BiMA Secures €500K to Innovate Screen-Free Storytelling for Kids

BiMA, a Munich-based startup, has successfully raised €500,000 in pre-seed funding to revolutionize children’s storytelling. The funding round, led by Antler, saw participation from several notable angel investors, including the Oetinger Publishing Group, which previously backed Germany’s successful audio platform, Tonies. Other contributors include former Disney Managing Director Andreas Peters, Felix van de Sande, founder of Kickbase and design agency COBE, and e-commerce expert Silvia Sommer.

Founded in 2024 by Larissa Ruf (CEO) and Greta Garkisch (CTO), BiMA aims to reshape how families engage with stories in an age dominated by screens. The duo, who met while working at Academy Consult Munich, shared a vision that technology should enhance human connections rather than detract from them. Their first offering is a screen-free projector designed to transform children’s bedrooms into immersive storytelling environments.

Innovative Approach to Storytelling

The projector, resembling a collectible rocket, combines gentle projection, ambient light, and sound to create enchanting storytelling experiences. This design promotes imagination and focus, steering clear of the overstimulation often associated with traditional screens. By turning bedtime into a cherished family ritual, BiMA seeks to replace negotiations over screen time with shared moments of connection.

BiMA enters a competitive market alongside established edutainment players like Tonies, Yoto Player, and Lunii. While these products primarily emphasize audio or interactive play, BiMA distinguishes itself by offering a visual experience that fosters imagination and mindfulness. The company’s approach merges nostalgia with a forward-thinking vision for storytelling, aiming to create lasting family bonds.

Future Aspirations and Market Impact

Looking beyond its initial launch, BiMA envisions a comprehensive ecosystem of storytelling tools and mindful entertainment products. Larissa Ruf emphasized the goal of creating meaningful family interactions, stating, “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 potential impact of BiMA’s innovation has attracted attention from industry leaders. Julia Bielenberg, Managing Director at Oetinger Publishing Group, remarked on BiMA’s promise, saying, “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 to enter the market, it represents a timely response to the growing demand for screen-free options in children’s entertainment. By prioritizing family connection and creativity, BiMA is not just launching a product; it is setting a new standard for how families can engage with stories in an increasingly digital world.