Miko, a global deep-tech startup in the field of conversational AI and robotics, has announced a strategic investment in Funky Monkeys Play Centers Pvt. Ltd., the leader and pioneer in indoor play centers for kids in India.
Miko and Funky Monkeys will jointly accelerate the adoption of technology-driven products that support both learning and emotional development in kids. In addition, Miko and Funky Monkeys will collaborate to drive new tactile learning experiences for kids, according to a press release.
Funky Monkeys provides a unique, fun, and safe environment for kids to play, interact and develop essential life skills, such as cognitive development, social skills, problem-solving, creativity, and communication through unstructured free play. When coupled with the unique ability of Miko’s products to understand and respond to a child’s world, kids can feel a sense of companionship to help build confidence and encourage customized and creative learning experiences at Funky Monkeys. Miko’s goal for re-writing the role of technology in everyday learning & development for children has great synergies with the unique platform provided by Funky Monkeys.
Commenting on the strategic investment, Sneh R Vaswani, Co-founder & CEO of Miko, said,
“We are extremely thrilled at this incredible partnership and the coming together of two well-loved and trusted brands in kids’ early learning and development. Miko is increasingly popular worldwide, and in Funky Monkeys we have found a great business partner that has the same passion and relentless focus on developmental learning through play, offering more engagement, learning, and fun than ever before.”
Binita Bodani Putcha, Founder & Managing Director, Funky Monkeys, said,
“Funky Monkeys is excited to partner with Miko in what will be a first-of-its-kind collaboration in India. Funky Monkeys was founded on the core belief that unstructured free play is vital for kids’ early learning and development. Miko’s belief that technology can play a central role in early learning and development meshes perfectly, and together we will collaborate to further enhance the experience for kids at Funky Monkeys and cement our leadership in the indoor play center segment.”
Sanjay Ghadiali, Co-founder and Director, Funky Monkeys, added,
“This investment is a great opportunity for us to join hands with the global leader in AI and robotics and to bring the benefits of conversational AI to every kid who visits Funky Monkeys. We are excited to partner with Miko and to pioneer a truly unique experience for our clients.”
Founded in 2015, Miko is an advanced consumer robotics innovation company passionate about bringing the best of technology to young learners everywhere. Home to the world’s leading educators, engineers, psychologists, and content developers, Miko takes learning to a whole new level through state-of-the-art artificial intelligence, robotics, and IoT. The company has a global mindset and presence, with 300+ employees, offices in the innovation hubs of Silicon Valley and Mumbai, and customers across 140+ countries.
Funky Monkeys, established in 2012, is India’s premier Indoor Play Center & birthday party venue for kids with world-class, indoor play centers across Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Surat, and Amritsar. It offers fun and exciting play areas for toddlers and kids aged 6 months to 14 years in a safe, friendly and fun environment, with state-of-the-art equipment that meets the highest international safety standards and certifications. Headquartered in Mumbai, Funky Monkeys is the leader and pioneer in the indoor play center segment for kids in India.
