UK startup Banjo Robinson raises $1.29 million pre-seed round for its subscription-based learning model for children platform

Banjo Robinson, a London, England-based subscription-based learning model for children startup, has closed $1.29 million (£1 million) pre-seed funding to further develop their first subscription product which features a globetrotting cat who helps children learn about the world through interactive letters. The round was led by Collab+Sesame, a partnership between Sesame Ventures and the Collaborative Fund.

Banjo Robinson is the creation of Kate Boyle, who set out in 2018 to turn learning into a magical game for children around the world. The startup’s mission is to offer a more personalized, fun and interactive way of learning for children aged 5-8. Children receive real, personalised letters and creative activities twice a month from Banjo’s travels, and are encouraged to write back to their new penpal, posting their replies under the sofa at bedtime.

Before founding Banjo Robinson, Kate had an impressive career in LA, running writers’ rooms for influential screenwriter Etan Cohen, and working as a Creative Executive on Ghostbusters III and Men in Black III for Sony, Museum of Supernatural History for Steven Spielberg at DreamWorks, Candyland for Disney and Daddy’s Home for Paramount. The idea for Banjo Robinson came about when Kate was writing to friends’ children back home in England. For a generation of tech consumers, proper, paper post was a fresh way to spread the magic of storytelling, and so Banjo Robinson – adventurer, penpal and magical cat – was born.

Banjo Robinson was first supported by the Government’s New Enterprise scheme, with a weekly allowance of £65. It went on to be 1 of 10 companies selected from 1250+ applications to take part in Techstars 2019 London Startup Accelerator program, and has benefitted from access to their worldwide mentorship network. The round will help scale their ambition to become the next major children’s brand.

Kate Boyle, CEO and founder said, “I was a huge fan of Sesame Street as a child, and couldn’t imagine a more perfect lead investor than Collab+Sesame, who share our values of kindness, communication, learning through play, and humour. We’re looking forward to working closely with Sesame Workshop to help us develop Banjo Robinson into an even more valuable experience for children and families.”

Collab+Sesame supports the companies it invests in through strategic guidance and by leveraging its experience and extensive networks.

Eamonn Carey, MD at Techstars London added, “I walked away from the very first meeting I had with Kate knowing that I was definitely going to invest. I’m delighted that we’re able to continue to support Banjo Robinson and the team in this round. The reaction from kids and parents to the product speak volumes about how much those core values of kindness, communication and fun translate in Banjo’s letters. This new funding will allow them to bring that to a whole new generation of kids, and I’m excited to be a part of that.”

Taylor Greene, Partner, Collaborative Fund said, “The team at Banjo Robinson have created a product which is totally aligned with our thesis of ‘better for you’ + ‘better for the world’. It enriches the home learning environment, creates opportunities for connection, encourages creativity, time away from screens and is educational without children noticing. We’re incredibly happy to be working with Kate and the team, and look forward to climbing Mount Everest with Banjo in the near future.”