• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 2025

Box Breaking’s Big Bucks

  • Upfront Ventures led the first round of funding in Loupe.
  • Notable card collector Nat Turner also contributed capital.
Tom Jacobs/The News Leader

The sports card craze isn’t slowing down. 

Loupe Tech, Inc., a trading card e-commerce platform with a streaming component, has secured $3 million in funding.

The platform’s first funding round was led by Upfront Ventures, which also recently invested in memorabilia trading app Rally.

Entrepreneur and rare card collector Nat Turner also got in on the action. Turner is fresh off the purchase of third-party authentication company Collectors Universe, announced last week. 

Loupe’s platform, which launched in October, offers users the ability to seamlessly buy and sell sports cards. Its tech also allows card enthusiasts to livestream “box breaking,” a growing trend in which a seller opens a buyer’s card on video. 

The trend is a key reason why sports cards are back in style.

“Demand for sports cards has skyrocketed over the past 12 months and it’s clear the hobby wasn’t prepared for the surge in buyers,” Loupe founder and CEO Eric Doty said in a release. “Our mission is simple: We want to bring modern technology to the card collecting hobby.”

With the investment, the company plans to “aggressively hire,” sign “high-profile sellers,” and ink “strategic partnerships in the pro sports space.”

After a monumental 2020, the investment in Loupe is another promising sign for the sports card industry.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

ESPN Draws Highest ‘MNF’ Doubleheader Audience Since 2015

Buccaneers–Texans and Chargers–Raiders averaged 13.5 million viewers.
Baseball

NCAA Settles With Volunteer Baseball Coaches for $49 Million

A similar suit brought by volunteer coaches of other sports remains open.

Stephen A. Smith on MNF Role, Inside the NBA, Molly Qerim Departure

Smith told FOS he will work “at least” three games this season.
Brian Flores

Brian Flores Says NFL Arbitrator Is Stalling in Discrimination Case

A new filing says the arbitrator has done nothing for a year.

Featured Today

Adriunna Brown

Business Is Booming for WNBA’s Top Beauty Pros

A network of stylists is shaping how players look, feel, and perform.
Premier Lacrosse League
September 14, 2025

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
June 24, 2025

Timberwolves’ 4-Year Ownership Saga Ends As A-Rod, Lore Take Over

The unanimous approval brought a clean end to a long-disputed transaction.
Apr 26, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) before game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center.
June 25, 2025

Rockets Get $20 Million in Wiggle Room From New VanVleet Deal

VanVleet first signed with the Rockets in 2023.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
April 20, 2025

Max Verstappen Linked to $300M Aston Martin Deal Ahead of Miami GP

Aston Martin is currently seventh in the constructors championship.
March 27, 2025

Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions Gets PE Boost

The Hall of Famer’s company gains another prominent backer.
March 20, 2025

High School Sports Power Signs Eight-Figure Rights Deal in First

The deal pays roughly $1 million annually, FOS has learned.
March 20, 2025

Maxx Crosby’s Agent: Edge Rushers Set to Dominate NFL’s Non-QB Market

Maxx Crosby just signed a three-year, $106.5 million extension.