Islamic-themed streaming startup Durioo+ raises $2.85m in seed funding

Durioo+, Malaysia’s Islamic-themed streaming service provider, has announced raising $2.85 million in seed funding.

The additional capital will allow Durioo+ to pursue its plan to amass a broader viewership base in the US, United Kingdom, Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Indonesia, Europe and other South Asian countries in the next five years, according to the announcement.

Durioo+ targets to enter the global market by creating more content and by launching Durioo Games in collaborations with other local and foreign animation studios, production houses, and game companies.

The platform aims to hit 100,000 subscribers by the end of 2023 and 1 million subscribers by 2026.

Its seed funding round received support from Y Combinator, Uncommon Capital, Gobi Partners, Lynett Capital, New Venture Order (NVO), and Innate Capital. Angel investors that consisted of unicorn founders and employees of well-known companies coming from all over the world like Google, Meta, and IQIYI, also joined the fundraising.

“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,” said Durioo+ Founder, Sinan Ismail, who is also the creator of billion-view cartoons Omar & Hana and Didi & Friends.

Durioo+ was conceived in February 2022 with the vision of providing a safe streaming platform specific to Muslim children around the world. It aims to produce, co-produce and license entertaining and fun content that promotes Islamic teachings.

At present, the platform has over 22,000 subscribers coming from within and outside the country. It has also recorded an average of 39 percent month-over-month (MoM) growth since its creation.

So far, Durioo+ has signed a total of 27 strategic partnerships with multiple partners encompassing corporates, government agencies, non-government organizations and small and medium-sized enterprises. One of its most remarkable partnership is with Unifi TV.

Unifi TV is set to include Durioo+ in their offerings of streaming apps via Unifi Plus Box this Ramadan and Raya season. And to kickstart this partnership, all of the Unifi TV Packs customers were made to avail of free trials of Durioo+ starting on March 18, 2022.

Meanwhile, their collaboration with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) will enable Durioo+ to build and support the country’s digital creative ecosystem.

Its deals with well-known brands like TV9, Little Caliph Kindergarten, Institut Jantung Negara and Persatuan Cinta Gaza Malaysia is also seen to further strengthen its brand recognition.

For content, Durioo+ has so far produced 20 original programmes, ranging from entertaining animated cartoons to edutainment live-action content.

They have also licensed over 1,500 episodes from globally-renown shows, such as Baby Shark, Upin & Ipin, and more.

MDEC Chief Executive Officer Ts Mahadhir Aziz said their company is proud of its decision to support Durioo+ since its inception.

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, he said.