500,000 euros pre-seed for BiMA

The Munich-based start-up BiMA, which is building a platform for mindful entertainment for children, has closed a pre-seed financing round of EUR 500,000.

The financing round is led by early-stage investor Antler, one of the most active early investors worldwide. Other backers include the Oetinger publishing group, represented by managing directors Julia Bielenberg, Thilo Schmid and Christian Graef, as well as well-known business angels from the media and digital industries.

Screen-free alternative for the evening routine

BiMA's first product is a child-friendly projector that transforms children's rooms into immersive, story-based worlds without a screen. The aim of the product is to encourage imagination, boost creativity and create shared family moments.

With this idea, BiMA is positioning itself in a fast-growing segment between edutainment, wellbeing and consumer electronics. With its technology, the start-up aims to offer an alternative to conventional, screen-based media consumption.

Financing for market entry and initial production

The capital will be used for BiMA's market entry, including the production of the first batch of devices, the establishment of marketing and sales structures, the expansion of the team and the development of further content. As early as this year, 1,500 projectors will be available.

Most toys are designed to keep children occupied - and that's perfectly fine. However, we wanted to create something that brings families together - especially in the evening. With BiMA, the day ends with a moment of connection and imagination.

Larissa Ruf, co-founder and CEO of BiMA

The market offers considerable potential: in Germany, there are around 3.5 million households with children aged between zero and five, which corresponds to a market volume of over 730 million euros. In Europe, the addressable market segment is growing to 17 million households and a volume of around 3.7 billion euros, and worldwide to more than 420 million families with a potential total market value of over 88 billion euros.

The Oetinger publishing group also sees BiMA as a continuation of its tradition of innovative storytelling. Managing Director Julia Bielenberg emphasizes:"Just as Tonies redefined the listening experience for children, BiMA can create a new way for children to interact with imagination, creativity and tranquility."

Founders with an interdisciplinary background

BiMA was founded in 2024 by Larissa Ruf (CEO) and Greta Garkisch (CTO), both born in Munich. Ruf brings experience in educational and consumer research as well as from positions at Schleich, Siemens AI Lab, Microsoft and Zühlke. Garkisch combines management and IT expertise with entrepreneurial experience in Tel Aviv and Cape Town as well as development work at Siemens AI Lab and Accenture.

The two founders met more than six years ago through Academy Consult Munich, a student management consultancy. After founding a company together, they decided to rethink the children's rooms of the 21st century with BiMA.

Antler focuses on mindful entertainment

Christoph Klink, Partner at Antler, sees BiMA as a pioneering concept: "Larissa and Greta combine genuine passion with in-depth specialist knowledge and entrepreneurial thinking. They are developing a product that can have a positive impact on children's evening rituals and learning - in Germany and far beyond. We are delighted to have supported BiMA from the very beginning and are convinced of its growth potential."

The company is supported by Antler and other investors, including the Oetinger publishing group, one of the first investors behind Tonies.