Mattel, Sesame & Others Invest in Osmo Game System

PALO ALTO: Tangible Play’s Osmo, which specializes in mixed-reality experiences, has received $24 million in funding from Mattel, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH), Collab+Sesame and Shea Ventures, joining existing investors Accel, Upfront Ventures and K9 Ventures.

This new round of funding will support the development of future Osmo products and allow it to become available for the first time on the iPhone with Words, Tangram, Newton and Numbers, as well as new experiences customized for that device. Osmo launched in 2014 as a hands-on play and learning experience that combines digital content with real-world interactions. Using Reflective AI technology, Osmo expanded to such creative, entrepreneurial and STEM-focused offerings as Masterpiece, Numbers, Coding, Monster and Pizza Co.

“We’re thrilled by the growing demand we’re seeing among young families and educators alike who are eagerly embracing a new form of learning and play,” said Pramod Sharma, CEO and co-founder of Osmo. “Our growth is in large part due to the advances we’re making on and off the screen through mixed-reality experiences, and we’re proud to receive support from some of the most iconic names in children’s education and entertainment.”

“Collab+Sesame enthusiastically supports Osmo in the creation of educational products that will help more children learn valuable lessons through engaging play,” added Tanya Haider, the executive VP of strategy, research and ventures at Sesame Workshop. “By providing our expertise in early childhood development, research and whole-child curriculum, we can aid entrepreneurs—and help more children become smarter, stronger and kinder in the process.”