Ubooly

Ubooly, founded in 2011 by the husband-and-wife team Carly Gloge and Isaac Squires, emerged from the Boulder, Colorado, startup scene as a notable entry in the interactive toy market. The co-founders, who had prior experience developing mobile games, identified a gap in the market for toys that integrated modern technology in an engaging way. This led them to develop a plush toy that uniquely leverages the capabilities of a smartphone or iPod touch, which is placed inside the stuffed animal to become its face and brain. The initial concept was validated and funded through a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2012, which raised over $28,000 and demonstrated early market demand.

The company's core product is a soft, durable stuffed animal designed to hold an iOS or Android device, transforming it into an interactive companion for children aged 4 to 8. The Ubooly app utilizes the device's accelerometer, GPS, and voice recognition to create a responsive and educational experience. It engages children with stories, games, jokes, and activities designed to encourage imaginative and active play. The business model centered on the initial sale of the plush toy, with a starting price of $29.99, supplemented by in-app purchases of additional content packs, such as lessons in math, languages, and other educational subjects. A key feature was the ability to deliver new content and updates monthly over Wi-Fi, allowing the toy's personality and activities to evolve and maintain a child's interest over time.

Ubooly's journey included participation in the Techstars accelerator in 2012 and later the Disney Accelerator program in 2014. Over its lifespan as an independent entity, the company raised a total of $2.83 million in funding. In October 2014, the company, then operating as Smart Toy, was acquired by Cartwheel Kids, a children's product manufacturer. This acquisition was intended to combine Ubooly's software and interactive technology expertise with Cartwheel Kids' established distribution network and licensing rights for popular children's brands.

Keywords: interactive toy, smart toy, educational toy, children's technology, plush toy, mobile app, voice recognition, Kickstarter, Techstars, Disney Accelerator, edtech, kids app, Carly Gloge, Isaac Squires, smart stuffed animal, children's entertainment, learning games, app-enabled toy, iOS toy, Android toy, Cartwheel Kids acquisition