99 Kids Holdings Co., a dual Canada–UAE entertainment company, announced it has closed a $5 million Series A funding round led by Exponential Ventures to reboot THE 99, the comic book and animated franchise that introduced Islam-inspired superheroes based on universal values when it first launched in 2006.
The relaunch will introduce THE 99 to a new generation through 52 remastered 4K episodes with enhanced audio. The series will debut free on YouTube and select broadcast partners in multiple languages, including English, Arabic, Indonesian, Urdu, and Hindi. The franchise, which has been recognized by Forbes, studied at Harvard Business School, and previously partnered with DC Comics in a Justice League crossover, returns with a strategy focused on free global distribution across more than 99 countries.
Originally launched in 2006, THE 99 reached more than 50 million viewers across over 60 countries, becoming one of the first Arab-originated children’s intellectual properties to achieve global distribution. The franchise included 47 comics, six DC Justice League of America crossover issues, 52 animated episodes, a theme park in Kuwait and global licensing deals. Operations were suspended in 2014 following political backlash and extremist threats.
Under its roadmap, 99 Kids Holdings plans to build a global fanbase among 6- to 12-year-olds through free content distribution. In 2026, the company plans to launch the remastered 52-episode series on YouTube and broadcast platforms, a Roblox game, new comics, and an animated special. From 2027 onward, expansion plans include a new original animated series featuring additional global characters, a graphic novel series, expanded gaming experiences, and potential live-action television and film adaptations.
The funding will support localization efforts, team expansion, broadcaster partnerships, and the development of AI-powered tools aimed at delivering personalized fan content. THE 99 represents Exponential Ventures’ first investment in media and entertainment, aligning with the firm’s focus on companies pursuing large-scale societal impact alongside financial returns.
99 Kids Holdings said it is also in discussions with additional strategic investors and partners across North America, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and Southeast Asia.
KEY QUOTES:
“The world faces an epidemic of intolerance. THE 99 provides an antidote: stories that teach kids tolerance, empathy, kindness and understanding at critical developmental stages. After years of conversations through YPO, Dr. Naif and I agree: not rebooting THE 99 would let intolerance win.”
James Drage, Partner, Exponential Ventures And Chairman, 99 Kids Holdings
“We proved superheroes can transcend faith, culture and geography using universal values. Now we’ll reintroduce this message to kids who will build bridges, not walls.”
Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa, Creator, THE 99
“THE 99 isn’t just entertainment—it’s a scalable solution for raising empathetic global citizens.”
Salim Ismail, Co-Founder, Exponential Ventures And Advisory Board Member, 99 Kids Holdings
