97. Karisma Kidz

Founders: Erika Brodnock, Richard Adrian-Smith, Dr Amanda Gummer, Marylen Alatriste and Ruth Anderson-Davis
Founded: April 2012 (launched Jan 2013)
Website: www.karismakidz.co.uk

Although the idea of educational tools and ‘learning through play’ for young children is a well-established one, Karisma Kidz is unique in that it focuses on an aspect of development often overlooked in the growth of a child; emotional intelligence. One in 10 children below the age of 10 are diagnosed with a mental health disorder, and a quarter experience depression at some point. Karisma Kidz’s range of branded superheroes aims to address this by teaching children positive thinking techniques in an easy-to-understand way. A finalist for the Adversity Award at the Startups Awards 2012, the company has recently agreed a deal to have its games preloaded onto a well-known family friendly tablet device, and has licensing deals in place to sell its products across the UK over the next year.