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Sony invests in kids’ SVoD service Hopster

Sony Pictures Television Networks (SPT) has taken a minority stake in global pre-school SVoD platform Hopster. The move sees SPT become a strategic equity

Sony Pictures Television Networks (SPT) has taken a minority stake in global pre-school SVoD platform Hopster.

The move sees SPT become a strategic equity investor, taking a seat on the company’s board.

The investment complements SPT Networks’ growing kid’s portfolio, particularly in the UK, where SPT’s linear and AVoD services include POP, Tiny Pop and Kix.

Launched in December 2013 by Nick Walters, Hopster aims to help kids learn through the shows they love, ‘striking the balance’ between learning and fun. Since launching, the platform has seen exceptional growth and is now available in over 100 countries worldwide, as well as making its debut on Apple TV last year.

Kate Marsh, executive vice president, Western Europe, international networks, SPT, said, “With our POP, Tiny Pop and Kix channels, Sony is one of the top kids broadcasters in the UK. 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.”

Nick Walters, CEO and founder, Hopster, added, “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. 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.”