Genius Brands Funding Round Raises $4.5 Million

Genius Brands International has raised a $4.5 million investment round of convertible debt, led by financier Robert Wolf of 32 Ventures.

The funding is geared toward driving the success of Genius Brands’ original preschool property Rainbow Rangers, which is set to debut on Nick Jr. on November 5. The consumer products program will launch in late spring 2019. The funding round generated participation from both existing and new investors.

The CGI-animated series follows the rescue-based adventures of 9-year-old girls who live on the other side of the rainbow and serve as Earth’s first responders, protecting people, animals, resources and the natural beauty of our world. Concurrent with its broadcast debut, the NASDAQ invited Genius Brands International to host a Rainbow Rangers launch event from Times Square in New York City. The event will be live-streamed and key licensing partners will be present.

“Genius Brands is entering a powerful growth phase as a leader in the children’s entertainment space,” said Wolf. “They’re equipped with some of the most unique new entertainment brands for kids and have built a global distribution system that reaches children across their platform of choice. I’m thrilled to lead this investment round at this pivotal and dynamic period of expansion.”

“Our Rainbow Rangers property is poised to become a widely recognized and beloved kids’ brand—both on screen and on shelves, as we have the support of the number one rated kids’ network, Nickelodeon’s Nick Jr., and top licensors, like Mattel, ready to unleash product into the consumer market,” commented Andy Heyward, the chairman and CEO of Genius Brands. “We are thrilled that a top former banker and prominent executive such as Robert Wolf shares our enthusiasm for our company and one of our marquee properties, and chose to lead our latest funding round.”