Courtyard completes $30 million financing, led by Forerunner

According to reports from (Fortune), New York-based startup Courtyard recently completed a $30 million Series A financing round led by Forerunner Ventures, with existing investors NEA and Y Combinator participating in the follow-on investment. Courtyard was founded in 2021 and primarily operates by selling 'blind box' cards and comics through its website in the form of digital vending machines. After users pay a certain amount, an algorithm randomly allocates cards or comics; users can choose to resell them at 90% of market price, resell on the platform without fees, or store them for free in Courtyard's warehouse. With rapid business growth, Courtyard's monthly sales have increased from $50,000 at the beginning of 2024 to $50 million, making it one of the largest buyers of trading cards in the world. The company plans to further solidify its market leadership by expanding its team, increasing market investment, and expanding its product line.