Brian Trull sells PokeNerds in seven-figure deal

By AI, Created 4:45 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Brian Trull has sold his Pokémon-focused e-commerce brand PokeNerds in a seven-figure acquisition that closed April 21, 2026. The exit caps a seven-year run for the Missouri entrepreneur and sets up his next move into an AI-enhanced video game studio.

Why it matters: - The sale is one of the most notable e-commerce exits in the St. Louis region in recent years. - PokeNerds shows how a niche hobby brand can scale into a national business through online retail, livestream shopping and community-driven sales. - The acquisition marks a milestone exit for a Missouri founder who built the business without a co-founder or outside investment.

What happened: - Brian Trull sold PokeNerds, the Pokémon-focused e-commerce business he founded in 2019, in a seven-figure acquisition. - The deal closed April 21, 2026. - A large industry conglomerate bought the business. - PokeNerds will continue operating under new ownership. - The new owner plans a formal announcement in the coming months.

The details: - Trull grew PokeNerds into a nationally recognized multi-channel brand. - The business combined online retail, livestream shopping and a brick-and-mortar store in St. Peters, Missouri. - PokeNerds served collectors, families and fans across the country. - Trull said he drove over eight figures in total sales as a solopreneur over seven years. - Trull said the company reached an acquisition milestone faster than most hobby stores because it pioneered a model built around retail, e-commerce, livestream shopping, content and community. - PokeNerds positioned itself as a destination for fans and families of all ages within the Pokémon collecting community. - Trull said his goal was to create the ultimate destination for Pokémon fans.

Between the lines: - The deal reflects buyer interest in brands that blend commerce with entertainment and direct fan engagement. - PokeNerds’ growth suggests hobby retail can move beyond traditional storefronts when live sales and community content become part of the business model. - Trull’s exit also signals a founder transition from retail operator to startup builder in another category. - Trull said the brand’s value came from the innovation behind its model, not just from selling cards and collectibles.

What’s next: - Trull is in the early stages of developing an AI-enhanced video game studio. - He plans to combine his gaming interest with the entrepreneurial experience he gained building PokeNerds. - Details on the new venture will be announced in the coming months. - Trull also said he plans to spend time with his wife and two-year-old son, Henry. - People can follow his future ventures at briantrull.com or on LinkedIn.

The bottom line: - Trull turned a niche Pokémon retailer into a seven-figure exit, and he is now betting on AI and gaming for his next act.