Xilam Animation is poised for more growth after private investors buoyed a US$26-million (€22.33-million) funding increase for the French children’s and family entertainment company.

In recognition of strong demand, Xilam sold 446,500 new shares to private investors totaling US$26 million or 9% of the company’s overall share capital. The bump in capital will be used to expand Xilam in the post-2019/2020 period.

The funds are expected to boost the company’s children’s and family original content slate, which includes hit series Oggy and the Cockroaches (pictured), Zig & Sharko and Paprika, as well as provide more opportunities for new acquisitions and co-productions.

With the investment secured, Xilam CEO Marc du Pontavice retains 54% of the voting rights in the company.

The latest funding drive was led by du Pontavice and Xilam’s board of directors on June 26, 2018. Once the new shares are delivered and accepted for trading on Euronext Paris on June 29, 2018, Xilam’s overall share capital will comprise 4,911,500 shares.

Xilam also recently posted its highest-ever full-year revenue in 2017, at US$30.4 million. The results were driven by 42% and 80% revenue growth in new production and international sales, respectively. Xilam’s full-year revenue rose by 54% in 2017 versus 40% in 2016.

As for online growth, in the six-month period between November 2017 to April 2018, the company reported a 79% gain in viewership, a 126% increase in revenue and a 50% jump in subscribers for its YouTube channels compared to the same period a year earlier.