Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨

The publishing industry in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ DACH region showcases a range of companies that produce everything from print to digital content, including books, magazines, and online platforms. This region has seen shifts towards digital media, with a growing emphasis on accessibility and consumer engagement. E-books and audiobooks have gained traction, reflecting changing consumer habits. With Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ rise of subscription services and self-publishing, innovative pathways have emerged for creators. As technology advances, collaborations between traditional publishers and tech firms are on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ rise, setting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ stage for refreshing content approaches and new revenue models.

In total, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ list features 19 prominent investors in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ DACH publishing sector, varying in type from corporate giants like Bauer Media Group to agile venture capital firms such as Acton Capital. These investors are headquartered across key cities including Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg, with company sizes ranging from boutique firms to large corporations. Founded over several decades, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir activity spanned multiple industries within publishing and counted 89 investments in 2024, reflecting a robust interest in this evolving market.

Top 19 Publishing Investors in DACH

1. Bertelsmann Multimedia Gmbh

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

Bertelsmann Multimedia Gmbh, part of Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA, is a global media, services, and education company based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Bertelsmann operates across various sectors, including television, streaming services, music production, and notably, book publishing. The company has made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing industry, highlighted by its acquisition of Penguin Random House in July 2017, which positioned it as a leader in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ global book market. In November 2020, Bertelsmann furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r expanded its publishing portfolio by agreeing to acquire Simon & Schuster from ViacomCBS for $2.175 billion, aiming to enhance its presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ U.S. market. Additionally, Bertelsmann has invested in Kadokawa Shoten Publishing Co., acquiring a stake to tap into Japan's substantial book market. These strategic investments underscore Bertelsmann's commitment to high-quality content and innovative publishing solutions.

2. Axel Springer

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 1946
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Axel Springer SE is a leading media company based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1946. It specializes in publishing news and digital media, operating a diverse portfolio of brands, including BILD and Business Insider. The company is dedicated to independent journalism and leveraging technology to enhance its media offerings. Axel Springer has been involved in several significant transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing context, such as acquiring N24 Media GmbH, a 24-hour news channel, to strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n its multimedia editorial capabilities. Additionally, it has invested in Group Nine Media, participating in funding rounds to support digital media initiatives, and acquired a minority interest in Mic Network, a news platform targeting millennials. These investments reflect Axel Springer's strategic focus on expanding its influence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing industry and enhancing its digital presence.

3. 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 prominent media company based in Hamburg, Germany, founded in 1875. It specializes in publishing and audio broadcasting, offering a wide array 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. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Pacific Magazines for $40 million, which highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to expanding Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir publishing footprint. Additionally, Bauer Media has acquired various media entities such as Absolute Radio and Communicorp Media, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ media industry. These strategic acquisitions reflect Bauer Media's ongoing investment in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing sector, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a significant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry.

4. bmp Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 1997
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

bmp Ventures AG is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage and growth startups across various innovative sectors, providing not only financial resources but also strategic advisory services to help startups navigate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growth journey. Notably, bmp Ventures has invested in brand eins Verlag, a publishing house, in a seed round in June 2011, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing industry. They have also invested in LOST iN, which has received funding in both 2016 and 2018, indicating a sustained interest in this area. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Vertical TechMedia in July 2015 furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in media-related ventures. While bmp Ventures primarily targets tech companies, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir track record in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing sector makes Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in this space.

5. Acton Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

Acton Capital is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 1999, specializing in investing in startups at Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Series A stage and beyond. The firm focuses on providing financial backing and strategic guidance to mission-driven teams across various sectors, including technology and eco-friendly consumer goods. Notably, Acton Capital has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing context, including AbeBooks, a well-known online marketplace for books, and JustBooks, which also operates in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ book sector. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested in Momox, a leading online buy-back service for books and media in Germany. These transactions highlight Acton Capital's engagement with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing industry, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to supporting companies that contribute to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ distribution and accessibility of published content.

6. HV Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 28
• LinkedIn:

HV Capital is a venture capital firm based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in investing in digital companies and supporting entrepreneurs from seed stage to exit, managing over â‚�2.8 billion in assets. HV Capital has been involved in several notable transactions, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing context, such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investments in Audible, a leading provider of audiobooks and spoken word content. They participated in multiple funding rounds for Audible in 2004 and 2006, indicating a strong interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ digital publishing space. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Bol.com, a major online retailer that includes a significant book and media section, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing industry. Overall, HV Capital's focus on digital content and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir history of relevant investments make Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a noteworthy player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing sector.

7. 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 fair compensation. BMG has been actively involved in significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music publishing context, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Telamo, Germany's largest independent music label, which enhances Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ German Schlager music market. Additionally, BMG acquired Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Mute Records catalogue from Universal Music Group, which includes notable artists, and has also invested in independent labels like Infectious Music and ARC Music. These strategic acquisitions highlight BMG's commitment to expanding its music publishing capabilities and supporting a diverse range of artists.

8. Point Nine

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 16
• LinkedIn:

Point Nine is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2011. They specialize in investing in early-stage companies, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ SaaS, enterprise software, and B2B marketplace sectors. With a commitment to seed-stage funding and participation in subsequent rounds, Point Nine helps startups access Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ capital needed for growth. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Podcastle, a podcasting platform that raised $13.5 million in a Series A funding round in February 2024, and previously $7 million in a seed round in October 2021. This involvement in a media-related startup highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing sector, particularly in digital content and distribution.

9. THQ Nordic

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 501-1000
• LinkedIn:

THQ Nordic is a corporate investor based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 2011. As a prominent video game publisher and developer, THQ Nordic offers a diverse portfolio of video games across various platforms, catering to gamers and enthusiasts with engaging gaming experiences. The company has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming industry, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Plaion in February 2018, Appeal Studios in May 2021, and HandyGames in July 2018 for a total cash consideration of 1 million euros, with a potential performance-based earnout. Additionally, THQ Nordic acquired Pieces Interactive in August 2017 and Gunfire Games in August 2019. These transactions highlight THQ Nordic's focus on expanding its publishing capabilities and maintaining a strong community presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ gaming sector.

10. 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. Ringier serves both consumers seeking news and entertainment and businesses looking for advertising and marketplace services. The company has made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing landscape, particularly with its recent acquisitions. In November 2023, Ringier acquired BILANZ, a prominent publication, enhancing its media portfolio. In 2021, it acquired a majority stake in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Bulgarian Sportal Media Group, which focuses on sports media, and also acquired Sportal365, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying its presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sports publishing sector. Additionally, Ringier expanded its reach in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ digital space by acquiring Ghafla Kenya, a popular blog, in 2016. These transactions highlight Ringier's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing industry and its strategy to diversify and strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n its media offerings.

11. Hubert Burda Media

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
• Founded year: 1903
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn:

Hubert Burda Media is a corporate investor based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 1903. The company specializes in media and technology, focusing on publishing and creating engaging content across various platforms. They serve consumers with media products and provide businesses with B2B services and investment opportunities in digital technology. Notably, Hubert Burda Media has made significant acquisitions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing space, including Immediate Media Co., which publishes Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ UK triathlon magazine 220 Triathlon and engages over 19 million consumers monthly. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r relevant acquisitions include StockFood and Shoplove, which furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir portfolio in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ media and content sectors. The company emphasizes sustainability and innovation in its operations, positioning itself as a key player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ evolving media landscape.

12. Earlybird Venture Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Germany
• Founded year: 1997
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 29
• LinkedIn:

Earlybird Venture Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 1997, based in Germany, that specializes in investing in European technology innovators. They provide financial resources and strategic support to startups, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ digital health and deep tech sectors. Earlybird has been active in nurturing early-stage companies through funding and mentorship, helping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m navigate growth challenges. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Curio, a subscription audio service that raised $9 million in a Series A round, focusing on scaling content production and expanding into new markets. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in funding rounds for OneFootball, a football media platform, which highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ media and publishing space. Their investment in madvertise, a mobile ad leader, also reflects Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in digital media, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir relevance in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing context.

13. Possible Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 2021
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 9
• LinkedIn:

Possible Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2021. The firm has a small team and has been active in various investment rounds, with a total of 9 investments in 2024 alone. Notably, Possible Ventures has invested in Podimo, which raised significant funding in both Series A and Series B rounds, focusing on audio content and storytelling, a key aspect of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing industry. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ pre-seed round for ForgeFiction, a platform dedicated to community writing, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in publishing-related ventures. While Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have also invested in companies outside of publishing, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se relevant transactions highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir potential as a publishing investor.

14. Holtzbrinck Digital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn:

Holtzbrinck Digital is a venture capital firm based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in innovative startups within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ digital education, science, and content sectors. Holtzbrinck Digital supports its portfolio companies through capital investment and strategic guidance, helping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m to grow and succeed in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir respective markets. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have been involved in transactions such as figshare and Altmetric, both of which are platforms that facilitate content sharing and management in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ academic and publishing realms. These investments highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing industry, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ context of digital content and scholarly communication.

15. Cherry Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 25
• LinkedIn:

Cherry Ventures is a Berlin-based venture capital firm founded in 2012, specializing in early-stage investments across Europe. With a focus on providing capital, mentorship, and resources to innovative startups, Cherry Ventures has made significant investments in various sectors, including SaaS and mobility. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have participated in funding rounds for companies like Morressier, which raised a total of $16.5 million in Series B funding in January 2024, and focuses on enhancing research integrity and content sharing in academia. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested in Curio, a subscription audio service that raised $9 million in Series A funding, aimed at scaling content production and expanding into new markets. These transactions highlight Cherry Ventures' engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing industry, particularly in areas that intersect with content distribution and research.

16. Project A

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 13
• LinkedIn:

Project A is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2012. They specialize in early-stage tech investments and provide operational support for startups, including consulting in tech and growth, access to a network of investors, and pre-seed investment opportunities. Notably, Project A has invested in Wonderbly, a children's book publisher, participating in both Series A and Series B funding rounds, which raised significant capital for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company's product development and international growth. This involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing sector highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir versatility as an investor, as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y are willing to support companies outside of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir primary tech focus when opportunities arise.

17. Partners Group

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 19
• LinkedIn:

Partners Group Holding AG is a prominent investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. Founded in 1996, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative investment strategies and commitment to sustainability. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Partners Group acquired Community Media Group in 2008, which publishes 14 suburban lifestyle magazines, highlighting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing sector. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Straive in 2017 for $330 million, a company that provides content and data solutions, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in media-related investments. These transactions reflect Partners Group's diverse investment approach, including a focus on publishing and media.

18. Angel Invest

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2018
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 23
• LinkedIn:

Angel Invest is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2018. They specialize in angel investments in early-stage technology startups, providing both funding and coaching to help founders achieve product-market fit and prepare for Series A funding. In 2024, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in 23 investments, including notable transactions such as Proofcheck, a proofreading technology startup based in Vienna, which raised â‚�500,000 in pre-seed funding with Angel Invest as a participant. This investment highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing sector, as Proofcheck's services directly relate to enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ quality of published content. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y were involved in The Companion, which also indicates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in supporting innovative solutions that may intersect with publishing needs.

19. redalpine

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2006
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 18
• LinkedIn:

Redalpine is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in investing in technology and science sectors, providing funding and strategic support to startups that address significant global challenges. Notably, Redalpine has been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing industry. They participated in multiple funding rounds for Morressier, a Berlin-based startup focused on scholarly publishing, contributing to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir Seed, Series A, and Series B rounds. This involvement highlights Redalpine's commitment to enhancing research integrity and innovation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing space. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Car Throttle, which aims to expand its publications, showcases Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broader publishing landscape. Overall, Redalpine's diverse portfolio reflects Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir strategy of empowering innovative companies across various sectors, including publishing.

Publishing Insights: Key Investors in DACH

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	10001+		3
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	10001+	1946	1
	Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany	10001+	1875	2
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	1997	3
	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	11-50	1999	3
	Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany	11-50	2000	28
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	1001-5000	2005	0
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2011	16
	Vienna, Vienna, Austria	501-1000	2011	0
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	5001-10000	1833	0
	Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany	10001+	1903	0
	Germany	51-200	1997	29
	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	1-10	2021	9
	Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany	1-10	2010	0
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2012	25
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	51-200	2012	13
	Baar, Zug, Switzerland	1001-5000	1996	19
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	1-10	2018	23
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	11-50	2006	18

Want to find more investors focusing on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishingindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨re are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

• Deal History: Number of deals and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir sizes.
• Portfolio: Companies Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y've invested in.
• Contact data: Key dealmakers, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir emails and phonenumbers.
• ...and much more!