Animaj is an innovative media company that has quickly emerged as a leader in the realm of children's entertainment by leveraging artificial intelligence and a digital-first approach. Co-founded in 2022 by industry veterans including former Google and YouTube executive Gregory Dray, Animaj is noteworthy for its commitment to revolutionizing the production and distribution of kids' content. With its base in Paris and London, Animaj has rapidly expanded its influence by acquiring well-known intellectual properties like the beloved Spanish show “Pocoyo.” The company’s use of AI in animating and distributing content presents fascinating topics for exploration.
Founded in May 2022 by Gregory Dray and Sixte de Vauplane, Animaj was launched with a vision to disrupt the children's media landscape. Built on a foundation of technological innovation, the company quickly gained attention for its AI-powered production capabilities. This revolutionary approach attracted significant initial funding of €100 million, setting the stage for its rapid growth and acquisition strategy.
Animaj stands out for its application of artificial intelligence in content creation and production. The company has developed proprietary AI tools that automate animation processes, drastically reducing production times and costs. Their AI models, such as "Sketch-to-Motion" and "Motion-In-Betweening," exemplify how technology is redefining traditional animation workflows to maintain high aesthetic quality while cutting down production times by up to 85%.
In a significant move, Animaj acquired the iconic preschool brand "Pocoyo" from Zinkia Entertainment in 2023. This acquisition not only enriched their content portfolio but also demonstrated their strategic intent to revitalize and globalize cherished children’s IPs. Pocoyo, known for its engaging characters and educational content, fits well into Animaj’s mission to provide high-quality entertainment that is both fun and educational.
In 2025, Animaj secured an additional $85 million in funding through a round led by HarbourView Equity Partners and Bpifrance. This investment aims to bolster Animaj's AI-driven multi-platform strategy and fuel further acquisitions. The funding supports Animaj's endeavors to acquire more children’s IPs and convert them into global franchises, expanding their reach from preschoolers to tweens.
Animaj’s multi-platform approach is designed to meet children where they are, utilizing platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Spotify. By engaging children on these popular channels, Animaj maximizes its reach and adapts its content to various formats, ensuring it resonates with digital-native audiences. This strategy also leverages data insights to tailor content to audience preferences, further enhancing engagement.
A core element of Animaj’s mission is to create content that is not only entertaining but also educational and safe. Being part of the Youth Digital Wellbeing Initiative, Animaj partners with global leaders to enhance the quality and safety of online content for children. This commitment underpins the company’s efforts to foster a safe digital environment where young audiences can learn and explore.
Animaj has pioneered the development of GenAI tools specifically for the animation industry. These tools streamline the production process by automating labor-intensive tasks like motion generation while respecting the unique style of each character and series. Though currently not available for sale to other companies, these tools ensure that Animaj can produce high-volume, high-quality content efficiently.
Animaj's innovative use of AI is setting new standards in the animation industry. By reducing production times and costs without compromising on quality, Animaj is positioning itself at the forefront of a major shift in how animated content is created and consumed. This transformation not only enhances scalability but also makes high-quality animated content more accessible globally.
Looking ahead, Animaj plans to expand its operations further, with intentions to establish presence across the Atlantic. Their focus on expanding their brand portfolio and acquiring more IPs suggests a continued trajectory of growth and influence. The company is poised to not only adapt to but also shape the future demands of digital content consumption among younger audiences.
At the heart of Animaj’s philosophy is the notion of inspiring change in the children and families' entertainment sector. By blending storytelling with cutting-edge technology, Animaj is committed to nurturing the imagination, exploration, and creativity of the next generation. Their approach ushers in a new era of digital storytelling that is as engaging as it is transformative.
Animaj has quickly established itself as a trailblazer in the children's entertainment industry through its pioneering use of AI and a strategic approach to content distribution. Its acquisitions and innovative production technologies underscore its commitment to delivering diverse, high-quality content across multiple platforms. As it continues to expand and innovate, Animaj's influence on the animation landscape will likely grow, driving new standards in digital storytelling and providing exciting opportunities for engagement in children's media.