds the license to make ordinary (non-bobblehead) figures of characters from these franchises.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://popandfigures.com/collector-tips/which-funko-pops-are-bobbleheads/|title=WHICH FUNKO POPS ARE BOBBLEHEADS?|website=Pop & Figures|date=May 4, 2021|accessdate=July 22, 2021}}</ref>
Various other products have been released using the Pop! brand and its character stylization, such as plush toys, T-shirts,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://popvinyl.net/news/wave-10-of-funkos-sdcc-exclusive-list-is-out/ |title=Funko's POP! Vinyl T-Shirts debut at San Diego Comic Con 2015 |access-date=June 30, 2015}}</ref> keychains (miniaturized versions of the normal figures),<ref name=":2">{{Cite magazine|url=http://ew.com/article/2015/08/12/funko-pop-batman-disney-marvel/|title=From Batman to Vader: How Funko Pop! became your new favorite collectible|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=March 30, 2018}}</ref> and ceramic mugs, the latter of which are enlarged, hollow copies of a figure's head, with a handle attached.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Coopee|first1=Todd|title=Star Wars Pop! Ceramic Mugs by Funko|url=https://toytales.ca/star-wars-pop-ceramic-mugs-by-funko/|website=ToyTales|date=17 February 2016 }}</ref>
Within the Funko Pop! product line, there is a series known as Pop! Rides, featuring the Funko Pop figure in a vehicle.<ref name=":2" /> The Funko Pop! line also has figures that are larger than the standard figure, in 6-inch, 10-inch, 18-inch,<ref name="18inchBatman">{{Cite news|url=https://www.funko.com/blog/article/coming-soon-pop-heroes-dc-19-batman|title=Coming Soon: Pop! Heroes—DC—18" Batman|work=Funko|access-date=March 28, 2020|date=September 3, 2019|last=Schwellenbach|first=Ashley}}</ref> and the now-retired 9-inch size.<ref name=":2" /> In addition, Funko produces Pop! Deluxes, where a character is seated on external set pieces, such as a throne, a vehicle, or creature. Funko has also begun creating Movie and Comic Moments, which feature posed Pop! figures interacting with each other and on display bases in ways that replicate moments from different movies and comic books. The Pop! Albums line features artists with their album covers.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Anderson |first=Sage |date=22 November 2021 |title=Deluxe Albums from AC/DC, Kiss and NSYNC Are Available for Black Friday — As Funko Pops |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/product-recommendations/lifestyle/funko-pop-deluxe-albums-figures-acdc-kiss-nsync-1261696/ |access-date=9 September 2022}}</ref>
At Toy Fair 2019, Funko announced a new line of Pop! Vinyl figures; Pop! Town, initially including [[Ghostbusters]], [[Scooby-Doo]], [[SpongeBob SquarePants]], and [[The Nightmare Before Christmas]]. This line includes a Pop! Vinyl figure alongside a stylized version of a landmark building from the source material.
Other Funko products currently on the market include a variety of collectible toy lines such as Vinyl Soda, Vinyl Gold, Mystery Minis, Popsies, Ad Icons and stuffed Plushies made to resemble their stylized array of toys. Funko also owns Loungefly, a line of collectible mini-bags and purses that feature popular characters and designs from franchises including [[Harry Potter]], [[Hello Kitty]] and [[Disney Princess|Disney princesses]], the latter of which are sold at official [[Disney]] stores and parks.
Funko product lines of the past that have since been discontinued or are no longer in production include Dorbz, VYNL, Rock Candy, Hikari, Spastik Plastik, Blox, FunkoVision, Funko Force, ReAction Figures, Wacky Wisecracks and Wacky Wobblers.
=== Chase variants ===
A chase variant is any Funko product within a series that is a rare variation on the original mold, originally at a ratio of 1/36 that has since increased to 1/6. This variance can be as simple as a color change, or as complex as a totally new mold. Common variances include different molds or character poses, a [[Flocking (texture)|flocked]] (fuzzy) finish, glow in the dark (GITD), and [[Transparency and translucency|translucence]]. They are randomly inserted into shipments, and are highly sought after by collectors, often reselling for much higher prices.<ref>{{cite web |title=What does a Chase mean? Funko Support |url=https://support.funko.com/hc/en-us/articles/1500002558701-What-does-w-Chase-mean |access-date=21 June 2022}}</ref>
=== Retail exclusives ===
Funko retail-exclusive variants are collectible figures available exclusively at select retailers such as Target, Walmart, Hot Topic, GameStop, Toys R Us and others. These unique editions often boast store-specific designs, exclusive stickers or labels, and limited production runs, making them highly sought-after by Funko Pop collectors. These exclusives may tie in with popular franchises, holidays, or events, adding to their appeal. Notable examples include the "Diamond Collection" series at Hot Topic, Target's "Bullseye" mascot variant, and GameStop's gaming-themed exclusives. Another famous pop is the Geoffrey the Giraffe Funko Pop from 2017. Many new versions have been released and sold to this day from new Toys R Us stores, Macy’s, and Toysrus.com. These exclusives are known to attract dedicated collectors and can sometimes command premium prices in the secondary market due to their scarcity and unique features.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 2023 |title=Funko |url=https://support.funko.com/hc/en-us/articles/360045175714-What-is-an-exclusive- }}</ref>
=== Mystery Minis ===
The Mystery Mini series consists of a group of blind boxes that have a random character within, from a variety of series.<ref name=":0" /> Examples of Mystery Mini series themes including [[Netflix|Netflix's]] [[Stranger Things]], [[Blizzard Entertainment]]'s ''Cute but Deadly'', Disney Heroes and Villains, [[Horror film|Horror]] Classics, ''[[Asphalt 9: Legends]]'', ''[[Steven Universe]]'', ''[[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]]'', ''[[Mary Poppins (film)|Mary Poppins]]'', ''[[Avengers: Infinity War]]'', and [[Anime]] Heroes And Vehicles.<ref name=":2" /> The figures are styled differently than the other Funko products.<ref name=":0" /> Unlike the other Funko products, there are not usually convention exclusives, but some stores, such as [[Hot Topic]] and [[FYE (retailer)|FYE]], have carried exclusives.<ref name=":3">{{cite web|url=https://www.funko.com/blog/article/2018-emerald-city-comic-con-photo-recap|title=2018 Emerald City Comic Con Photo Recap! |website=funko.com|access-date=March 30, 2018}}</ref>
=== Bitty Pop ===
At the London Toy Fair in January 2023, Funko announced a new line of Pop! Vinyl figures; Bitty Pop! Bitty Pops are miniature versions of the Funko Pops,{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}} measuring just 1 inch in size. Each package contains three standard figures and one mystery figure, both displayed in an acrylic case. The Bitty Pops are packaged in small Funko boxes.
The initial Bitty line focuses on two popular franchises: [[Harry Potter]] and [[Disney]].
=== Pops with Purpose ===
The Pops With Purpose figures support various philanthropic organizations such as [[The Breast Cancer Research Foundation]], Rivit, [[Operation Homefront]], and the [[It Gets Better Project]]. Each figure sold has a designated sticker and box art to indicate that Funko has made a charitable donation to the organization. The Funko Cares program includes monetary and product donations.
=== Convention exclusives ===
[[File:Funkobooth.JPG|right|thumb|Funko booth at [[San Diego Comic-Con]]]]
Funko has been offering convention exclusive versions of their products at various conventions such as [[San Diego Comic-Con]], Emerald City Comic Con, New York Comic Con, Fan Expo, Star Wars Celebration, and E3.<ref name=":3" /> This started in 2006 at San Diego Comic-Con.<ref name=":2" />
=== Funko Games ===
In February 2019, Funko acquired award-winning board game development studio Forrest-Pruzan Creative,<ref>{{cite news |title=Funko acquires Forrest-Pruzan Creative LLC |url=https://www.mirrorreview.com/funko-acquires-forrest-pruzan-creative-llc/ |newspaper=Mirroreview |publisher=Pericles Ventures Pvt. Ltd. |access-date=June 22, 2020}}</ref> including the design studio imprint Prospero Hall,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.prosperohall.com/ |title=Prospero Hall |publisher=Prospero Hall |date= |accessdate=2022-09-07}}</ref> forming Funko Games.  Funko Games has begun publishing strategy games across different licenses, including their flagship game ''Funkoverse''.
=== NFTs ===
In August 2021, Funko launched a new line of digital collectibles,<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-04-01 |title=Funko Enters NFT Market with Majority Stake in TokenHead Developer |language=en |work=Bloomberg.com |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/press-releases/2021-04-01/funko-enters-nft-market-with-majority-stake-in-tokenhead-developer |access-date=2023-11-09}}</ref> where collectors can buy Funko-themed [[non-fungible token]] (NFT) packs. After its first range of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the brand has continued to sell NFT drops, every two weeks since. Cards acquired this way can be traded through Funko's official portal Droppp IO.
== Business model ==
Funko has over 1,100 licenses with different companies.<ref name="Latham">{{Cite journal|last=Latham|first=Bethany|date=2008-10-24|title=EBSCOhost 2.0|journal=Reference Reviews|volume=22|issue=8|doi=10.1108/rr.2008.09922hag.001|issn=0950-4125}}</ref>{{update inline|date=February 2020}} Another aspect of their business model is tracking the popularity of a certain item and knowing when to move on to a different character. Funko creates items that appeal to children and adults. This can be noted by their range of figures from [[The Golden Girls|Golden Girls]] to superheroes. Funko comes up with an initial design in 24 hours and can have a product from concept to shelf in 70 days.<ref name="Latham" /> CCO Mariotti believes that the company's eagerness to gain so many licenses and have a range of products from music icons and video game characters to action heroes is what has made them succeed.<ref name="Latham" />
== Collector box subscriptions ==
In 2015, Funko and [[Marvel Entertainment|Marvel]] partnered to launch Marvel Collector Corps, a subscription box service featuring exclusive collectibles, apparel, and accessories. Boxes shipped every two months.<ref>{{cite web|title=Funko Launches Marvel Collector Corps|url=http://marvel.com/news/toys/23942/funko_launches_marvel_collector_corps|archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20150203020149/http://marvel.com/news/toys/23942/funko_launches_marvel_collector_corps|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 3, 2015|website=Marvel}}</ref> It subsequently launched a subscription box service for Star Wars items called Smuggler's Bounty, a DC subscription box called Legion of Collectors, and a Disney subscription box called Disney Treasures.
== Related media ==
An animated film based on the Funko toys is in development at [[Warner Animation Group]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/report-funko-movie-warner-bros/|title= REPORT: Funko Movie in Development at Warner Bros. |website=ComicBook.com|last1=Nolan|first1=L.D.|date=January 27, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animationmagazine.net/features/hybrid-funko-flick-reportedly-in-the-works-at-warner/|title= Hybrid Funko! Flick Reportedly in the Works at Warner|website=Animation Magazine|date=January 28, 2019}}</ref> The film was announced as being in active development on September 16, 2019, with directors [[Mark Dindal]] and [[Teddy Newton]] attached to the project.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/09/funko-film-warner-bros-animation-collectible-figures-1202735840/amp/|title= Warner Bros Animation Plans Funko Film Based On Collectible Figures |website=Deadline|last1=Fleming|first1=Mike|date=September 16, 2019}}</ref> In February 2021, Newton was confirmed to write the screenplay, in addition to his directing duties.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/funko-animated-movie-warner-bros
|title=ANIMATED FUNKO MOVIE HEADED TO THE BIG SCREEN COURTESY OF WARNER BROS. |website=[[Syfy]] |first=Christian |last=Long |date=February 23, 2021 |access-date=May 11, 2021}}</ref> Additionally, a game entitled [[Funko Fusion]] was announced to be in development in 2023, based on [[NBCUniversal]] IPs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gamerant.com/funko-fusion-pop-game-ip-umbrella-academy-masters-universe-jurassic-world/|title=How Funko Fusion Devs Chose IPs to Represent In-Game|website=[[Screen Rant|Game Rant]]|first=Katelyn Mitchell|last=Jewett|date=May 2, 2023|access-date=November 18, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/funko-fusion-design-director-wants-everyone-to-find-something-they-love-and-teases-more-franchises-to-come/|title=Funko Fusion Design Director Wants Everyone to Find Something They Love and Teases More Franchises to Come|website=ComicBook|first=Matthew|last=Aguilar|date=July 28, 2023|access-date=November 18, 2023}}</ref><!-- As of 2023, no further announcements surfaced. Do not add anything until reliable sources confirm new information. -->
== See also ==
{{collist|colwidth=29em|
* [[Figma (toy)]]
* [[National Entertainment Collectibles Association|NECA]]
* [[SOTA Toys|SOTA]]
* [[Hot Toys]]
* [[Mezco Toyz]]
* [[McFarlane Toys]]
* [[Sideshow Collectibles]]
* [[Nendoroid]]
* [[Youtooz]]
}}
== References ==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
*{{Official website}}
* {{Finance links
| symbol = FNKO
| sec_cik = FNKO
| google = Nasdaq:FNKO
| yahoo = FNKO
| bloomberg = FNKO:US
| reuters = FNKO.OQ
| nasdaq = FNKO
}}
{{Everett, Washington}}
[[Category:Toy companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Game manufacturers]]
[[Category:Board game publishing companies]]
[[Category:Card game publishing companies]]
[[Category:American companies established in 1998]]
[[Category:Toy companies established in 1998]]
[[Category:Manufacturing companies based in Washington (state)]]
[[Category:1998 establishments in Washington (state)]]
[[Category:Companies based in Everett, Washington]]
[[Category:2017 initial public offerings]]
[[Category:Companies listed on the Nasdaq]]