Latest news with #Pop!
Forbes
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Funko Pop! And The Rise Of Bitty Pop!: A Tiny Twist On A Pop Culture Giant
Funko Pops! are designed to be collectible, featuring a wide range of characters from popular ... More movies, TV shows, and franchises like Harry Potter, Disney, and Star Wars. Full disclosure: I've lost track of how many Funko Pop! figurines I currently own. My collection spans everything from I Love Lucy, The Brady Bunch, Gilligan's Island, and The Golden Girls to animated classics like The Flintstones, The Jetsons, and Top Cat. Add in characters from DC and Marvel, plus more recent fan favorites like The Sopranos, The Office and Stranger Things, and… well, I could go on and on. And I am far from alone in my obsession. Of course, Funko Pops! are instantly recognizable: oversized heads, small bodies, and those signature large, round black eyes. Few collectibles have left as lasting a mark on pop culture as these beloved vinyl figures. With over 10,000 unique figures covering a vast range of genres - from TV and film to video games, anime, comics, sports, and music - Funko has cemented itself as a cornerstone of modern fandom. Being turned into a Funko Pop! isn't just a novelty; it's a badge of honor, signaling a character's cultural impact and devoted following. From Bobbleheads to Pop! What began in 1998 as a humble line of bobbleheads called Wacky Wobblers evolved into the now-iconic Funko Pop! brand. The transformation took off in 2010, when Funko unveiled its first line of Pop! figures - featuring DC Comics characters - at San Diego Comic-Con. Now, in a nostalgic nod to its origins, Funko is offering fans at this year's convention to a limited run of exclusive collectibles inspired by those early designs. Limited to just 2,010 pieces each, collectors can grab exclusive Pop! Batman, Pop! Robin, and Pop! Penguin figures - packaged in their original 2010 clamshell cases while supplies last. The brand has exploded in popularity, offering something for nearly every fandom under the sun. Plus, with 'Pop! Yourself," Funko lets fans personalize figures to resemble themselves, their friends, or loved ones — a feature that further fuels its mass appeal. Today, owning a Funko Pop! isn't just about collecting; it's about identity, nostalgia, and belonging. And for any event with 'Con' in the title, picking one up feels less like a choice and more like a rite of passage. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder So, what's driving the craze? The sheer range allows fans to connect with their favorite franchises and characters — tapping into deep nostalgia for childhood favorites and iconic pop culture moments. LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 25: Funko POP! figures are displayed during WonderCon 2016 at the Los ... More Angeles Convention Center on March 25, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by) 'We don't just consume pop culture, we collect it, we savor it, and we dream of being a part of it. Funko lets us do it all in a way that is accepted, respected and very much coveted,' noted Mike Tankel, partner/optimist at the marketing and development firm To Be Continued. 'This is far more than a rite of passage, it's a modern family heirloom.' Who's Buying? Fans of all ages (this senior writer included!) have eagerly hopped aboard the speeding Pop! bandwagon. But Funko's success goes beyond nostalgia or trend-chasing. At its core is a rare, cross-generational appeal - particularly among what the company calls 'tweens' and 'kidults.' Tweens, caught in that in-between stage of childhood and adolescence, are naturally drawn to the playful, approachable mini format. Meanwhile, kidults - adults who unapologetically enjoy hobbies and interests traditionally labeled 'for kids' - see Funko Pops! as fun, expressive, and highly collectible pieces of pop culture. Whether displayed on a shelf, desk, or dashboard, these figures become a personal statement, a conversation starter, and a nostalgic nod all at once. It's a collectible that truly spans generations. And it continues to evolve. Enter Bitty Pop! Bitty Pop! Towns Beetlejuice and Dante's Inferno Room. Launched in March 2023, Bitty Pops! are micro-scale versions of Funko Pop! figures — standing just about one inch tall. Each four-pack includes three visible characters and one mystery figure, adding an element of surprise. The first wave featured beloved icons from Harry Potter, Disney Classics, Beetlejuice, and Star Wars. With the introduction of the Bittyverse, the line has expanded to include Bitty Pop! Towns, Rides, and Displays — setting the stage for a bite-sized collectible universe. Sitcom "The Office" is one of the many TV shows - and characters - now represented in the new Bitty ... More Pop! Funko line. 'We saw a clear opportunity to tap into a trend while offering something no one else could: a true micro-scale Pop! that still feels premium and displayable,' said Doug Oglesby, SVP of Product Strategy, Planning & Marketing. 'The idea came from our creative team as they explored how to bring the Funko aesthetic into the fast-growing micro collectibles space.' What's the secret to Bitty Pop!'s appeal? According to Oglesby, 'It's that thoughtful mix of familiarity, fandom, and fun. We took a form fans already love and gave them a new way to experience it — in a format that encourages collecting, trading, and imaginative play.' 'We knew we had the brand recognition, which gave us the opportunity to engage with new consumers and reach additional retail placements, including areas like the toy aisle through a new Funko product line,' he said. With the introduction of the Bittyverse, the line has expanded to include Bitty Pop! Towns, Rides, ... More and Displays So how does a character make it into the Bitty Pop! lineup? 'It's all about staying in tune with our fans and the pulse of pop culture,' noted Oglesby. 'At the same time, we rely on market insights, license performance, retail strategy, and how characters translate to the one-inch format.' What's next for the Bitty brand? 'We've already introduced new formats like Bitty Bots, Bitty Arcades, and Bitty Boxes. This summer, we're soft-launching Bitty City, which takes the idea of world-building to the next level,' said Oglesby. 'Further ahead, we're expanding into music with Bitty Stages and preparing Countdown Calendars for the holiday season. And in 2026, we'll roll out Bitty Sports, a targeted expansion into the world of athletics.' Funko is launching Bitty City this summer to build on its Bitty Pop! brand. Final Thoughts Funko Pop! revolutionized the world of collectibles, turning fandom into a fun, accessible, and deeply personal experience for people of all ages. Now, with Bitty Pop!, the brand is redefining small-scale collecting—making it even more playful, collectible, and immersive. Whether you're a seasoned collector, a casual fan or just starting your Pop! journey, one thing's for sure: there's always another figure to add, another fandom to celebrate, and another shelf waiting to be filled. Just don't ask me how many I own - I've lost count a long time ago!
Business Wire
21-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Funko to Host 2025 Second Quarter Financial Results Conference Call on Thursday, August 7, 2025
EVERETT, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Funko, Inc. (Nasdaq: FNKO), a leading pop culture lifestyle brand, today announced that it will host a conference call on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. ET to discuss its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025. The conference call will be webcast and can be accessed on the investor relations section of the Funko website at After the call, a replay of the webcast will be available on the same website. About Funko Funko is a leading global pop culture lifestyle brand, with a diverse collection of brands, including Funko, Loungefly, and Mondo, and an industry-leading portfolio of licenses. Funko delivers industry-defining products that span vinyl figures, micro-collectibles, fashion accessories, apparel, plush, action toys, high-end art, and music collectibles, many of which are at the forefront of the growing Kidult economy. Through these products, which include the iconic original Pop! line, Bitty Pop!, and Pop! Yourself, Funko inspires fans across the globe to express their passions, build community, and have fun. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Washington state, Funko has offices, retail locations, operations, and licensed partnerships in major consumer geographies across the globe. Learn more at and follow us on TikTok, X, and Instagram.
Business Wire
17-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Funko Announces Amendment to Existing Credit Agreement
EVERETT, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Funko, Inc. (Nasdaq: FNKO), a leading pop culture lifestyle brand, today announced that on July 16, 2025 it executed an amendment to its existing credit facilities, originally dated September 17, 2021. As part of our tariff mitigation plans, we have proactively amended our existing credit agreement to allow more covenant flexibility. We received consent to the amendment from 100% of our bank group and appreciate their continued support and partnership. Share The amendment modifies the company's existing credit agreement to include waivers for the maximum net leverage ratio and the minimum fixed charge coverage ratio financial covenants for the fiscal quarters ended June 30, 2025 and ending September 30, 2025. The amended credit agreement also adds or modifies other covenants and reduces the revolving commitments under the company's existing credit facilities from $150 million to $135 million as of July 16, 2025, and to $125 million on December 31, 2025. Funko's Chief Financial Officer, Yves Le Pendeven commented, 'As part of our comprehensive tariff mitigation plans, we have proactively amended our existing credit agreement to allow more covenant flexibility during this dynamic period. We received consent to the amendment from 100% of our bank group and appreciate their continued support and partnership.' Separately, Funko has engaged Moelis & Company LLC to advise the company on options for refinancing its credit facilities, which mature on September 17, 2026. For more information on the amended credit agreement, please refer to the full text of the amendment filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Funko's Current Report on Form 8-K. About Funko Funko is a leading global pop culture lifestyle brand, with a diverse collection of brands, including Funko, Loungefly, and Mondo, and an industry-leading portfolio of licenses. Funko delivers industry-defining products that span vinyl figures, micro-collectibles, fashion accessories, apparel, action toys, high-end art, music collectibles, among others, many of which are at the forefront of the growing Kidult economy. Through these products, which include the iconic original Pop! line, Bitty Pop!, and Pop! Yourself, Funko inspires fans across the globe to express their passions, build community, and have fun. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Washington state, Funko has offices, retail locations, operations, and licensed partnerships in major consumer geographies across the globe. Learn more at and follow us on TikTok, X, and Instagram. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the Company's intention to realize the full potential of the business, including Funko's future refinancing of its credit facilities, tariff mitigation plans and intended covenant flexibility These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: our ability to execute our business strategy; our ability to manage our inventories and growth; risks relating to our indebtedness, including our ability to comply with financial and negative covenants under our Credit Agreement, as amended, and our ability to continue as a going concern; our ability to maintain and realize the full value of our license agreements; impacts from economic downturns; changes in the retail industry and markets for our consumer products; our ability to maintain our relationships with retail customers and distributors; our ability to compete effectively; fluctuations in our gross margin; our dependence on content development and creation by third parties; the ongoing level of popularity of our products with consumers; our ability to develop and introduce products in a timely and cost-effective manner; our ability to obtain, maintain and protect our intellectual property rights or those of our licensors; potential violations of the intellectual property rights of others; risks associated with counterfeit versions of our products; our ability to attract and retain qualified employees and maintain our corporate culture; our use of third-party manufacturing; risks associated with climate change; increased attention to sustainability and environmental, social and governance initiatives; geographic concentration of our operations; risks associated with our international operations, including risks related to tariffs and trade restrictions; changes in effective tax rates or tax law; our dependence on vendors and outsourcers; risks relating to government regulation; risks relating to litigation, including products liability claims and securities class action litigation; any failure to successfully integrate or realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions or investments; future development and acceptance of blockchain networks; risks associated with receiving payments in digital assets; risk resulting from our e-commerce business and social media presence; our ability to successfully operate our information systems and implement new technology; our ability to secure additional financing on favorable terms or at all; the potential for our or our third-party providers' electronic data or the electronic data of our customers to be compromised; the influence of our significant stockholder, TCG, and the possibility that TCG's interests may conflict with the interests of our other stockholders; risks relating to our organizational structure; including the Tax Receivable Agreement ("TRA") which confers certain benefits upon the parties to the TRA ("TRA Parties") that will not benefit Class A common stockholders to the same extent as it will benefit the TRA Parties; volatility in the price of our Class A common stock; and risks associated with our internal control over financial reporting. These and other important factors discussed under the caption 'Risk Factors' in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any such forward-looking statements represent management's estimates as of the date of this press release. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.
Business Wire
07-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Funko Announces Appointment of Michael Lunsford as Interim Chief Executive Officer
EVERETT, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Funko, Inc. (Nasdaq: FNKO), a leading pop culture lifestyle brand, today announced that Michael Lunsford has been appointed as the Company's Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective July 5, 2025. The appointment follows the departure of Cynthia Williams from her role as the Company's Chief Executive Officer, effective on the same date. Mr. Lunsford previously served as Funko's Interim Chief Executive Officer in 2023-2024 and continues to serve as a member of the Company's Board of Directors. 'The Board of Directors thanks Cynthia for her many accomplishments during her tenure at Funko,' said Chairman of the Board, Charles Denson. 'We believe a change in leadership is necessary to deliver full shareholder value and believe Mike's appointment positions us accordingly. Mike is experienced in leading several companies, including Funko, through successful corporate transitions. The Board has asked Mike to help us realize the full potential of the business, including helping to identify a new chief executive officer, accelerating our organic growth, and exploring all financial and strategic options for the business.' 'I believe we have yet to achieve the full potential of Funko,' said Lunsford. 'We have an iconic brand, passionate fans, great licensing and retail partners, and a dedicated team of highly capable employees. The recent changes to the global business environment have constrained our growth initiatives, and we intend to first address those challenges but always with an eye towards the long-term growth of the business. We will continue to focus on profitable growth and delighting our fans.' About Funko Funko is a leading global pop culture lifestyle brand, with a diverse collection of brands, including Funko, Loungefly, and Mondo, and an industry-leading portfolio of licenses. Funko delivers industry-defining products that span vinyl figures, micro-collectibles, fashion accessories, apparel, action toys, high-end art, music collectibles, among others, many of which are at the forefront of the growing Kidult economy. Through these products, which include the iconic original Pop! line, Bitty Pop!, and Pop! Yourself, Funko inspires fans across the globe to express their passions, build community, and have fun. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Washington state, Funko has offices, retail locations, operations, and licensed partnerships in major consumer geographies across the globe. Learn more at and follow us on TikTok, X, and Instagram. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the Company's intention to realize the full potential of the business, including identifying a new chief executive officer, accelerating its organic growth, and exploring all financial and strategic options for the business. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: our ability to execute our business strategy; our ability to manage our inventories and growth; risks relating to our indebtedness, including our ability to comply with financial and negative covenants under our Credit Agreement, as amended, and our ability to continue as a going concern; our ability to maintain and realize the full value of our license agreements; impacts from economic downturns; changes in the retail industry and markets for our consumer products; our ability to maintain our relationships with retail customers and distributors; our ability to compete effectively; fluctuations in our gross margin; our dependence on content development and creation by third parties; the ongoing level of popularity of our products with consumers; our ability to develop and introduce products in a timely and cost-effective manner; our ability to obtain, maintain and protect our intellectual property rights or those of our licensors; potential violations of the intellectual property rights of others; risks associated with counterfeit versions of our products; our ability to attract and retain qualified employees and maintain our corporate culture; our use of third-party manufacturing; risks associated with climate change; increased attention to sustainability and environmental, social and governance initiatives; geographic concentration of our operations; risks associated with our international operations, including risks related to tariffs and trade restrictions; changes in effective tax rates or tax law; our dependence on vendors and outsourcers; risks relating to government regulation; risks relating to litigation, including products liability claims and securities class action litigation; any failure to successfully integrate or realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions or investments; future development and acceptance of blockchain networks; risks associated with receiving payments in digital assets; risk resulting from our e-commerce business and social media presence; our ability to successfully operate our information systems and implement new technology; our ability to secure additional financing on favorable terms or at all; the potential for our or our third-party providers' electronic data or the electronic data of our customers to be compromised; the influence of our significant stockholder, TCG, and the possibility that TCG's interests may conflict with the interests of our other stockholders; risks relating to our organizational structure; including the Tax Receivable Agreement ("TRA") which confers certain benefits upon the parties to the TRA ("TRA Parties") that will not benefit Class A common stockholders to the same extent as it will benefit the TRA Parties; volatility in the price of our Class A common stock; and risks associated with our internal control over financial reporting. These and other important factors discussed under the caption 'Risk Factors' in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any such forward-looking statements represent management's estimates as of the date of this press release. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.
Business Wire
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
Funko Hits Licensing Homerun With Personalized MLB Pop! Yourself Collectibles
EVERETT, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Funko, Inc. (Nasdaq: FNKO), a leading global pop culture brand, is stepping up to the plate with a new Major League Baseball collaboration that expands the company's personalized collectibles experience, Pop! Yourself. Available now, collectors can show their pride by outfitting their personalized Pop! Yourself figure in official jerseys sporting the logo from any of the 30 MLB teams. Available for $45 each through the Pop! Yourself platform, the customizable keepsake comes with a team jersey of choice, two themed accessories (e.g., baseball, glove, foam finger, popcorn), and official MLB packaging. Share 'We're excited to work with Major League Baseball to offer baseball fans a new way to celebrate their love for the game and their favorite team through our Pop! Yourself experience,' said Jen Hann, General Manager of Pop! Yourself at Funko. 'The overwhelming response to Pop! Yourself has shown just how much fans enjoy creating personalized collectibles, and expanding the experience to include all 30 MLB teams is the next step in our mission to allow sports fans to express their fandom in fun and innovative ways.' Available for $45 each through the Pop! Yourself platform, the customizable keepsake comes with a team jersey of choice, two themed accessories (e.g., baseball, glove, foam finger, popcorn), and official MLB packaging. This launch adds to Funko's growing roster of licensed MLB items, including Pop! collectibles of fan-favorite players available at For fans to create their own personalized Pop! Yourself collectible, they can visit Pop! Yourself is Funko's personalized product offering, tapping into the $30 billion* personalized gifting market. As a leading pop culture lifestyle brand, Funko is delivering more customization than ever, making collecting more personal, meaningful, and fun. Pop! Yourself celebrates life's biggest (and smallest) moments, from birthdays and graduations to weddings, holidays, and everything in between. *Source: Market Research Future ABOUT FUNKO Funko is a leading global pop culture lifestyle brand, with a diverse collection of brands, including Funko, Loungefly, and Mondo, and an industry-leading portfolio of licenses. Funko delivers industry-defining products that span vinyl figures, micro-collectibles, fashion accessories, apparel, action toys, high-end art, music collectibles, among others, many of which are at the forefront of the growing Kidult economy. Through these products, which include the iconic original Pop! line, Bitty Pop!, and Pop! Yourself, Funko inspires fans across the globe to express their passions, build community, and have fun. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Washington state, Funko has offices, retail locations, operations, and licensed partnerships in major consumer geographies across the globe. Learn more at and and follow us on TikTok, X, and Instagram.
