In just a year after its launch, Islamic-themed streaming service Durioo+ has closed a seed funding of USD 2.85 million (RM12.5 million).
Among the investors are Y Combinator, Uncommon Capital, Gobi Partners, Lynett Capital, New Venture Order (NVO), and Innate Capital. Angel investors consisting of unicorn founders and employees of well-known companies from all over the world, such as Google, Meta, and IQIYI, also partook in the fundraising round.
Founded in February 2022, Durioo+ was conceived with the idea of providing a safe streaming platform specific to Muslim children. The aim is to produce, co-produce and license entertaining and fun content with good values, virtues, and/or Islamic teachings. As of today, they have more than 22,000 subscribers – both within and outside of the country – and have recorded an average of 39 percent month-over-month (MoM) growth within the past half a year.
Investments aside, Durioo+ has signed a total of 27 strategic partnerships with multiple partners encompassing corporates, government agencies, non-government organizations as well as small and medium-sized enterprises. Notably, the company’s partnership with Unifi TV. Unifi TV will be offering Durioo+ as part of their largest selection of streaming apps via Unifi Plus Box this Ramadan and Raya season. To kickstart this collaboration, all Unifi TV Packs customers can redeem free trials of Durioo+ starting 18 March 2022. Its collaboration with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) meanwhile, will enable Durioo+ to build and support the country’s digital creative ecosystem. Beyond that, its deals with well-known brands such as TV9, Little Caliph Kindergarten, Institut Jantung Negara and Persatuan Cinta Gaza Malaysia will also help to further strengthen its brand recognition amongst the public.
For content, Durioo+ has produced 20 original programmes since its establishment, ranging from entertaining animated cartoons to edutainment live-action content. They have also licensed more than 1,500 episodes from globally-renown shows, such as Baby Shark, Upin & Ipin, and more.
Durioo+ Founder, Sinan Ismail, who is alsothecreator of billion-view cartoons Omar & Hana and Didi & Friends, said “We’ve had a great year for the platform from all points of business. We are glad that the investors believe in our vision and want to work together with Durioo+ to create this safe digital environment for the children. This is just the start and we are really looking forward to reaching the hundred millions of Muslim children all around the world.”
MDEC Chief Executive Officer, Ts Mahadhir Aziz, said, “MDEC is proud to have supported this innovative platform from the beginning. With its focus on connecting Malaysian entrepreneurs and businesses with investors and markets, Durioo+ plays a crucial role in driving the growth of our digital economy and ecosystem. We congratulate Durioo+ on this important milestone and look forward to continuing our partnership to empower even more Malaysian businesses to succeed.”
In the next five years, Durioo+ plans to amass a broader viewership base in places such as the United States, the United Kingdom, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Indonesia, Europe and other South Asian countries. The platform also aims to enter the global market by creating more content and launching Durioo Games through collaborations with other local and foreign animation studios, production houses, and game companies.
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