LA animated franchise company Visional Pop launches, acquires India’s YoBoHo

Benjamin Grubbs (left) and Hitendra Merchant

Visional Pop, an entertainment company focused on developing animated IP franchises with online creators, has launched in LA and acquired Mumbai-based kids entertainment firm YoBoHo.

The new company aims to cultivate fan communities around its stable of managed IP and drive monetisation primarily through consumer products. It is being led by director Benjamin Grubbs, a former YouTube and Turner Broadcasting exec who was part of the team that launched YouTube Kids and exec produced several of its original series.

Visional Pop properties

YoBoHo was founded in 2009 and owns and operates over 150 YouTube channels with a monthly reach of more than 200 million unique viewers worldwide.

Visional Pop plans to invest in creator partnerships, original IP development and fan engagement across digital and physical touchpoints, with a focus on building long-term franchise value. The company intends to announce its first slate of investments and creator partnerships in the coming months.

Grubbs said: “Our vision is to build animated franchises that start with creators and grow into beloved global brands. With YoBoHo’s reach and capabilities, we are uniquely positioned to accelerate this mission from day one.”

Hitendra Merchant, founder and CEO of YoBoHo, said: “Joining forces with Visional Pop is an exciting new chapter for YoBoHo. We’ve spent over 15 years building a trusted network of content for kids and families. This partnership opens up incredible opportunities to develop new animated IP, expand into global markets and deliver more value to our audience and partners.”