Funko, Inc. (FNKO), is an American company that is renowned for producing licensed pop culture collectibles, mostly in the form of vinyl bobbleheads and action figures. Founded in 1998 by Mike Becker, Funko is headquartered in Everett, Washington, and has been on the mission to allow fans to express their passions and connect with their favorite characters and unique pop culture experiences.
Funko was initially in the business of creating low-tech, nostalgia-themed toys, with their first product being a coin bank designed after the advertising mascot known as Big Boy. However, it was the inception of the Pop! Vinyl line in 2010 that catapulted their success, as these distinct, stylized figures captured the hearts of fans around the world.
Funko is recognizable for its worldwide licensing agreements with major entertainment companies, including Disney, Marvel, Lucasfilm, Warner Bros, and more. This enables them to develop over 1,000 licenses that form part of their ever-growing product line. Some popular favorite products include the figures from beloved franchises such as Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and Stranger Things. They also hold licenses to manufacture specific music and sports personalities, making their product range widely diversified.
Since 2015, Funko keeps expanding its innovative product lines and has ventured into board games with the acquisition of Forrest-Pruzan Creative. They also dipped their toes in the digital sphere by launching a series of animated shorts and a mobile game titled 'Funko Pop! Blitz.'
As of December 2020, Funko has witnessed a significant growth rate with its products distributed in over 25,000 retail locations in more than 70 countries. This has resulted in dedicating fan bases that actively participate in Funko's special events and conventions.
Under the leadership of Brian Mariotti, the current CEO, Funko went public on NASDAQ in 2017 with ticker symbol FNKO. Despite the initial tumble in stock value, the company has since showcased an impressive upswing in revenues. Their unwavering stance in producing fun, quality, and affordable collectibles has made Funko a beloved brand, transforming these so-called ‘just toys’ into prized possessions for collectors and enthusiasts.
While the world of entertainment continually evolves, Funko continues to produce a constant stream of unique and curated products. It's this commitment to tapping into popular culture in all its forms that solidifies Funko’s position in the ever-changing toy industry.