Following its successful acquisition of the beloved children’s series “Pocoyo,” the burgeoning kids’ media enterprise Animaj has now secured another timeless children’s franchise, “Maya the Bee,” which proudly marked its 50th anniversary last year.
Co-founded by former Google and YouTube senior executive Gregory Dray, Animaj is an AI-driven media company that specializes in creating engaging content for children and families. The company has established a strategic collaboration with “Maya the Bee” co-owner Studio 100 International to reinvent the franchise and steer its future direction.
Utilizing its advanced proprietary GenAI production tools and data analytics capabilities, Animaj aims to expedite the global expansion of “Maya the Bee” by automating animation workflows and reaching new markets and demographic segments.
This latest co-acquisition aligns with Animaj’s ambition to acquire prominent international intellectual properties and transform them into global franchises. The company, which operates from both London and Paris, recently secured a significant $85-million investment round with the assistance of HarbourView Equity Partners, along with support from France’s Bpifrance, which is pivotal in funding the French technology and AI sectors.
As part of the agreement for “Maya the Bee,” Animaj has obtained all rights from Studio 100 outside of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Benelux territories, aside from feature film and theme park rights, which will remain under Studio 100 International’s control.
Animaj will prioritize enhancing Maya’s digital presence and international reach, encompassing licensing initiatives, digital engagement strategies, and new premium content experiences. Meanwhile, Studio 100 will focus on developing new theatrical releases and theme park attractions associated with the brand.
Previously, Animaj had made headlines with the acquisition of the well-known Spanish series “Pocoyo,” a charming animation narrated by Stephen Fry that chronicles the adventures of a young boy dressed in blue.
Since its inception in May 2022, Animaj raised €100 million in equity and debt, attracting major investments from U.S. venture firm Left Lane Capital and prominent European VC firms like Daphni and X-Ange.
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