Sony Pictures Television Networks has taken a minority stake in global pre-school SVOD platform Hopster, becoming a strategic equity investor and taking a seat on the company’s board.
“With our Pop, Tiny Pop and Kix channels, Sony is one of the top kids’ broadcasters in the UK,” noted Kate Marsh, EVP, Western Europe, Sony Pictures International Television Networks.
“Investing in Hopster offers us an advantage in the fast-growing subscription kids’ space, and is a real opportunity to increase our on-demand services, working with the Hopster team to grow digital scale alongside our linear channels.”
Launched in December 2013 by Nick Walters, Hopster helps kids learn through the shows they love, striking the balance between learning and fun.
Hopster’s investment round, which was led by SPT Networks in association with largest existing investor Sandbox Partners, will see the company continue to expand its operations and fuel further investments in content and marketing.
“We are very excited to have Sony Networks on board and believe that this strategic investment will enable us to take Hopster to the next level,” added Nick Walters, CEO and founder, Hopster.
“Our vision is to build an end-to-end kids player and Sony’s global reach, existing kids portfolio, and technology presence makes them the perfect partner. We hope that together we can build on the success of our revolutionary new Apple TV app and recent US launch and establish Hopster as the world’s leading non-linear preschool kids’ player.”
