Rolling off its acquisition of “Pocoyo,” the rising kids media company Animaj has boarded another iconic children’s brand, “Maya the Bee,” which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year.
Animaj – the AI-powered media company specializing in kids & family entertainment co-founded by former Google and YouTube’s senior executive Gregory Dray — has forged a strategic alliance with “Maya the Bee” co-owner Studio 100 International to reimagine “Maya the Bee” and shape the franchise’s future.
Animaj will be levering its proprietary GenAI production tools and data-driven insights (which are automating animation pipelines through AI) to fast-track the expansion of “Maya the Bee”‘s presence across new platforms, formats and audiences globally.
The new co-acquisition is part of Animaj’s international strategy to acquire international IPs and turn them into global franchises. The London and Paris-based outfit recently enlisted HarbourView Equity Partners as part of a $85-million investment round, alongside France’s Bpifrance, which plays a role in bankrolling the French tech and AI ecosystem.
Under the deal for “Maya the Bee,” Animaj has acquired all of Studio 100’s rights outside Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Benelux regions, excluding feature film and theme park rights, which remain with Studio 100 International.
Animaj will focus on expanding the brand’s digital and international footprint—from international licensing and digital engagement to new digital and premium content experiences— while Studio 100 will spearhead new theatrical movie productions and theme parks.
Animaj previously acquired the iconic Spanish show “Pocoyo,” the Stephen Fry-narrated animation about a little boy in blue.
Launched in May 2022, Animaj initially raised €100 million in equity and debt, with major investors including U.S. fund Left Lane Capital, and European VC funds Daphni and X-Ange.
