Robotics Startup Miko Secures $10.5 Million Funding from US Media Giant iHeartMedia
- ByStartupStory | November 12, 2025
Mumbai, India – Homegrown robotics startup Miko has raised $10.5 million in fresh funding from US-based audio and media company iHeartMedia, marking a strategic partnership that brings together the worlds of robotics, artificial intelligence, and digital entertainment for children.
The investment aims to accelerate Miko’s global expansion and enhance its portfolio of AI-powered companion robots for kids — blending education, play, and interactive content into one connected experience.
Miko Expands its Global Footprint
Founded in 2015 by Sneh Vaswani, Prashant Iyengar, and Chhavi Lal, Miko has developed a series of smart robots designed to make learning fun and emotionally engaging for children. The company’s flagship products — Miko 3 and the recently launched Miko Mini — use artificial intelligence, voice recognition, and advanced robotics to deliver personalized learning experiences through conversation and storytelling.
Miko’s robots are currently available in over 100 countries, with strong adoption in the US, UK, and Middle East. The company’s user base has grown rapidly due to rising global demand for educational technology (edtech) products that combine interactive play with developmental learning.
Strategic Investment from iHeartMedia
The funding from iHeartMedia represents more than just capital — it marks a strategic collaboration between entertainment and technology. Through this partnership, Miko will integrate iHeartMedia’s vast library of audio content for kids, including music, stories, and podcasts, directly into its robot ecosystem.
This collaboration will allow Miko users to access curated, safe, and age-appropriate audio experiences — deepening engagement and enriching the learning environment. The deal also opens doors for cross-platform innovations that blend AI, voice technology, and children’s media content.
According to Miko’s CEO Sneh Vaswani, “Partnering with iHeartMedia is a major milestone in our mission to create meaningful experiences for children worldwide. By combining robotics with world-class media, we are redefining the future of interactive learning and entertainment.”
Driving the Future of AI and Edtech
Miko’s success reflects India’s growing strength in AI-driven consumer robotics and the rising global appetite for smart learning companions. The startup has previously attracted investment from global firms such as Chiratae Ventures, IIFL, and YourNest, and continues to focus on scaling content partnerships and hardware innovation.
With the latest funding, Miko plans to invest in AI personalization, speech technology, and emotion recognition capabilities, enabling the robots to better understand and respond to children’s moods and interests. The company also aims to expand its content ecosystem through new international collaborations.
The Growing Robotics and Edtech Synergy
As the global edtech market accelerates, robotics is emerging as a key enabler for experiential learning. Miko’s unique blend of hardware, AI, and entertainment positions it at the intersection of two high-growth industries — robotics and digital education.
The partnership with iHeartMedia further validates this vision, illustrating how media companies are embracing AI-powered platforms to reach younger audiences in innovative, interactive ways.
Outlook
With this $10.5 million funding round, Miko is set to deepen its footprint in the global consumer robotics market and expand its content-led learning experiences. The collaboration with iHeartMedia could also pave the way for new voice-interactive educational formats — creating richer, more engaging connections between children and technology.
Miko’s journey underscores how Indian startups are increasingly shaping the future of intelligent devices that combine education, empathy, and entertainment on a global scale.
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