12/2/2022 – Global Toy Experts is thrilled to announce that Christian Braun, founder of hobbyDB has joined our team of experts to provide valuable insight on the world of hobbies and collectibles as well as provide consulting and M&A services. Richard Gottlieb and Steve Velte look forward to tapping into these exciting and growing markets with Christian and providing our services.
Visit our website: www.globaltoyexperts.com
About Christian Braun:
Christian found his way to collecting early. At the age of 15, he started his first business buying and selling old inventory from independent toy stores all over Germany. In 1987, he assisted his older brother in writing a guide to Siku Models and then went on to finance his studies including his MBA by buying and selling collectible toys.
After graduating from the London Business School, his career took many different paths including being a Partner at an M&A boutique, consulting with Bain & Co in Ukraine, running the largest German radio station, joining an Enterprise software company as Senior Vice President for Business Development, becoming a Partner at a transatlantic M&A boutique for tech businesses and running a Private Equity team for General Electric.
Then in 2000, he returned to the collectibles industry by building the biggest European eBay business with $40 million GMV. He then went on to create the largest network of collectible-related forums with 600,000 members. In 2013 he embarked on his most ambitious project yet by launching hobbyDB – a database that will one day have every collectible ever made. hobbyDB now has 580,000 members and 2,500 volunteers that are all working towards the goal of documenting 100 Billion Collectibles, eventually. Christian also served on the board of Auto-Archives, is an advisor to the Nicola Bulgari Center for American Automotive Heritage, and the Chair of both the Model Car Hall of Fame and the Pop Culture Hall of Fame.
About Global Toy Experts:
Global Toy Experts is a world-renowned consultancy and resource for toy industry insight and information. We provide cutting-edge analysis and strategies to domestic toy manufacturers as well as to international providers who are looking to raise their profile in the United States & the world. We provide a full range of services for inventors including licensing and manufacturing as well as providing M&A services for companies looking to acquire or be acquired in the toy space.
The consultancy also provides unique observations and commentary at speaking engagements and conferences globally- furnishing the toy industry with exceptional blueprints for success. Additionally, Global Toy Experts publishes Global Toy News, a Web-based magazine that covers toy industry news and provides a variety of resource links. www.globaltoynews.com
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