In the bustling world of educational technology, where screens dominate children’s learning experiences, an Italian startup is carving out a niche with a decidedly analog twist. Faba, founded in 2019, has just secured €4.5 million in fresh funding to fuel its expansion into Spain, emphasizing screen-free storytelling devices that blend physical toys with audio content. This round, led by CDP Venture Capital alongside Oltre Impact and Ad4Ventures (part of the Mediaset Group), marks a significant vote of confidence in Faba’s mission to promote imaginative play without digital distractions.

The company’s flagship product is a smart speaker-like device shaped like a friendly character, paired with collectible figurines that unlock stories, songs, and educational audio when placed on top. Aimed at children aged 0 to 6, it encourages language development, emotional intelligence, and creativity—areas increasingly under scrutiny as parents and educators grapple with the downsides of excessive screen time. According to recent reports, Faba’s approach aligns with growing parental concerns, with studies showing that screen-free alternatives can enhance focus and reduce overstimulation in young minds.

Funding Milestone and Strategic Backers: A Closer Look at the €4.5 Million Injection

This investment isn’t Faba’s first rodeo; the startup previously raised funds to establish its presence in Italy and dip toes into international waters. But the latest round, detailed in a January 2025 article from BeBeez, underscores a strategic pivot toward scaling operations. CDP Venture Capital, Italy’s state-backed investor, sees Faba as a bridge between traditional play and modern edtech, while Oltre Impact brings expertise in social-impact ventures. Ad4Ventures adds media muscle, potentially opening doors to content partnerships.

Insiders note that the funding comes at a pivotal time for Europe’s edtech sector, which has seen a surge in investments amid post-pandemic recovery. Faba’s model stands out by avoiding AI-heavy platforms, unlike competitors such as Germany’s Knowunity, which raised €27 million in June 2025 to expand its AI tutor, as reported by EU-Startups. Instead, Faba doubles down on tactile, audio-based learning, a bet that could pay off in markets wary of tech overload.

Expansion into Spain: Tapping into a Receptive Market for Screen-Free Edutainment

Spain represents a logical next step for Faba, building on its 2022 foray into Spanish and Portuguese-speaking markets, as highlighted in a report from Innovation Open Lab. Recent posts on X indicate growing buzz, with users praising Faba’s “cuentacuentos sin pantallas” (screen-free storyteller) as an educational alternative, evidenced by a July 31, 2025, post from Equipamiento para Centros Educativos noting its rise in Spain. The company plans to localize content, partnering with Spanish authors and voice actors to create culturally resonant stories.

This move taps into Spain’s vibrant edtech scene, home to over 1,100 companies including Lingokids and Kokoro Kids, per a March 2025 analysis from Tracxn. Yet Faba differentiates by focusing on pre-schoolers, a segment underserved by screen-dependent apps. Challenges loom, however—regulatory hurdles on child data privacy and competition from free digital alternatives could test its growth.

Broader Implications for Edtech Innovation: Italy’s Rising Role and Future Prospects

Italy’s edtech ecosystem, often overshadowed by northern European hubs, is gaining traction. A 2022 Dealroom blog described it as a “sleeping giant,” and recent developments like Zanichelli Editore’s €60 million initiative in June 2025, covered by EU-Startups, signal momentum. Faba’s success could inspire more hybrid models blending physical and digital elements.

Looking ahead, executives at Faba eye Latin America post-Spain, leveraging linguistic ties. With the new funds, product enhancements like multilingual audio libraries are in the works, potentially positioning Faba as a global leader in mindful edtech. As one investor told EU-Startups in an August 2025 feature, “This is about reimagining childhood without screens— and the market is ready.” If executed well, Faba might just rewrite the narrative on how kids learn through play.