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Ugobe, Inc.

Product Name

Pleo

Market Segment

Consumer hardware

Funding

Ugobe has successfully closed a venture led $2.5 million Series A round in the fourth quarter 2005. The company plans to raise a Series B $5 million round in the second quarter of 2006.

Competitors

Tech-toy competitors include: Wow Wee Ltd. (maker of the Robosapien), Sony (maker of the Aibo), Hasbro (maker of Furby).

Product Description

Ugobe develops and markets revolutionary robotic technology that transforms inanimate objects into lifelike creatures exhibiting stunning organic movement and realistic behaviors. Like Pixar, we blur technology into reality.

Market Opportunity

The Japan Robotics Association forecasts the worldwide robotics market (service and personal) to double in size over the next five years to nearly $13 billion. With the success of Furby and Robosapien at retail, the appetite for robotics is now obvious. Ugobe plans to capitalize on this opportunity and set new standards in robotics.

Demo Says

If you look at Pleo and see only a cute toy, you've missed the real innovation. By using breakthrough materials, an array of sensors, and programmed “intelligence,” Ugobe has created a unique animated form that challenges the relationship between human beings and non-living creatures. Pleo is destined to be the must-have toy of 2006.