Robotics startup Miko has raised $10.5 million (about Rs 93.5 crore) in fresh funding. iHeartMedia, an American audio media company, led the round. This investment strengthens Miko’s mission to create emotionally intelligent AI robots for children. The Mumbai-based company continues to attract significant investor interest as it blends technology with learning and entertainment.
Strong Investor Confidence and Previous Funding
Miko earlier raised $15.8 million in a Series D funding round in October last year. IvyCap Ventures Advisors and other investors participated in that round. With this new capital, Miko plans to enhance its products, expand its global reach, and improve user experience.
Founders and Vision
Entrepreneurs Sneh Vaswani, Prashant Iyengar, and Chintan Raikar co-founded Miko in 2015. They set out to combine robotics, AI, and emotional intelligence to build meaningful technology for children. Their goal focused on creating AI companions that could educate, entertain, and emotionally connect with young users. This vision gave birth to Miko.ai, a platform that now powers some of the most advanced child-friendly robots.
AI-Powered Products and Global Presence
Miko operates on a hybrid model, offering both physical robots and intelligent software. Its flagship products—Miko Mini and Miko 3—serve as personal companions for children. These robots do more than speak or respond. They form bonds, learn user preferences, and adapt to each child’s pace and emotions.
Today, Miko sells its products in over 90 countries and says it serves customers in more than 140 countries, including the US, Europe, and the Middle East. The company’s global reach reflects its strong demand and innovative technology.
Cutting-Edge Technology Behind Miko Robots
Miko integrates generative content, advanced sensors, and long-term memory into its robots. These features make interactions safe, adaptive, and emotionally engaging. The robots recognize faces, understand moods, speak multiple languages, and help with subjects like language learning, storytelling, and general knowledge.
Miko 3 uses AI, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to connect with children in meaningful ways. Parents can control and monitor their child’s experience through a companion mobile app.
Strategic Partnership with iHeartMedia
Beyond funding, Miko and iHeartMedia have entered into a strategic partnership. Under this collaboration, Miko will integrate iHeart’s rich library of audio content into its AI robots. Children will gain access to music, podcasts, and stories from one of the world’s largest audio media platforms.
“Our partnership with iHeart marks a pivotal moment in Miko’s mission to make AI companions part of everyday family life,” said Sneh Vaswani, co-founder and CEO.
Content-First AI Experience
This collaboration shifts Miko from just a robotics company to a content-driven experience platform. By merging entertainment with education, Miko delivers engaging storytelling, interactive lessons, and emotionally aware conversations. The platform creates a safe and controlled space for children while ensuring strict data privacy standards.
Expansion Through Costco in North America
Miko has also gone live with retail giant Costco in North America. This partnership enables Miko to reach a wider customer base across the United States and Canada. With shelves at Costco now displaying Miko’s products, the company expects stronger sales and more brand visibility in global markets.
Future Plans and Product Enhancements
With the new funding, Miko plans to invest in research and development. The company aims to make its robots even smarter, more intuitive, and more emotionally aware. It intends to expand educational content to include science, mathematics, emotional learning, and creativity.
Miko will continue improving its AI capabilities, refining sensors, enhancing memory functions, and designing better user interactions. It also plans to collaborate with more global partners to reach more families.
Building Trust and Long-Term Customer Relationships
Miko focuses on creating safe technology for children. It designs systems with secure data protocols to protect user privacy. Parents trust Miko because the company constantly updates its software based on user feedback, ensuring better safety and performance. This approach strengthens loyalty and creates a long-term bond between the brand and families.
Vision for the Future of AI Companions
The founders believe that emotionally intelligent robots will become part of everyday family life. Miko wants AI companions to support children emotionally, socially, and academically. The company does not just build robots—it builds companions that understand, respond, and grow with children.
Conclusion
Miko’s recent funding of $10.5 million and its partnership with iHeartMedia mark a major step in its growth journey. The company continues to pioneer the use of AI and robotics to educate and entertain children. With global expansion, innovative products, and a strong vision, Miko stands at the forefront of the future of AI-driven family technology.
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