KARRI raises £775k in pre-seed funding led by 468 Capital to launch its children's walkie talkie
The pre-seed round was led by 468 Capital to fund product mass production and rollout.
KARRI develops a data-enabled, screen-free walkie talkie designed for young children that connects securely with a parent smartphone application. The hardware gives children independence while offering location tracking and communication tools for families.
London-based child communication startup KARRI has secured £775k in pre-seed funding to transition its device from prototype testing to mass production. The round was led by 468 Capital, with participation from several prominent angel investors including Verena Pausder, Hakan Koç, Michael Hernaus, Wolfgang Reisinger, Sven Vaders, Matthias Laug, and Christian Indra.
Founded in late 2023, the company addresses parental concerns regarding early smartphone exposure by offering a button-operated, waterproof walkie talkie for children aged four to ten. The hardware integrates with a parental application providing GPS location tracking and geo-fencing capabilities.
The fresh capital will support the company as it moves towards a full public launch following the initial dispatch of pre-orders scheduled for the end of August 2024.
From the founder
"It is our core belief that we have overprotected children in the real world while under protecting them in the virtual world. KARRI is designed to help redress this imbalance by eliminating the need to give young children a smartphone. Parents are increasingly concerned about their children’s online safety and extensive screen time, yet they value the benefits of staying connected with them at all times in the real world. We’re excited that KARRI will allow children to roam free, explore, and gain independence while ensuring their safety and giving parents peace of mind. We aimed to make it as easy as possible for parents and children to stay in touch, so we have built a screen-free solution that is simple and reliable."
Pete Clifford
Managing Director at KARRI
Investor perspective
"Our investment in KARRI underlines our commitment to backing innovations that redefine how technology can be used responsibly and enhance our daily lives. The team has ambitious plans to support parents with young kids and beyond, and we’re excited for what comes next."
Alexander Kudlich
General Partner, 468 Capital
Use of funds
- 01Continue product development