Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨

The music licensing industry in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ DACH region focuses on securing and managing rights for using music across various platforms, including radio, streaming, and advertising. Companies such as record labels, music publishers, and licensing agencies facilitate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ connection between creators and businesses that require music for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir projects. As Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ digital music consumption landscape evolves, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨re's rising demand for accessible music licensing solutions, especially in sectors like advertising and content creation. Moreover, advancements in technology are pushing for innovative compliance tools to streamline licensing agreements, aiming to enhance transparency for artists and ensure fair compensation.

This list features 19 notable investors involved in music licensing within DACH, illustrating a mix of corporate giants and venture capital firms. Located in cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Zurich, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors have formed a strategic network across Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ region. Ranging in size, from small teams to large corporations, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have pursued a range of deals, with some posting impressive 2024 investment counts amid diverse focus areas. The years of establishment vary, with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ oldest reaching back to 1833, contributing valuable experience to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music licensing arena.

Top 19 Music Licensing Investors in DACH

1. Bmg

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn:

Bertelsmann Music Group (BMG) is a corporate investor based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2005. BMG operates as a music publishing and record label company, providing services in music publishing and rights management. The company is dedicated to supporting artists and songwriters by promoting and distributing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir music while ensuring Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y receive fair compensation. BMG has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music licensing industry, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of X-Ray Dog Music, an independent production music library, in 2014, and AXS Music, a French production music company, in 2017. These acquisitions are part of BMG's strategy to expand its BMG Production Music division, highlighting its active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music licensing market. Additionally, BMG has acquired various record labels, such as RBC Records and S-Curve Records, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying its influence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry.

2. Bauer Media Group

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
• Founded year: 1875
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Bauer Media Group is a corporate media company based in Hamburg, Germany, founded in 1875. It specializes in publishing and audio broadcasting, offering a diverse range of products including magazines, digital content, and radio stations. The company serves millions of consumers and businesses across Europe, focusing on enriching everyday life through engaging content and marketing services. In recent years, Bauer Media has made several strategic acquisitions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ audio broadcasting sector, enhancing its digital radio portfolio. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Planet Rock, a national digital radio station known for classic rock music, and Absolute Radio, which was acquired for approximately £22 million. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have acquired regional stations like Beat 102-103 and JACK fm Oxfordshire, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music broadcasting industry. These acquisitions reflect Bauer Media's commitment to music content and its potential involvement in music licensing activities.

3. Bertelsmann Multimedia Gmbh

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

Bertelsmann Multimedia Gmbh, a subsidiary of Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA, is a corporate investor based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Founded as part of a global media, services, and education conglomerate, Bertelsmann offers a diverse range of products, including television and streaming services, book publishing, and music production. Notably, Bertelsmann has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Napster in 2002 for $8 million, which was a landmark move in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ digital music landscape. They also participated in a $100 million Series C funding round for JioSaavn in 2015, a prominent music streaming service in India, and invested in Musicbank, which raised $20 million in 2000. These transactions underscore Bertelsmann's active engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music licensing industry, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant investor in this space.

4. Speedinvest

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 45
• LinkedIn:

Speedinvest is a venture capital firm based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in funding early-stage tech startups across Europe, providing both capital and hands-on support to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se startups scale Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir operations. Speedinvest's focus spans various technology sectors, including Deep Tech, Fintech, and SaaS. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in companies like ForTunes, which raised funds in a Seed Round in 2018 and operates within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry, offering analytics tools for artists. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Smashcast, which raised $4 million in a Series A round, and Open Publishing, which also received funding in a Seed Round. These transactions highlight Speedinvest's diverse investment portfolio, including a clear interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music sector through Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir support of ForTunes.

5. Sictic

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2014
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 77
• LinkedIn:

SICTIC is a not-for-profit organization based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2014. It connects smart money investors with innovative Swiss early-stage technology startups, providing investment opportunities, networking events, and educational resources to facilitate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth of startups and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ investment community. Among its notable transactions, Sictic has invested in Staxe, a platform that raised $100,000 in a Pre-Seed round in November 2018, which focuses on music licensing and distribution. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested in Matchspace Music, which raised an undisclosed amount in a Pre-Seed round in October 2021, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music licensing industry. These investments highlight Sictic's commitment to supporting innovative solutions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music sector, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader focus on technology startups.

6. 468Cap

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2020
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 27
• LinkedIn:

468 Capital is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, specializing in technology investments. Founded in 2020, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm focuses on backing founder-led startups across various sectors, including AI, energy transition, and enterprise software. Notably, 468Cap has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music technology space, such as a $9 million seed round for Encore Music Technologies, which is involved in music-related innovations. They also invested $8.2 million in Turntable Labs, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music sector. By providing capital and strategic support, 468 Capital helps entrepreneurs navigate challenges and achieve growth in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir markets, reflecting a global investment approach with dual headquarters in Berlin and San Francisco.

7. Verve Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 25
• LinkedIn:

Verve Ventures is a Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 2010, specializing in deep tech investments across Europe. The firm provides funding and strategic support to science and technology startups, focusing on sectors such as climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio. Notably, Verve Ventures has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry, particularly in iMusician, which raised funds in multiple rounds (including Series A) from 2013 to 2015. iMusician is known for its role in music distribution and licensing, which aligns with Verve's interest in supporting innovative companies in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music sector. Additionally, while Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have not directly invested in Groover, a music promotion platform, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music space through iMusician highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir potential relevance to music licensing.

8. Wellington Partners

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 1998
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 9
• LinkedIn:

Wellington Partners is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1998. The firm specializes in life sciences, investing in early- and growth-stage companies, and providing capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs in sectors such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rapeutics and medical devices. Notably, Wellington Partners has also made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry, including a $50 million investment in Spotify during its Series B round in 2009, which has become a leading platform in music streaming. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested in Goom Radio, which raised $16 million in a Series A round, focusing on music and digital radio. These transactions highlight Wellington Partners' engagement with innovative companies in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music space, despite Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir primary focus on life sciences.

9. Atlantic Labs

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2013
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 13
• LinkedIn:

Atlantic Labs is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2013. The firm is dedicated to supporting exceptional, mission-driven founders throughout Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir entrepreneurial journey. They focus on investing in startups across various sectors, including climate tech, AI, and digital health, providing both capital and strategic guidance to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se businesses grow. Notably, Atlantic Labs was involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ seed round investment in SoundCloud, a prominent music streaming platform that plays a crucial role in music licensing. This investment highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir willingness to support innovative companies that operate within this space. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in EyeEm, a photography marketplace, which, while not directly related to music licensing, indicates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in creative digital platforms. Overall, Atlantic Labs demonstrates a diverse investment portfolio with a notable connection to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music sector through SoundCloud.

10. b2venture

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 15
• LinkedIn:

b2venture is a venture capital firm based in St. Gallen, Switzerland, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in innovative startups across various sectors, providing financial backing and support to entrepreneurs to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m navigate challenges and scale Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir businesses. They collaborate with a community of angel investors, enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment strategy and positioning Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m as a key player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ European venture capital landscape. Notably, b2venture participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Series A funding round for IDAGIO, which raised $9.5 million in December 2017. IDAGIO is a music streaming service that focuses on classical music, highlighting b2venture's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry and its potential interest in music licensing opportunities. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y were involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ seed round for Restorm, a company that may have connections to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry, although specific details on its relevance to music licensing are less clear.

11. Serpentine Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Serpentine Ventures AG is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in managing investments in early-stage technology ventures, providing venture capital and investment management services to high net worth individuals, professional investors, and institutional clients. They leverage Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir extensive experience to help clients navigate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ venture capital landscape and identify promising investment opportunities. Notably, Serpentine Ventures has participated in transactions such as Mictic, a music wearables startup that raised $2.5 million in a seed funding round, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y were involved with PatchXR, although this company is less directly related to music licensing. Overall, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Mictic highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir potential interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music sector.

12. APEX Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn:

APEX Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in deep-tech and medical technology investments, providing startups with venture capital, strategic guidance, and access to a network of industry experts. Notably, APEX Ventures participated in a seed funding round for HAAWK, a rights management and content monetization company in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry, which raised $2.5 million in financing. This investment highlights APEX Ventures' engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music licensing sector, despite Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader focus on technology-driven companies. Their commitment to supporting innovative startups positions Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m as a potential player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music licensing landscape.

13. Davidson & W Technology Growth Credit

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn:

Davidson & W Technology Growth Credit is a corporate investor based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in providing Growth Debt financing to mid-late stage technology companies across Europe, with a particular focus on Germany. They offer customized loan facilities aimed at helping businesses grow, expand into new markets, and enhance shareholder value while minimizing dilution and management distraction. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in a significant debt funding round for SoundCloud, where Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company raised $70 million to support its growth strategy. This investment highlights Davidson & W's engagement with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music licensing industry, as SoundCloud plays a crucial role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ digital music landscape, facilitating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ licensing and distribution of music content.

14. Best Nights VC

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2018
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn:

Best Nights VC is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in investing in consumer tech startups that are connected to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ nightlife and entertainment industries. They aim to support innovative entrepreneurs by providing funding and expertise to enhance social experiences and live entertainment. Notably, Best Nights VC participated in a seed investment round for un:hurd Music, an artist marketing platform, alongside Kobalt founder Willard Ahdritz and oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r investors. This investment highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music sector, particularly in platforms that facilitate artist promotion and marketing. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have been involved in transactions like SoundBoks, a company that produces portable Bluetooth speakers, which, while not directly related to music licensing, indicates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ entertainment and audio space.

15. Ringier

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1833
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• LinkedIn:

Ringier AG is a media company based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 1833. It operates across various sectors, including media publishing, digital marketplaces, and technology solutions, serving both consumers and businesses. Notably, Ringier has invested in Skoove, a Berlin-based music tech start-up that raised â‚�3M in funding, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music technology space. This investment reflects a commitment to innovative music solutions, although it does not explicitly focus on music licensing. Additionally, Ringier has expanded its portfolio by acquiring Ghafla, a prominent Kenyan blog, which showcases Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir strategy of diversifying into new media areas. Overall, while Ringier has made strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music tech sector, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir primary focus remains on broader media and digital solutions raÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r than exclusively on music licensing.

16. Dieter von Holtzbrinck Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Founded year: 2014
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Dieter von Holtzbrinck Ventures GmbH is a venture capital firm founded in 2014, based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The firm specializes in early-stage technology investments across diverse sectors, including Digital Health, Education, DeepTech, and Climate Tech/ESG. They provide not only financial backing but also management expertise and access to a broad network of investors to help startups grow. A notable transaction in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir portfolio is Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ investment in Enote, a Berlin-based music technology startup that raised â‚�10 million in pre-Series A funding, led by Dieter von Holtzbrinck Ventures along with oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r investors. This investment highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music technology space, which is closely related to music licensing.

17. DuMont Venture

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Founded year: 2007
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn:

DuMont Venture is a venture capital firm based in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 2007. The firm operates under Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ umbrella of DuMont Mediengruppe GmbH, a media and technology company that specializes in regional media, business information, and marketing technology, alongside a successful book publishing division. DuMont Venture has made notable investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry, particularly in simfy, a music streaming service. They participated in two significant funding rounds for simfy, raising approximately $14.2 million in 2011 and $8.8 million in 2010. These transactions highlight DuMont Venture's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music licensing space, as simfy requires licensing agreements to operate its streaming service.

18. Asset Management Partners

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn:

Asset Management Partners, based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, is a corporate investor specializing in asset management and investment advisory services. Founded in 1996, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm focuses on creating personalized financial strategies for both private individuals and institutional clients. They offer tailored wealth management, investment consulting, and real estate services. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in a significant funding round for Spotify, which raised at least $350 million in 2015, marking a pivotal moment in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company's growth and valuation within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music streaming and licensing space. This involvement suggests a connection to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ context of digital music licensing, although Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir overall investment strategy may not be exclusively focused on this sector.

19. capiton

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn:

capiton AG is a private equity firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in providing capital and strategic expertise to medium-sized companies in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, focusing on growth financing, management buy-outs, and restructuring services. While capiton primarily targets sectors such as High-Tech Industrials and Healthcare & Lifescience, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have also made notable investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music sector. One significant transaction was Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Magix Software, a company known for its video and music editing software, which Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired from Bellevue Investments in May 2018. This involvement in a music-related company highlights capiton's potential interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music licensing industry, despite Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader focus on oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r sectors.

Music Licensing Insights: Key Investors in DACH

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	1001-5000	2005	0
	Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany	10001+	1875	2
	Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	10001+		3
	Vienna, Vienna, Austria	51-200	2011	45
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	201-500	2014	77
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2020	27
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	11-50	2010	25
	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	11-50	1998	9
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2013	13
	St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland	11-50	2000	15
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	11-50	2019	2
	Vienna, Vienna, Austria	1-10	2016	6
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	1-10	2015	0
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	1-10	2018	0
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	5001-10000	1833	0
	Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	1-10	2014	2
	Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	1-10	2007	0
	Baar, Zug, Switzerland	11-50	1996	0
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	1999	0

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