Exclusive: Vobble Bags Funding To Launch AI-Powered Audio Pocket Player For Kids

Audio OTT platform Vobble, which raised $1 Mn as a part of its seed funding round in March last year, has secured another $1 Mn (INR 8.7 Cr), closing the round.

The investment was led by MIXI Investments, along with participation from existing backers, including Lumikai, Namita Thapar and Sattva Investments among others.

On the capital deployment, Vobble cofounder Neha Sharma told Inc42 that the company will use the fresh proceeds to launch a new AI-assisted audio product for kids in the US.

She also added that almost 30% of the total funding will be dedicated to building technology and AI-related features.

The audio pocket player is designed for kids aged 6-12, aiming to offer interactive storytelling, audio games, and personalized content. It will allow children to listen to dramatized stories, play with their favorite characters, and even create their own AI-assisted audio tales using simple prompts or voice inputs.

With more than 300 episodes featuring original characters and fresh content set to drop monthly, this product is built with strict safety measures, no ads, and full parental controls. It promises a fun yet secure environment for kids to explore audio entertainment in a whole new way, the company said.

Founded in 2023 by Sharma and Sowmya Jagannath, Vobble is an audio OTT platform designed for kids aged 4 to 12 years. It offers an immersive, screen-free storytelling experience, featuring a diverse content library that includes story series, music, audio shows, and kids’ podcasts.

“Vobble is tackling the global concern of kids’ screen time by embracing the growing trend of audio content for kids,” Tomoharu Urabe, Principal Partner, MIXI Global Investments.

The founders are looking to launch this product both in India and the US by May 2025. 

The Bengaluru-based startup was born out of the founders’ vision to create engaging, educational, and entertaining audio content for children, helping them explore stories and music without the need for screens. With a focus on original and curated content, Vobble aims to redefine kids’ entertainment by making storytelling more interactive and enriching.

The startup’s shot to fame was its appearance on Shark Tank India Season 3, where it got a commitment of INR 25 Lakh from Emcure Pharmaceuticals’ executive director Namita Thapar. 

On the financial front, the startup reported a revenue of over INR 60 Lakh in FY24 and claims to have a monthly recurring revenue (MRR) of INR 13 Lakh. The company aims to close the financial year 2024-2025 (FY25) with $2 Mn (INR 17.4 Cr) in revenue. Going forward, the company will focus on its new product launch and expansion into new markets.