Fingerprint Digital raises $1.4m to make apps for children

Former LeapFrog exec targeting 'mobile social learning experience'.

US startup Fingerprint Digital has raised $1.4 million in funding for its plans to make learning and entertainment mobile apps for children. K2MediaLabs, THQ, Reed Elsevier Ventures and Suffolk Holdings all chipped in to the round.

The company was co-founded by Nancy MacIntyre, who was previously EVP of product and marketing at LeapFrog Enterprises - famous for its range of educational toys and gadgets.

Her new startup is planning to make apps for 3-8 year-olds, with every app including features for children to "share and communicate" with their parents, while also recommending new games based on their usage, and a dedicated virtual reward system.

"To succeed in this market, it's critical to offer applications that are educational and fun, provide a way for kids and parents to have a shared experience, and leverage this shared experience to create new revenue opportunities for game developers," says MacIntyre in a statement.

As that implies, Fingerprint is looking to work with independent mobile games developers: Fingerprint is as much a games platform as it is a publisher, so they'll be able to put its connected features into their own games.