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Animaj

Category: Generative Media (Image / Video)

A next-generation media company that acquires and transforms high-quality Intellectual Properties (IPs) into multi-platform franchises for kids and families, using a digital-first and AI-driven approach. Animaj was founded in 2022. The company is led by Sixte de Vauplane. Based in Paris, France. Team size: 60. Total funding raised: Approximately €175 million ($185M+) including €100M initial equity/debt (2022), €22M Series A and €73M Debt (2023), and $85M (€75M) led by HarbourView Equity and Bpifrance (June 2025).. Latest round: €85M investment led by HarbourView Equity in June 2025.. Key investors include daphni, XAnge, Bpifrance, HarbourView Equity Partners.

Founded
2022
Headquarters
Paris, France
Team size
60
Total funding
Approximately €175 million ($185M+) including €100M initial equity/debt (2022), €22M Series A and €73M Debt (2023), and $85M (€75M) led by HarbourView Equity and Bpifrance (June 2025).

Value proposition

To provide enriching, high-quality content for children by acquiring successful digital-native IPs and scaling them globally across multiple platforms using data analytics and AI-powered production tools.

Products and solutions

Pocoyo (Spanish comedy series), HeyKids (French nursery rhymes channel), Kidibli (German educational show), Maya the Bee (joint ownership with Studio 100 International, October 2025), Proprietary AI tools (e.g., 'Sketch-to-Motion' and GenAI animation pipeline)

Unique value

Animaj's model focuses on acquiring and scaling existing successful digital IPs from platforms like YouTube, rather than creating new, unproven content from scratch.

Target customer

Kids and families, content creators, and IP owners.

Industries served

Entertainment, Media, Animation

Technology advantage

An AI-driven approach to content creation reduces animation production time. They use data analytics to optimize content for global audiences and multiple platforms, and their acquisition strategy allows for faster, data-backed growth.

How they differentiate

Animaj differentiates itself by being digital-native and AI-first. Unlike traditional studios, it acquires proven digital brands and uses technology to scale them faster and more efficiently, adapting them for various platforms and international markets.

Main competitors

Moonbug Entertainment, The Walt Disney Company, Pixar

Key partnerships

daphni (Investor), OVHcloud (Startup Program), Studio 100 International (strategic alliance for Maya the Bee, October 2025), Distribution on platforms like YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, and Roblox

Notable customers

The acquired brands serve as case studies of their growth model: Pocoyo, HeyKids, and Kidibli have been successfully expanded under Animaj's management.

Major milestones

Founded in May 2022. Raised over €100 million in funding by November 2022. Acquired major international kids' entertainment brands, including Pocoyo (June 2023), HeyKids, and Kidibli. Achieved significant revenue and viewership growth, becoming the 5th largest digital kids' player on YouTube. Raised $85M led by HarbourView Equity Partners and Bpifrance in June 2025. Formed strategic alliance with Studio 100 International for Maya the Bee franchise (October 2025). Appointed Olivier Dumont to Board of Directors (April 2026).

Growth metrics

Reported annual revenue growth of 470% in 2023. The company's content now generates over 22 billion annual views on YouTube with 243 million subscribers. Revenue reached €20M in 2024 and the company has been profitable since launch.

Market positioning

A disruptive 'next-generation' media company positioned to challenge traditional animation studios by leveraging technology and a modern, agile acquisition and growth model.

Geographic focus

Global, with initial IP acquisitions and operations based in Europe (France, Spain, Germany) and a stated goal of expanding into the US market.

Patents and IP

Proprietary AI tools and technologies. The primary intellectual property consists of the major brands and content libraries acquired, such as Pocoyo.

About Sixte de Vauplane

Sixte de Vauplane is the Co-Founder and CEO of Animaj, a next-generation media company. He has a background in engineering and entrepreneurship, having co-founded several companies including Nestor, a digital canteen, and Homaio, a marketplace for essential oils. His experience lies in building brands from the ground up.

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