Hopster Secures Investment from UKTV Fund

UKTV has revealed its first deal through UKTV Ventures, a multi-million-pound Innovation Fund, with an airtime-for-equity investment in the preschool edutainment platform Hopster.

Hopster offers up segments from such children’s series as Sesame Street alongside a variety of songs, books and games. With the fund, UKTV obtains equity stakes in businesses in return for advertising airtime on its network. Sheena Amin has been appointed to lead the fund as director of business development and diversification.

Simon Michaelides, UKTV’s chief commercial officer, stated: “TV advertising remains the most efficient and effective marketing medium, with the highest spend coming from businesses in the digital sector. We’re very pleased to help high-potential companies like Hopster gain access to the growth opportunity that TV brings, and we look forward to being part of the growth story for even more innovative, young businesses in the future.”

He continued: “I’m very excited to welcome Sheena to UKTV. She brings with her a rare blend of experience with both a grounding in venture capital, and a thorough understanding of digital business development in the broadcast TV industry. This makes her perfectly placed to lead our innovation agenda, and fuel UKTV’s growth story well into the future!”

Amin added: “I am delighted to have joined UKTV and to have the opportunity to play such a pivotal role in shaping the company’s growth and diversification strategy over the years to come. My first priority will be to develop UKTV Ventures—raise awareness of our unique proposition, define our investment strategy and build a strong team. We’re off to a great start with our first investment in Hopster, and I look forward to partnering with many more innovative startups to help them create a strong brand, acquire new customers and grow their business to the next level.”