Toki: Revolutionizing Southeast Asia's Collectibles Scene

Toki, the brainchild of four former GCash executives, has officially launched in Southeast Asia. This innovative platform aims to transform the $13 billion collectibles market in the region, starting with a focus on the $5 billion Philippine market.

Toki's mission is clear - to provide a secure and streamlined experience for collectors in a market known for its fragmented and unsecured trading practices. A recent study conducted by Toki and GMO Research highlights the challenges collectors face, from discovery to purchase, often relying on social networks and messaging apps.

 

Zoe Ocampo, one of Toki's founders and a passionate collector herself, expressed the frustrations of the traditional collectibles buying process. The founders understand the tedious journey collectors embark on, sifting through various sellers with uncertainty about credibility and authenticity.

 

For its launch, Toki will focus on four popular collectible categories - Sneakers, LEGO, NBA Cards, and Funko Pops! - offering a diverse range for collectors to explore and engage with.

Toki goes beyond being just a marketplace; it introduces a livestream auction platform, adding real-time engagement to the collectibles trading experience. This not only enhances the excitement for buyers but also addresses challenges faced by sellers operating through social media.

 

Recognizing the challenges solo entrepreneurs face, Toki has partnered with GCash and NinjaVan to provide tailored solutions. This ensures a secure end-to-end journey for sellers, covering inventory management, logistics, and customer support.

 

Jules Jurado, another co-founder, emphasizes the importance of trustworthy sellers for a successful buying experience. Toki's selection and scoring system, coupled with product verification by their team, aims to guarantee the authenticity of products and the reliability of sellers.

 

Backed by top-tier angel investors and strategic supporters like Anthony Oundjian, Brian Cu, and Ernest Cu, Toki is poised to make a significant impact. The support from renowned venture capital firms and collectors like Bigboy Cheng adds credibility to Toki's vision.

 

The founders, with their shared passion for collecting and extensive experience in technology and venture building, bring a unique perspective to Toki. Their goal is to build a connected collectible ecosystem, not just limited to the marketplace.

 

Frederic Levy, Toki's CEO, envisions an expansive future for the platform, stating, "The marketplace is just the inception of what Toki has to offer." With plans to expand categories and potentially enter new markets, Toki aims to fuel the passion of collector communities across Southeast Asia.

 

Toki emerges as a game-changer in the collectibles scene, addressing long-standing challenges and offering a new, exciting avenue for collectors to connect, trade, and explore their shared passions.

 

(via: Manila Bulletin)