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Canva acquires startups working on animation and marketing | TechCrunch

Canva acquires startups working on animation and marketing | TechCrunch

On Monday, creative suite maker Canva announced the dual acquisition of startups Cavalry, which works on animation, and Mango AI, which works on improving ad performance.

UK-based Cavalry works on 2D motion animation for different verticals such as advertising, marketing, gaming, and generative art. Canva said that Cavalry’s tooling will add to the existing capabilities of Affinity, Canva’s professional creative editing suite for photos, vectors, and layouts, which it acquired in 2024

Canva revamped Affinity’s design last year and made it free for all users. The company said that since then, people have downloaded the software over five million times. Affinity has the capabilities of photos, vector, and layout editing. With this acquisition, Canva wants to add motion editing to its suite.

“By bringing Cavalry alongside Affinity, we’re closing that [motion editing] gap and unlocking a complete professional suite spanning photo, vector, layout, and now motion editing,” the company said in a blog post. “Together, these tools form the foundation of a full-stack Creative OS for professional work, while preserving the depth and control professional creatives rely on,” it added.

Besides Cavalry, Canva has also acquired stealth startup MangoAI, which was working on building reinforcement learning systems to improve video ad performance, according to its website. Canva said that the startup’s first product helped clients create and launch ads and observe outcomes to improve future campaigns.

MangoAI was built by Nirmal Govind, former Vice President of Data Science & Engineering at Netflix, and Vinith Misra, a former data scientist at Netflix and Roblox. Canva said that Govind will become Canva’s first ” Chief Algorithms Officer” and Misra will work on improving Canva’s marketing products.

In January 2025, Canva acquired marketing intelligence startup Magicbrief and later last year, it launched a growth tool called Canva Grow for asset creation and performance measurement.

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MangoAI Co-Founders Nirmal Govind (left) and Vinith Misra (right) together with Canva Co-Founder and COO, Cliff Obrecht (centre).Image Credits: Canva

During a sit-down at Web Summit Qatar earlier this month, Canva co-founder and COO Cliff Obrecht told TechCrunch that Canva Grow is doing “incredibly well,” especially when it comes to creating static content and publishing it to Meta platforms.

“It is quite an early product, but we’ll soon be launching a lot more things around video creation, deploying across multi platform,” Obrecht had said. “So it’s very early, but it’s very much got a very loyal small user base, but a lot of big brands are spending money, and then we’re scaling up massively.”

With the new acquisitions, the company wants to bolster its position as a marketing solution by potentially adding video creation and more granular measurement. Canva closed 2025 at $4 billion in annualized revenue with more than 265 million users and 31 million paid users.

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Our new favorite show, Widow’s Bay, was chock full of references and homages, and more than once we thought we spotted some Dark Shadows hat tips throughout the first season. We don’t know if the cursed island helped make it happen, but cult-beloved Gothic soap opera Dark Shadows will soon launch another comeback—this time, in animated form.

We say “another” because the show, created by horror legend Dan Curtis (The Night Stalker, Trilogy of Terror, Burnt Offerings), has been revived a few times since its original run, which spanned 1966 to 1971 on ABC and also included two feature films. There was a short-lived TV remake in 1991 and Tim Burton’s unfortunate 2012 big-screen adaptation.

But this new take is something entirely new: an adult animated series, coming from Warner Bros. Animation and just announced at the 2026 Annecy International Animation Film Festival. A press release from Warner Bros. notes the show is “currently in development” and specifically mentions the importance of the show’s main character, Barnabas Collins—played so memorably on the original show by the late Jonathan Frid—as “TV’s original anti-hero and the father of the modern-day vampire.”

While there’s not yet a network or streaming home for this new Dark Shadows, the release does note that part of the inspiration here is that the original series is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Lisa Holdsworth is aboard as showrunner and executive producer, and the show is described as an “adult animated series continuing the saga of the Collins family. Blending gothic, horror, and supernatural genres, this coming adaptation promises all the dark twists and romantic intrigue that defined the transformational series across its 1,200-plus episode run.”

Are you ready to return to Collinsport for more vampires, witches, werewolves, spooky music boxes, curses, possessions, body swaps, and maybe even some time travel? And who would you cast as the voice of Barnabas Collins?

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#Gothic #Soap #Dark #Shadows #Rising #Againin #AnimationDark Shadows,Warner Bros. Animation">Gothic Soap ‘Dark Shadows’ Is Rising Again—in Animation
                Our new favorite show, Widow’s Bay, was chock full of references and homages, and more than once we thought we spotted some Dark Shadows hat tips throughout the first season. We don’t know if the cursed island helped make it happen, but cult-beloved Gothic soap opera Dark Shadows will soon launch another comeback—this time, in animated form. We say “another” because the show, created by horror legend Dan Curtis (The Night Stalker, Trilogy of Terror, Burnt Offerings), has been revived a few times since its original run, which spanned 1966 to 1971 on ABC and also included two feature films. There was a short-lived TV remake in 1991 and Tim Burton’s unfortunate 2012 big-screen adaptation. But this new take is something entirely new: an adult animated series, coming from Warner Bros. Animation and just announced at the 2026 Annecy International Animation Film Festival. A press release from Warner Bros. notes the show is “currently in development” and specifically mentions the importance of the show’s main character, Barnabas Collins—played so memorably on the original show by the late Jonathan Frid—as “TV’s original anti-hero and the father of the modern-day vampire.”

 While there’s not yet a network or streaming home for this new Dark Shadows, the release does note that part of the inspiration here is that the original series is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Lisa Holdsworth is aboard as showrunner and executive producer, and the show is described as an “adult animated series continuing the saga of the Collins family. Blending gothic, horror, and supernatural genres, this coming adaptation promises all the dark twists and romantic intrigue that defined the transformational series across its 1,200-plus episode run.”

 Are you ready to return to Collinsport for more vampires, witches, werewolves, spooky music boxes, curses, possessions, body swaps, and maybe even some time travel? And who would you cast as the voice of Barnabas Collins?  Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.      #Gothic #Soap #Dark #Shadows #Rising #Againin #AnimationDark Shadows,Warner Bros. Animation

chock full of references and homages, and more than once we thought we spotted some Dark Shadows hat tips throughout the first season. We don’t know if the cursed island helped make it happen, but cult-beloved Gothic soap opera Dark Shadows will soon launch another comeback—this time, in animated form.

We say “another” because the show, created by horror legend Dan Curtis (The Night Stalker, Trilogy of Terror, Burnt Offerings), has been revived a few times since its original run, which spanned 1966 to 1971 on ABC and also included two feature films. There was a short-lived TV remake in 1991 and Tim Burton’s unfortunate 2012 big-screen adaptation.

But this new take is something entirely new: an adult animated series, coming from Warner Bros. Animation and just announced at the 2026 Annecy International Animation Film Festival. A press release from Warner Bros. notes the show is “currently in development” and specifically mentions the importance of the show’s main character, Barnabas Collins—played so memorably on the original show by the late Jonathan Frid—as “TV’s original anti-hero and the father of the modern-day vampire.”

While there’s not yet a network or streaming home for this new Dark Shadows, the release does note that part of the inspiration here is that the original series is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Lisa Holdsworth is aboard as showrunner and executive producer, and the show is described as an “adult animated series continuing the saga of the Collins family. Blending gothic, horror, and supernatural genres, this coming adaptation promises all the dark twists and romantic intrigue that defined the transformational series across its 1,200-plus episode run.”

Are you ready to return to Collinsport for more vampires, witches, werewolves, spooky music boxes, curses, possessions, body swaps, and maybe even some time travel? And who would you cast as the voice of Barnabas Collins?

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#Gothic #Soap #Dark #Shadows #Rising #Againin #AnimationDark Shadows,Warner Bros. Animation">Gothic Soap ‘Dark Shadows’ Is Rising Again—in AnimationGothic Soap ‘Dark Shadows’ Is Rising Again—in Animation
                Our new favorite show, Widow’s Bay, was chock full of references and homages, and more than once we thought we spotted some Dark Shadows hat tips throughout the first season. We don’t know if the cursed island helped make it happen, but cult-beloved Gothic soap opera Dark Shadows will soon launch another comeback—this time, in animated form. We say “another” because the show, created by horror legend Dan Curtis (The Night Stalker, Trilogy of Terror, Burnt Offerings), has been revived a few times since its original run, which spanned 1966 to 1971 on ABC and also included two feature films. There was a short-lived TV remake in 1991 and Tim Burton’s unfortunate 2012 big-screen adaptation. But this new take is something entirely new: an adult animated series, coming from Warner Bros. Animation and just announced at the 2026 Annecy International Animation Film Festival. A press release from Warner Bros. notes the show is “currently in development” and specifically mentions the importance of the show’s main character, Barnabas Collins—played so memorably on the original show by the late Jonathan Frid—as “TV’s original anti-hero and the father of the modern-day vampire.”

 While there’s not yet a network or streaming home for this new Dark Shadows, the release does note that part of the inspiration here is that the original series is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Lisa Holdsworth is aboard as showrunner and executive producer, and the show is described as an “adult animated series continuing the saga of the Collins family. Blending gothic, horror, and supernatural genres, this coming adaptation promises all the dark twists and romantic intrigue that defined the transformational series across its 1,200-plus episode run.”

 Are you ready to return to Collinsport for more vampires, witches, werewolves, spooky music boxes, curses, possessions, body swaps, and maybe even some time travel? And who would you cast as the voice of Barnabas Collins?  Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.      #Gothic #Soap #Dark #Shadows #Rising #Againin #AnimationDark Shadows,Warner Bros. Animation

Our new favorite show, Widow’s Bay, was chock full of references and homages, and more than once we thought we spotted some Dark Shadows hat tips throughout the first season. We don’t know if the cursed island helped make it happen, but cult-beloved Gothic soap opera Dark Shadows will soon launch another comeback—this time, in animated form.

We say “another” because the show, created by horror legend Dan Curtis (The Night Stalker, Trilogy of Terror, Burnt Offerings), has been revived a few times since its original run, which spanned 1966 to 1971 on ABC and also included two feature films. There was a short-lived TV remake in 1991 and Tim Burton’s unfortunate 2012 big-screen adaptation.

But this new take is something entirely new: an adult animated series, coming from Warner Bros. Animation and just announced at the 2026 Annecy International Animation Film Festival. A press release from Warner Bros. notes the show is “currently in development” and specifically mentions the importance of the show’s main character, Barnabas Collins—played so memorably on the original show by the late Jonathan Frid—as “TV’s original anti-hero and the father of the modern-day vampire.”

While there’s not yet a network or streaming home for this new Dark Shadows, the release does note that part of the inspiration here is that the original series is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Lisa Holdsworth is aboard as showrunner and executive producer, and the show is described as an “adult animated series continuing the saga of the Collins family. Blending gothic, horror, and supernatural genres, this coming adaptation promises all the dark twists and romantic intrigue that defined the transformational series across its 1,200-plus episode run.”

Are you ready to return to Collinsport for more vampires, witches, werewolves, spooky music boxes, curses, possessions, body swaps, and maybe even some time travel? And who would you cast as the voice of Barnabas Collins?

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#Gothic #Soap #Dark #Shadows #Rising #Againin #AnimationDark Shadows,Warner Bros. Animation

With the summer vacations coming up quickly, taking advantage of Prime Day board game deals could be a very smart move. The WIRED Reviews team has a gaggle of kids of all ages between us, and most of us are still big kids at heart, so we’ve tried a lot of board games over the years.

Many of the best family board games are on sale for Prime Day, and I have handpicked a selection of WIRED-tested and approved board games right here. You should also check out our roundup of the Absolute Best Prime Day Deals, Best Lego and Toy Deals, and Best Deals Under $30, or dip into our Amazon Prime Day live blog for real-time updates.

Updated 9 am ET Friday, June 26: I’ve added deals on Ticket to Ride, The Chameleon, Mysterium, and Poetry for Neanderthals, removed some discontinued deals, and updated prices.

Steam train themed board game box on wooden surface

A firm WIRED favorite, Ticket to Ride features steam engine styling and rules that are easy to grasp. All you must do is claim railway routes across the US and Canada using your colorful plastic rail cars. Spend cards to claim routes, rack up bonus points for connecting specific destinations, and the person with the highest score at the end wins. All aboard, choo, choo!

Board game contents scattered on wood table. Left: Pamphlet. Back: Box with stack of answer sheets, pen, and dice. Right: Unused answer sheets.
#Board #Game #Deals #Prime #DayIve #Played #Familyshopping,deals,board games,amazon prime day,amazon prime day deals">The 12 Best Board Game Deals of Prime Day—I’ve Played Them All With My FamilyWith the summer vacations coming up quickly, taking advantage of Prime Day board game deals could be a very smart move. The WIRED Reviews team has a gaggle of kids of all ages between us, and most of us are still big kids at heart, so we’ve tried a lot of board games over the years.Many of the best family board games are on sale for Prime Day, and I have handpicked a selection of WIRED-tested and approved board games right here. You should also check out our roundup of the Absolute Best Prime Day Deals, Best Lego and Toy Deals, and Best Deals Under , or dip into our Amazon Prime Day live blog for real-time updates.Updated 9 am ET Friday, June 26: I’ve added deals on Ticket to Ride, The Chameleon, Mysterium, and Poetry for Neanderthals, removed some discontinued deals, and updated prices.A firm WIRED favorite, Ticket to Ride features steam engine styling and rules that are easy to grasp. All you must do is claim railway routes across the US and Canada using your colorful plastic rail cars. Spend cards to claim routes, rack up bonus points for connecting specific destinations, and the person with the highest score at the end wins. All aboard, choo, choo!#Board #Game #Deals #Prime #DayIve #Played #Familyshopping,deals,board games,amazon prime day,amazon prime day deals

best family board games are on sale for Prime Day, and I have handpicked a selection of WIRED-tested and approved board games right here. You should also check out our roundup of the Absolute Best Prime Day Deals, Best Lego and Toy Deals, and Best Deals Under $30, or dip into our Amazon Prime Day live blog for real-time updates.

Updated 9 am ET Friday, June 26: I’ve added deals on Ticket to Ride, The Chameleon, Mysterium, and Poetry for Neanderthals, removed some discontinued deals, and updated prices.

Steam train themed board game box on wooden surface

A firm WIRED favorite, Ticket to Ride features steam engine styling and rules that are easy to grasp. All you must do is claim railway routes across the US and Canada using your colorful plastic rail cars. Spend cards to claim routes, rack up bonus points for connecting specific destinations, and the person with the highest score at the end wins. All aboard, choo, choo!

Board game contents scattered on wood table. Left: Pamphlet. Back: Box with stack of answer sheets, pen, and dice. Right: Unused answer sheets.

#Board #Game #Deals #Prime #DayIve #Played #Familyshopping,deals,board games,amazon prime day,amazon prime day deals">The 12 Best Board Game Deals of Prime Day—I’ve Played Them All With My Family

With the summer vacations coming up quickly, taking advantage of Prime Day board game deals could be a very smart move. The WIRED Reviews team has a gaggle of kids of all ages between us, and most of us are still big kids at heart, so we’ve tried a lot of board games over the years.

Many of the best family board games are on sale for Prime Day, and I have handpicked a selection of WIRED-tested and approved board games right here. You should also check out our roundup of the Absolute Best Prime Day Deals, Best Lego and Toy Deals, and Best Deals Under $30, or dip into our Amazon Prime Day live blog for real-time updates.

Updated 9 am ET Friday, June 26: I’ve added deals on Ticket to Ride, The Chameleon, Mysterium, and Poetry for Neanderthals, removed some discontinued deals, and updated prices.

Steam train themed board game box on wooden surface

A firm WIRED favorite, Ticket to Ride features steam engine styling and rules that are easy to grasp. All you must do is claim railway routes across the US and Canada using your colorful plastic rail cars. Spend cards to claim routes, rack up bonus points for connecting specific destinations, and the person with the highest score at the end wins. All aboard, choo, choo!

Board game contents scattered on wood table. Left: Pamphlet. Back: Box with stack of answer sheets, pen, and dice. Right: Unused answer sheets.
#Board #Game #Deals #Prime #DayIve #Played #Familyshopping,deals,board games,amazon prime day,amazon prime day deals

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