Core Insights - The opening of the first official Pokémon trading card venue in Beijing has attracted significant consumer interest, with long queues observed even days after the launch [1][2] - The popularity of trading cards is expanding beyond traditional demographics, appealing to a wider audience including families and couples [1][2] - The capital market is responding positively to the trading card trend, with companies like Kai Zhi Le International seeing stock price surges following partnerships with Pokémon [2][5] Market Dynamics - The trading card market in China is projected to reach approximately 26.3 billion yuan in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 56.6% from 2019 to 2024 [7] - The market is currently dominated by game and cultural IPs, with significant growth potential due to low per capita spending compared to markets like the US and Japan [7][8] - The trading card industry is heavily reliant on IP, which can lead to volatility in company valuations based on the lifecycle and popularity of specific IPs [5][6] Consumer Behavior - Consumers are increasingly willing to spend large amounts on trading cards, with limited edition cards and exclusive events driving demand [3][4] - The Pokémon brand has a strong fan base and brand influence, which translates into consumer purchasing behavior and willingness to pay premium prices [2][3] - The current consumer demographic is primarily young adults and teenagers, with a focus on both entertainment and investment aspects of trading cards [12] Investment Trends - The trading card market is beginning to show signs of becoming a financial asset class, with trends in secondary markets indicating significant appreciation in card values [8][9] - The establishment of authoritative rating agencies and standardized auction platforms could accelerate the financialization of the domestic trading card market [12] - The potential for trading cards to serve as investment collectibles is growing, with notable sales in the secondary market reflecting high demand for rare cards [8][9]

Core Insights - ShiningSoul, a cultural technology brand under Shanghai Zhenyouqu, has successfully completed a multi-hundred million RMB Series A financing round led by Hillhouse Capital, with participation from Gao Rong Capital and Kaihui Fund, and Guoyuan Capital as the exclusive financial advisor [1] - The card game industry in China is experiencing a significant boom, particularly among the younger generation, with the market for pan-entertainment toys expected to reach 101.8 billion RMB in 2024, maintaining a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.8% from 2024 to 2029 [1] - ShiningSoul's focus on game IPs positions it well within the collectible trading card game (TCG) sector, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 56.6% from 2019 to 2024 [1] Company Overview - ShiningSoul was co-founded by Yao Shuo Bin, chairman of Yaoji Technology, and industry veteran Sheng Chuan, who serves as CEO. The company was registered in March 2023 and unveiled its brand in November of the same year [1][2] - The company has quickly gained traction with its card series based on popular IPs such as "Identity V" and has sold out its initial stock within 26 days [4] Market Dynamics - The success of ShiningSoul's card products is attributed to the strong emotional connection players have with game IPs, which enhances their willingness to purchase physical cards [4][5] - The TCG market is particularly appealing to younger consumers, including elementary school students, who have increased purchasing power [5] Strategic Plans - Following the recent financing, ShiningSoul plans to accelerate its strategic initiatives, focusing on establishing deeper and longer-term partnerships with top global IPs and expanding its presence in key markets such as North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia [5][6] Competitive Landscape - The card game sector is witnessing a shift towards emphasizing competitive attributes, with ShiningSoul launching products like "Runeterra: League of Legends Card Game" to tap into the competitive gaming market [7] - Other companies in the sector, such as KAYOU, are also experiencing significant growth, with KAYOU reporting a revenue increase of 277.8% year-on-year in 2024 [6][9] Consumer Engagement - The integration of collection, competition, and social interaction within TCGs is driving consumer engagement and attracting capital investment, highlighting the potential for sustained growth in the sector [6][9]

Core Viewpoint - ShiningSoul, a cultural technology brand under Shanghai Zhenyouqu, has successfully completed a financing round of several hundred million RMB, led by Hillhouse Capital, indicating strong investor confidence in the collectible card game (CCG) market and its growth potential in China [1][5]. Company Overview - ShiningSoul was co-founded by Yao Shuo Bin, chairman of Yaoji Technology, and industry veteran Sheng Chuan, with the brand officially launched in November 2023 after its registration in March [3][4]. - The company focuses on game IPs, leveraging popular franchises to create collectible card products, which have shown promising market reception [3][4]. Market Potential - The collectible card industry in China is experiencing significant growth, with a projected market size of 101.8 billion RMB in 2024 and an expected annual compound growth rate of 15.8% from 2024 to 2029 [3]. - The segment of trading card games (TCG) is particularly noteworthy, with a remarkable annual compound growth rate of 56.6% from 2019 to 2024 [3]. Product Success - ShiningSoul's collaboration with major IPs such as "Identity V" and "Genshin Impact" has resulted in several successful card series, with the "Identity V" series selling out within 26 days of launch [4][5]. - The emotional connection between players and game IPs enhances the willingness to purchase physical cards, as these products serve as tangible extensions of the gaming experience [5]. Competitive Landscape - The competitive landscape includes other major players like KAYOU, which has reported a staggering revenue growth of 277.8% year-on-year for 2024, highlighting the lucrative nature of the card game market [6]. - The rise of collectible cards among younger demographics, particularly elementary school students, indicates a strong and growing consumer base for TCGs [5][6]. Strategic Plans - Following the recent financing, ShiningSoul plans to deepen strategic partnerships with top global IPs and expand its presence in key markets such as North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia [5][6]. - The company aims to balance short-term explosive growth with long-term sustainability in the collectible card business, which is characterized by its blend of collection, competition, and social interaction [7].

Core Viewpoint - ShiningSoul, a cultural technology brand under Shanghai Zhenyouqu, has successfully completed a financing round of several hundred million RMB, led by Hillhouse Capital, indicating strong investor confidence in the collectible card game (CCG) market driven by popular game IPs [1][6]. Company Overview - ShiningSoul was co-founded by Yao Shuo Bin, chairman of Yaoji Technology, and veteran card industry player Sheng Chuan, with the brand being registered in March 2023 and first revealed in November 2023 [1][3]. - The company focuses on game IPs, aiming to capitalize on the growing popularity of collectible card games among younger audiences [1][2]. Market Potential - The broader market for pan-entertainment toys is projected to reach 101.8 billion RMB in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.8% from 2024 to 2029. The collectible card segment is expected to grow at a remarkable CAGR of 56.6% from 2019 to 2024 [1]. - The demand for collectible cards is particularly strong among elementary school students, who have increased purchasing power [5]. Product Strategy - ShiningSoul has launched card series based on high-profile IPs such as the British Library and popular games like "Identity V" and "Girls' Frontline: Cloud Plan," showcasing a strategic approach to product development [2][4]. - The initial success of the "Identity V" card series, which sold out within 26 days, highlights the effective alignment of product offerings with consumer interests [4]. Competitive Landscape - The card game market is characterized by significant competition, with companies like KAYOU also experiencing rapid growth, evidenced by a 277.8% year-on-year revenue increase in 2024 [7]. - The emphasis on competitive play in card games is becoming more pronounced, as companies shift focus from mere collection to gameplay, enhancing player engagement and community interaction [7][8]. Future Plans - Following the recent financing, ShiningSoul plans to accelerate its strategic initiatives, including deeper collaborations with top global IPs and expanding its presence in key markets such as North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia [6].