BiMA Secures €500K to Revolutionize Children’s Storytelling

Munich-based startup BiMA has successfully raised €500,000 in pre-seed funding to introduce a new form of storytelling that prioritizes screen-free experiences for children. The funding round was led by Antler, a global venture capital firm, and included notable contributions from various angel investors, such as the Oetinger Publishing Group, known for its investment in Germany’s popular audio platform, Tonies.

The fresh capital will enable BiMA to launch its innovative products and pursue its goal of transforming the way families engage with stories. Founded in 2024 by Larissa Ruf and Greta Garkisch, BiMA emerged from the founders’ shared vision that technology should foster real connections rather than distract from them. The duo previously collaborated at Academy Consult Munich before embarking on their entrepreneurial journey.

BiMA’s inaugural product is a unique screen-free projector designed to enhance children’s bedrooms into immersive storytelling environments. Resembling a collectable rocket, the projector combines soft projection, gentle lighting, and sound to create engaging stories that stimulate imagination without the overstimulation commonly associated with screens. This innovative approach aims to transform bedtime into a cherished family ritual, moving away from the frequent struggles over screen time.

Innovative Approach to Storytelling

The introduction of BiMA places the company in direct competition with established players in the edutainment market, including Tonies, Yoto Player, and Lunii. While these companies emphasize audio or modular play, BiMA offers a new sensory experience by incorporating visual elements without screens. This unique blend of storytelling, mindfulness, and family bonding creates a product that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking.

The company’s vision goes beyond its initial launch. BiMA plans to develop a comprehensive ecosystem of storytelling tools and mindful entertainment products. Larissa Ruf, co-founder and CEO, stated, “Most toys are designed to keep kids busy, and that’s perfectly fine. But we wanted to create something different: a product that brings families together at the most meaningful time of day. With BiMA, evenings become magical moments of connection and imagination.”

The investment from the Oetinger Publishing Group further solidifies BiMA’s potential impact on the industry. Julia Bielenberg, Managing Director at Oetinger, remarked, “We see BiMA as a natural continuation of our tradition of storytelling innovation. Just as Tonies created a new way for families to experience stories, BiMA has the potential to redefine the way children interact with imagination, creativity, and calm.”

As BiMA prepares for its market entry, the startup’s commitment to meaningful family experiences and innovative storytelling positions it as a promising player in the evolving landscape of children’s entertainment.