Bengaluru-based children's technology startup Wippi has raised $1.2 million in a seed funding round led by 12 Flags. Warmup Ventures, Ventana Ventures and Ruvento Ventures also participated in the round.

The fresh capital will be used to develop its voice AI, expand engineering and AI teams, scale manufacturing in India and grow its direct-to-consumer business. Wippi will also expand its characters, languages and original content.

Founded by Rishabh Singhi and Siddhartha Jain, Wippi develops screen-free products that combine conversational voice AI, storytelling and interactive play for children. 

Its portfolio includes Character Cards, illustrated storybooks and Wippi Radio.

Wippi's voice AI enables children to interact with characters such as Ram, Krishna, Alice, Cinderella and Aladdin by asking questions, making choices and participating in stories. The company said its products are designed for children aged four years and above.

The startup plans to reach 15,000 families over the next 12 months and expand into global markets. It is also working on collectible figurines and additional AI-powered conversational learning products.