Tokidos, a Montreal-based educational technology company, has raised CAD 1.35 million in pre-seed funding for its screenless game system, which aims to reduce children’s screen usage. The all-equity round closed in early February and saw participation from Triptyq Capital, Investissement Québec, and Boreal Ventures. Several angel investors also participated, including Arcade1Up’s CTO, Davin Sufer, Francois Guy, vice president of technology at Quebec news outlet La Presse, and former vice president of DART Aerospace, Steve Ghaleb.
Established in 2021 by CEO Ralph Nakhle, Tokidos has introduced a unique, screen-free gaming console named PLAYCubes. This innovative system comprises five cubes, each featuring a square digital display and a charging station. The interactive nature of the games, which span from math drills to engaging narratives, is initiated by inserting a game card into one of the cubes. The cubes’ dynamic functionality allows them to be moved, pressed, or shaken, depending on the game, offering a novel approach to learning and development.
Commenting on the funding, Triptyq Capital said in a statement:
Amidst recent regulatory changes aimed at safeguarding children in digital spaces, Tokidos’ screen-free approach is not only timely but pioneering. We at Triptyq Capital firmly believe in Tokidos’ potential to navigate this landscape, making it a key player poised to lead in this rapidly growing sector.
Tokidos has already achieved significant financial success, with CAD 115,000 in pre-orders for PLAYCubes. The company is set to launch the product in September at a retail price of $199 CAD. With plans to release 20 games at launch, available in English and French and subsequent monthly releases, Tokidos is on a clear growth path. The platform’s ability to monitor transformed play data to understand how games contribute to children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development ensures that PLAYCubes offer a beneficial and enjoyable experience. With its robust support system and unique strategy, Tokidos is ideally positioned to reduce children’s screen time while promoting learning and development.
Chief Executive Officer of Ralph Nakhle stated in the statement:
This investment will help Tokidos build its team, bring its first product to market, and capitalize on the significant market opportunity ahead. Our vision is to create a product ecosystem that aligns with children’s intelligence, recognizing a considerable chance often overlooked by major tech companies.
With the newly secured funding, Tokidos has outlined a strategic plan for its future. The funds will be allocated towards technology research, game creation, and commercialization efforts. This investment will enable Tokidos to capitalize on the growing market opportunity for child-friendly technological solutions, demonstrating the company’s potential for success in the EdTech sector.
