Miko, an AI and robotics startup in Mumbai, just got a fresh $10.5 million in funding from iHeartMedia, the US audio and media company.This investment not only helps Miko financially but also kicks off a plan to bring iHeartMedia’s audio content to Miko’s AI robots. It’s a big deal for India’s direct-to-consumer scene, mixing tech, media, and customer interaction for growth. The idea is to improve user experiences by adding family-friendly audio to Miko’s products, making them better for learning and fun for kids and families across the globe.
Miko, started in 2015 by Sneh Vaswani, Prashant Iyengar, and Chintan Raikar, is a successful AI-based D2C startup in India. They make robots that use AI, IoT, and robotics to connect with and teach kids. Their main products, Miko 3 and Miko Mini, are a mix of smart design and tech, using both direct sales and subscriptions—a key part of growing D2C businesses in India.
The startup previously raised \$15.8 million in Series D funding from IvyCap Ventures Advisors and others, making it a VC-backed D2C brand to watch in India’s tech market. With the new money from iHeartMedia, Miko wants to grow its D2C plans, make its products more available, and grow its global reach in places like the US, Europe, and the Middle East. They recently started selling in Costco in North America, which is a big step in their plan to combine online growth with offline trust.
Sneh Vaswani, Co-founder and CEO of Miko, said that working with iHeart is a turning point in making AI companions a part of family life. The deal will let Miko devices use iHeartMedia’s content, making educational and fun experiences. David Ellis, Senior Vice President of Ventures at iHeartMedia, said that Miko is an AI robotics brand with its own tech that can change how technology fits into family life, from learning to entertainment.
This funding shows how India’s D2C industry is growing past regular consumer goods into tech areas like AI, robotics, and smart learning devices. Miko’s story shows the rise of high-end D2C brands from India that focus on both consumers and tech innovation, changing how people use smart devices.
As India’s D2C market goes global, Miko’s story shows that investors are trusting D2C business models, AI consumer brands, and global work that combines content, community, and sales. With this deal and funding, Miko is ready to become a bigger D2C electronics brand in India, setting a standard for direct-to-consumer innovation worldwide.
