Pioneering kids’ media company Animaj has secured investment from Google’s AI Futures Fund and will collaborate closely with teams at Google as part of a partnership aimed at advancing AI-driven production for children’s content.
Under the agreement, Animaj will receive funding from the AI Futures Fund, early access to Google’s most advanced generative AI models, and direct collaboration with Google teams to support the creation of content for its global audience on YouTube.
Sixte de Vauplane, CEO of Animaj (pictured), said the partnership “marks a key milestone in our mission to build a next-generation media company, one where AI, creativity and IP ownership reinforce each other. With Google’s support, we’re accelerating our ability to create premium kids content faster, smarter and more responsibly.”
Animaj operates an AI-native studio platform that integrates tools such as audience analytics, sketch-to-pose animation systems and automated motion in-betweening. The company says the system enables it to move from concept to a finished episode on YouTube in under five weeks – four times faster than a traditional pipeline.
The technology is designed to streamline production rather than replace creative staff, according to the company, allowing animators to focus on storytelling and characters.
“Animaj exemplifies how AI can empower creators,” said Jonathan Silber, co-founder and director of Google’s AI Futures Fund. “Their AI-native approach shows how advanced technology can strengthen creative ambition, brand safety and IP ownership. It’s a compelling blueprint for the future of kids’ and family entertainment.”
Animaj, which sees its future as “AI-native, data-driven and digital-first” reports reaching 242 million unique monthly viewers on YouTube. It uses performance and audience data from the platform to inform content development and identify intellectual property that can be expanded into other areas including streaming and licensing.
Animaj also said the partnership will support experimentation with interactive storytelling and new formats tailored to how younger audiences discover and engage with content online.
