This Chinese startup wants to turn your favorite movies into high-end collectible cards

In China, the collectible card market is booming, but most players are chasing mass-market hits like Pokémon or Marvel. One startup, CardChic, is betting that Chinese cultural IPs — think classic films like 'A Chinese Odyssey' or popular anime like 'A Mortal's Journey to Immortality' — can be the next big thing in premium cards.

Founded in 2025 and based in Hangzhou, CardChic just closed a nearly 10 million RMB angel round. The money will go toward signing more IPs, upgrading card craftsmanship, and developing a trading card game (TCG) system. The team is a mix of serial entrepreneurs and industry veterans: founder Li Changlin studied at NTU, started companies since high school, and worked at Tencent; his supply chain partner has two decades in printing; and the operations partner has spent years deep in the card-collecting community.

CardChic’s first product — a commemorative set for Stephen Chow’s 'A Chinese Odyssey' — did tens of millions in GMV and sold out in seven days. It even got a nod from PSA, a top international grading company. That success helped them lock down more IPs, including the hit anime 'A Mortal's Journey to Immortality.'

But the market is crowded. Kayou dominates retail with mass-market IPs like My Little Pony; HitCard focuses on film cards online; Kakawo does Disney; Flash Soul just raised big for its TCG 'Rune Battlefield'; and Jikashe is all about anime. CardChic’s edge? Going premium and deeply Chinese. Instead of churning out quick hits, they want to build long-lasting card IPs — like Pokémon, but rooted in Chinese culture.

Founder Li says the industry suffers from short product lifecycles and fragmented licensing. His solution: only pick IPs the team genuinely loves, integrate their stories into card design, and create real emotional value. Next up: a TCG, AI companion toys, joint IP incubation, and even offline experience stores. The goal is to turn cards into a social and economic platform that keeps fans engaged for years.

Why it matters
China's collectible card market is dominated by foreign IPs and mass-market products. CardChic's focus on premium Chinese cultural IPs could create a new category, potentially rivaling Pokémon in long-term value. It also reflects a broader trend of Chinese consumers seeking culturally resonant luxury goods.

Global comparison
Globally, the collectible card market is led by Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and sports cards. In China, Kayou dominates with licensed mass-market IPs. CardChic is positioning itself like a 'Chinese Topps' but with a premium, culturally specific angle. Unlike Western brands that rely on established franchises, CardChic is betting on local IPs that have deep emotional resonance with Chinese audiences.