Card Galaxy founders turn Pokémon card trading into lucrative business

In the United Kingdom, Joe Sherman and Aqib Malik started Card Galaxy five years ago, focusing on Pokémon trading cards. Their venture capitalizes on an increasing trend where adult collectors turn their childhood nostalgia into investment opportunities. With the rise of online streaming, Sherman and Malik hold live sessions where they open packs of Pokémon cards in front of a growing audience, furthering community engagement. The cards can sell for significant amounts, with unopened vintage packs worth up to £1,000 and high-value cards like a Pikachu Illustrator Card listed at $4 million on eBay, demonstrating the profitability of the hobby. The idea of making money by trading Pokémon cards has caught on across a wide demographic, particularly among those who grew up with it in the 1980s and 1990s. As more young adults enter the workforce and gain disposable income, they are drawn into the experience of collecting cards that they could not afford during their youth. The founders emphasize community during their live streams, where viewers can share excitement and compete in real-time. The practice of 'ripping' packs during streams merges entertainment with commerce, allowing participants to experience the thrill together. Card Galaxy represents a broader cultural shift as collectibles gain value, suggesting that hobbies typically viewed as childish are now being reassessed as viable investments. The founders, originally working in more traditional jobs, have adjusted their schedules to accommodate their growing online presence and business operations. The unique aspect of this enterprise lies in its ability to blend nostalgia with modern technology and marketing, tapping into a demographic eager for both recreation and financial returns on investments. While trading cards have long been collectible, the active involvement of adult communities in the buying, selling, and trading of Pokémon cards signifies a change in societal views on childhood enthusiasm. This shift allows Card Galaxy to thrive in a market where the line between play and investment continues to blur, attracting individuals who want to reconnect with their past while potentially securing financial gains in the current market landscape.