With its wireless headphones, Kekz aims to revolutionize the way preschoolers consume their favorite audio content at home and on the go. the Munich startup developed an entertainment device that requires no download, no screen, and no external audio source. Using a plug-and-play mechanism, audio chips are attached to the outside of the headphones via magnets to start playback of the audio content. This allows children between the ages of three and six to independently control which radio plays, music, and audiobooks they listen to.
The company was founded in 2020 by Carl Taylor and Adin Mumma. That same year, the two founders also convinced Peter Maffay to invest in their startup. The devices – called Kekzhörer – also won the "German Design Award 2021" and "iF Design Award 2021" last year.
“Kekz solves a problem that probably every family knows,
"Kekz solves a problem that probably every family traveling with children is familiar with. The idea of a distraction-free entertainment option that almost recalls analog times immediately excited us. I'm very much looking forward to working with Carl and Adin,"
commented Peter Maffay his commitment in 2020.
Now the Horst Brandstätter Group (HBG) has secured a 25 percent stake in Kekz. With this investment—and all future investments—the group aims to develop new fields of activity with innovative business ideas. In this specific case, this involves two areas of corporate development: The task of the HBG "Inspiring Value Creation" business area is to create new business areas within the group and to invest in specific projects or new business ideas with partners outside the group. The "Inspiring Play Experience" business area develops a wide range of customized offerings to inspire children and adults through play and invite them to new experiences.
