Image Credits:k-ID
Startups

k-ID wins $45M to help game devs speedrun the child safety compliance puzzle

For an indie developer building a game on their own, compliance with regulations is likely the last thing on their list of priorities — they first have to finish writing the code, designing the mechanics and running endless rounds of tests to make sure the game is actually fun to play. But compliance is often not a choice, especially when it comes to child safety, and that’s a task that gets harder every year as regulations evolve fast and frequently around the world.

A startup called k-ID wants to smoothen that compliance journey, and it has now raised $45 million in a Series A round to build out its platform that makes it easy for game devs to comply with child safety and data privacy regulations.

Andreessen Horowitz, an existing investor in the startup, and Lightspeed Venture Partners led the funding round. Okta, Z Venture Capital (owned by Z Holdings, a JV between SoftBank and Naver), and existing backers Konvoy Ventures and TIRTA Ventures also participated in the round. The round brings the company’s total money raised to $51 million.

“The challenge that our technology solves — what can you do with a child once they arrive in an online world — is today solved by lawyers and engineers manually,” k-ID’s CEO and co-founder, Kieran Donovan, told TechCrunch. Donovan previously worked as a partner at law firm Latham & Watkins, where he advised tech and gaming companies for over a decade. “A huge part of that over the last few years has been supporting game publishers to build youth experience and family tools that navigate the regulatory complexity.”

The fundraise comes at a critical time for the gaming industry — as more young people play games that connect to the internet, developers and publishers are increasingly catering to a global audience, which means they have to spend a lot of time and effort making sure their game doesn’t run afoul of regional laws.

k-ID lets game developers and publishers access its solution via APIs or, if they’re on mobile, an SDK (software development kit). Its product essentially connects to the game and helps developers quickly customize it to meet the compliance requirements of each market.

Donovan said k-ID’s software offers single sign-on for kids, and offers a way for a child’s guardian to scan a QR code and unlock features within a game that may require parental approval. It can also automatically customize which facets of a game a child can access — in line with local regulations and cultural nuances. “For parents, it’s one unified console to manage and engage with all of their child’s gaming,” Donovan said. There’s also an option that lets guardians approve or deny access to any AI content or tools that a child may come across within a game.

Techcrunch event

Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.

Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.

San Francisco | October 27-29, 2025

In addition to the Series A, k-ID also said it had partnered with ESRB for its Privacy Certified program, which will give the startup’s customers a way to obtain the ESRB Privacy Certified Kids Seal.

“Today, there’s probably no space more complex than the regulation that applies to kids and teens online. Whether it’s chat, algorithms, content, loot boxes or even the definition of a child (which can be as young as under seven or as old as under 21, depending on the country), there’s so much to navigate,” Donovan said.

Topics

, , , , , , , , ,
Keep reading
techcrunch early stage 2024
Image Credits:Slava Blazer Photography
Startups

Get inside Disrupt: Volunteer at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 lands in San Francisco this October, and if you’re eager to break into the tech world, here’s your chance to be in the room where it all happens. We’re looking for curious, driven volunteers to join our team at Moscone West from October 27–29, and help power one of the most iconic startup events in the world.

There’s no better way to experience Disrupt and learn from the best

You’ll do more than just lend a hand. As a volunteer, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the production of a high-energy tech event packed with big names, breakout startups, and some of the sharpest minds in AI, VC, and beyond. And yes — you’ll also earn your own free General Admission pass (worth up to $1,500) to attend the full conference.

What you’ll do

From keeping check-in lines moving to helping founders find their booth space, you’ll support the event in all the ways that make it run smoothly — and keep the energy high. Volunteer tasks may include:

  • Assisting with registration.
  • Crowd and line management.
  • Directional and customer support.
  • Helping with expo setup.
  • General event logistics and support.

What you’ll get

✅ Full access to Disrupt

After completing your volunteer shift, enjoy three days of full conference access, including sessions, networking, and startup showcases.

✅ Real-world experience

See firsthand how top-tier tech events come together, and connect with professionals across the startup and VC world.

Techcrunch event

Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.

Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.

San Francisco | October 27-29, 2025

✅ Massive networking potential

Meet 10,000+ startup and VC leaders, join Braindate sessions, and plug into hundreds of side events happening around the city.

What we need from you

  • A minimum of 10 hours of volunteer time during the event
  • Attendance at a mandatory orientation on Sunday, October 26, at Moscone West
  • Age 18+
  • San Francisco/Bay Area locals preferred (but not required)

Ready to volunteer?

We’re now accepting volunteer applications for TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. Get involved, get inspired, and get your foot in the door — apply to volunteer at Disrupt today.

Topics

, , , , , , ,
Keep reading
Nara Organics founder and CEO Esther Hallam
Image Credits:Nara Organics
Startups

Fed up with brands that use corn syrup and skim milk, this mother developed her own ‘clean’ baby formula

When Esther Hallam welcomed her daughter, Nara, into the world, she faced the challenge of searching for trustworthy brands that offered high-quality organic infant formula in the U.S. 

Despite being available for nearly 160 years, the quality of infant formula options in the U.S. is still lacking, she believes. Many manufacturers opt for skim milk to cut costs, which allows them to add oils to meet nutritional requirements. Several formulas contain palm oil, soy, and corn syrup, which aren’t recommended for infants due to their potential health risks.

For instance, research has linked corn syrup to an increased risk of obesity, while palm oil has been shown to decrease calcium and fat absorption.

“I became fixated by the fact that there wasn’t a good, organic infant formula that I trusted, that I wanted to feed my daughter in the United States, which is a first-world country,” Hallam told TechCrunch. 

For the past seven years, Hallam has been developing her own organic, whole-milk infant formula from scratch, with the help of scientists and pediatric nutritionists. 

Today marks the official launch of Nara Organics, which meets both European and U.S. safety standards, and is FDA-registered and USDA-certified. Most importantly, the formula is free from palm oil, soy, corn syrup, maltodextrin, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), providing a clean option for conscientious parents looking to nourish their babies with the best possible ingredients.

Nara Organics claims to have the highest percentage of milk fat of any formula sold in the U.S. It also has the lowest percentage of plant-based oils, as the use of whole milk means that less oil is needed to achieve the correct fat content. The ingredient list on the package includes an “organic vegetable oil blend” made up of organic sunflower, coconut, and rapeseed oils, which provide essential fatty acids that support healthy development.

Techcrunch event

Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.

Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.

San Francisco | October 27-29, 2025
Image Credits:Nara Organics

While there are several brands with organic formulas, such as Bobbie and ByHeart, these products are manufactured in the U.S.

In contrast, Nara Organics chose not to produce its formula in American facilities, potentially due to previous issues with Cronobacter contamination, a germ that can survive in dry foods. In recent years, there have been several recalls of baby formula linked to outbreaks of Cronobacter.

This is why the company prefers to manufacture its formula in Germany, which just so happens to be the birthplace of powdered infant formula. 

Chief marketing officer Meika Hollender explained to TechCrunch that the company’s manufacturing partner utilizes technology “that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world.”

“A critical piece of infant formula, in terms of its shelf life, is how much oxygen gets into the can while you’re sealing it. So if you go to facilities in the U.S., they’re open. When you’re filling, canning, and sealing the can, they’re just sort of out in the open air of the facility. And at our facility, the cans actually go into this chamber that has no oxygen in them,” Hollender said.

Nara has secured a total of $32 million from AlleyCorp, BBG Ventures, Corazon Ventures, Gingerbread Capital, and Torch Capital. Additionally, the company has attracted attention from high-profile celebrity investors, including tennis superstar Serena Williams, “Jane the Virgin” actress Gina Rodriguez, and the creators of “Nobody Wants This,” Erin and Sara Foster, among others. 

Nicky Hilton, fashion designer and philanthropist, is also an investor and advisor.   

“I breastfed all of my three children, but they also all had formula,” Hilton told us. “Every baby and parent is different, and not all mothers are able to breastfeed due to medical, physical, or personal reasons. I think there’s so much judgment and unnecessary pressure about breastfeeding… It’s really exciting to be a part of an innovative brand that is disrupting the baby formula market.”

With this support, Nara Organics could position itself as a key player in the organic formula market, which was valued at approximately $20.7 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $37 billion by 2032.

Image Credits:Nara Organics

The formula is now available for purchase on the company’s website. Customers can choose the starter bundle for $36, which includes two cans. Alternatively, they can sign up for a subscription that delivers either four or six cans every four weeks, priced at $136 or $243, respectively. Each can makes about 25 four-ounce bottles.

It also can be purchased through the company’s free mobile app, which Hallam launched in 2018. The app is designed to assist users in tracking essential aspects of infant care, including monitoring baby feeding times, keeping a log of wet and soiled diapers, and tracking tummy time exercises.

As part of its launch, the company is donating over 1,400 cans of infant formula to the Good+Foundation, a nonprofit organization working to end multi-generational poverty by supplying essential items and services to under-resourced parents and caregivers.

Topics

, , ,
Loading the next article
Some areas of this page may shift around if you resize the browser window. Be sure to check heading and document order.