Funko CEO Sees Opportunity in 'Kidult' Collectible Craze

New CEO Josh Simon outlines strategy to keep Funko growing despite economic headwinds

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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In an interview ahead of the New York Toy Fair, new Funko CEO Josh Simon discusses his plans to navigate the iconic collectibles brand through a challenging economy. Simon highlights the continued growth of the 'kidult' trend, where adults are buying toys for themselves, as a key opportunity for Funko to maintain momentum. He points to data showing licensed IP and physical collectibles outperforming other toy categories, even as consumers face tighter budgets.

Why it matters

Funko's ability to adapt its business model and product strategy to changing consumer trends will be crucial as the company navigates economic uncertainty. Simon's focus on the 'kidult' market and physical collectibles suggests Funko sees opportunities to drive growth even when discretionary spending is constrained.

The details

As the new CEO, Josh Simon plans to showcase Funko's 2026 product lineup at the New York Toy Fair this weekend. This includes new Pop figure lines for upcoming titles like 'The Mandalorian and Grogu,' 'One Piece,' 'Toy Story 5,' and the live-action 'Moana.' Simon notes that licensed IP and physical collectibles are outperforming other toy categories, with nearly 40% of adults buying toys for themselves in 2025. He believes the trend of 'kidults' buying collectibles will continue, even as consumers face economic headwinds, as people seek physical, tangible products to capture moments in a increasingly digital world.

  • Funko CEO Josh Simon started in his role about 6 months ago.
  • The New York Toy Fair kicks off on Saturday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Josh Simon

The new CEO of Funko, previously served as the vice president of Netflix's consumer products division.

Funko

An American company that designs and sells licensed pop culture collectibles, best known for its Funko Pop figurines.

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What they’re saying

“There's a couple dimensions to that. Right now we're really at the center of a kind of amazing evolution in consumer trends when it comes to the toy industry. Currently, about one in six toys that are sold fall into the collectibles category, and that's grown by almost 30% last year. So it's a high growth category.”

— Josh Simon, CEO, Funko (Variety)

“As a category, it's growing. That's why I would debate you on how much free space you have in your apartment. Because I think, ultimately, people are finding space for these things. And I think as the world continues to become more digital and online and on social media, I think the counter to that is there's almost more value for something that's physical and tangible and that you can hold and that you can gift.”

— Josh Simon, CEO, Funko (Variety)

What’s next

Simon will be showcasing Funko's 2026 product lineup, including new Pop figure lines, to major retail brands and media partners at the New York Toy Fair this weekend.

The takeaway

Funko's new CEO is bullish on the company's ability to navigate economic headwinds by focusing on the growing 'kidult' collectibles market. His strategy emphasizes the continued appeal of physical, tangible products that can capture moments in an increasingly digital world.