Toys with a special touch that will last for years

Founded in Latvia, KateHaa manufactures functional and sustainable developmental toys that are durable, made of natural materials with a compelling and well-considered design. Not only do they bring joy to children, they will also surprise adults and become a natural part of any home.

Anta Kande, the founder of the company, explains that the idea to create something different from the market offering came to her as she was searching for quality toys for her own children. “The majority of toys on store shelves were made of low-quality plastic, and that inspired me to create something completely different,” she recalls. The company’s first product, a “build and play” playhouse, was created by combining functionality and a design aimed at long-term use. “This playhouse was made from natural materials and it was durable. And we also took into consideration how children’s interest works: they will sometimes get bored with their toys, but this playhouse could be rebuilt in various ways so it would always seem like a new toy,” Anta explains.

This approach of creating unique, high-quality, versatile toys is at the heart of the company’s product range. All subsequent toys were created in line with this same philosophy. Anta reveals that in designing new products the company carries out careful market research and analyses customer needs. “We are always looking for opportunities to improve on existing popular products by adding our own little touch to them – a unique design and functionality that elevates them above similar products available on the market. Quality is another key element of our success, and we are very proud that for our customers the KateHaa name has become synonymous with quality,” Anta highlights.

The growth of the company was significantly boosted by joining the business incubator established by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) in Ogre. KateHaa was founded and started production in 2018, and at the end of that same year the company joined the incubator. For the next four years the company received important support, including co-financing for purchasing raw materials and manufacturing equipment. “That was our breakthrough,” Anta says. “The funding and support for marketing and development activities that we received at the incubator allowed us to optimise our manufacturing process and ensure strategic growth.”

This support was especially important during the initial stages of business development when major investment without any outside funding can often be impossible. KateHaa has successfully expanded its manufacturing and developed new products that have gained popularity in Europe, the United States and Asia. The company exports almost 100% of this products with its main market being Europe. The company’s products are sold online in their own store and by partners and retail platforms.

With market stability having been restored after the pandemic and the demand for high-quality, sustainable goods on the rise, KateHaa is looking to the future with optimism. The company recently received the German Design Award 2025 which attests to its ability to create excellent products combining quality, sustainability and innovation.

Since 2024, the Business Incubation Aid Program has been implemented by LIAA representative offices in Latvia and any company up to the age of 5 operating in the supported sectors can apply for the programme.

This article has been produced with financial support from the European Regional Development Fund, Small and Medium Enterprises Programme, Incubator Subproject.