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The magazine publishing industry in DACH is a vibrant sector that involves a mix of print and digital publications. This industry is characterized by established media companies, emerging startups, and independent publishers, all dedicated to providing informative and entertaining content. Companies typically offer magazines across genres, including lifestyle, business, and specialized interests. As digitalization evolves, publishers are now focusing on multimedia content, interactive features, and subscription models to attract audiences. This transformation is not just survival—it's a pivot toward innovation, with tech-savvy startups such as brand eins Verlag carving out niches in a competitive environment.

The investors in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ DACH magazine publishing sector reflect a mix of corporate entities and venture capitalists. Many are headquartered in major cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Zurich, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ region's strong media foundations. Ranging from large corporates, such as Bertelsmann and Axel Springer with extensive workforces, to smaller venture firms like YoungBrains, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ list highlights varied approaches to investment. Despite diverse sizes, all have made strategic investments in 2024 aimed at expanding Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir media footprints, especially in digital realms.

Top 13 Magazine Publishing Investors in DACH

1. 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 prominent 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. Notably, Axel Springer has made significant investments and acquisitions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ magazine publishing context, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Politico for over $1 billion, which underscores its strategy to dominate digital publishing. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of N24 Media GmbH and minority interest in Mic.com furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r illustrate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to expanding Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir influence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ media landscape. In 2019, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in a funding round for Group Nine Media, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in innovative media companies. Overall, Axel Springer is a key investor in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ magazine publishing industry, actively seeking to enhance its portfolio and adapt to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ evolving media environment.

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 prominent media company based in Hamburg, Germany, specializing in publishing and audio broadcasting. Founded in 1875, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company has grown to serve millions of consumers and businesses across Europe with a diverse range of products, including magazines, digital content, and radio stations. In recent years, Bauer Media has made strategic acquisitions to strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n its position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ magazine publishing sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Pacific Magazines for $40 million, which received regulatory approval in 2020. This acquisition is expected to enhance Bauer's presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Australian market. Additionally, Bauer entered exclusive negotiations to acquire Télécâble Sat Hebdo, a leading TV magazine in France, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying its commitment to magazine publishing. These transactions highlight Bauer Media's focus on enriching everyday life through engaging content and marketing services, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ magazine sector.

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, 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, book publishing, and music production. Notably, Bertelsmann has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ magazine publishing industry, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Inc. magazine for approximately $200 million in 2000, which marked a strategic expansion into Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ U.S. magazine market. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of Simon & Schuster for $2.175 billion in 2020 and Penguin Random House in 2017 highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir publishing portfolio. These transactions underscore Bertelsmann's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ magazine and broader publishing sectors, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a key 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, which highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ magazine publishing industry. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Vertical TechMedia, which operates in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ media sector, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement with companies that may intersect with magazine publishing. Their clientele primarily consists of tech companies and entrepreneurs, but Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment history shows a willingness to support ventures in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing space as well.

5. Hubert Burda Media

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

Hubert Burda Media is a prominent media and technology company based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 1903. The company specializes in publishing and creating engaging content across various platforms, serving both consumers with media products and businesses with B2B services and investment opportunities in digital technology. Notably, Hubert Burda Media has made strategic acquisitions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ magazine publishing space, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Immediate Media Co. in January 2017, which is recognized as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ UK's leading special interest content and platform company. Additionally, in April 2020, Burda Create! acquired Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ license for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ monthly sewing magazine 'Fashion Style', furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ magazine publishing industry. The company operates with a focus on sustainability and innovation, making it a dynamic player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ media landscape.

6. 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, with a rich history since its founding in 1833. The company 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. Recently, Ringier has made strategic acquisitions to strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n its position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ magazine publishing industry. Notably, on November 28, 2023, Ringier acquired BILANZ, a prominent Swiss business magazine, which underscores Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ magazine sector. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of Sportal Media Group in 2021 reflects Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir strategy to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir sports media presence, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r diversifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir media portfolio. With a diverse range of brands and a significant role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ media landscape across Europe and Africa, Ringier is well-positioned as an investor in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ magazine publishing industry.

7. 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. Redalpine has been involved in several notable transactions, including investments in Morressier, a Berlin-based startup focused on scholarly publishing, where Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in multiple funding rounds, including seed and Series A and B rounds. Morressier aims to innovate in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing space, which aligns with Redalpine's interest in empowering innovative companies. Additionally, Redalpine invested in Car Throttle, which is planning to expand its publications across various topics, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing industry.

8. 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 an 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 approach and commitment to sustainability. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Partners Group acquired Community Media Group, which publishes 14 suburban lifestyle magazines, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ magazine publishing sector. This acquisition reflects Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir strategy of diversifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment portfolio, as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y also hold stakes in various oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r industries, such as retail display solutions through Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of BCR in China. This diverse investment strategy positions Partners Group as a significant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ private equity landscape, with a footprint in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ media industry as well.

9. pd ventures

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Augsburg, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn:

pd ventures is a corporate investor based in Augsburg, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2009. They are part of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Pressedruck media group and focus on digital transformation and innovation within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ media landscape. Their investment strategy includes developing digital media offerings and collaborating with various partners to enhance services for media companies and consumers. Notably, pd ventures participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Series A funding round for PressMatrix, a Berlin-based provider of digital publishing solutions, which raised â‚�2.5M in 2013. This investment highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to supporting companies that innovate in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing sector. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y were involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Series A funding for classmarkets in 2009, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ media and publishing industries.

10. Tamedia

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Boswil, Aargau, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1893
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn:

Tamedia is a corporate investor based in Boswil, Aargau, Switzerland, founded in 1893. The company specializes in journalism and publishing, offering a diverse range of products that include newspapers and digital news platforms. Tamedia is committed to quality journalism and effective advertising services, ensuring that consumers and businesses have access to reliable news. Notably, Tamedia has made significant acquisitions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ media sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Heute.at on July 6, 2016, and Goldbach Group AG on December 22, 2017. These transactions reflect Tamedia's strategy to enhance its media portfolio and strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n its position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ publishing industry, which encompasses magazines as part of its broader publishing activities.

11. Publisher

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Zug, Zug, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 501-1000
• LinkedIn:

Publisher is a corporate investor based in Zug, Switzerland, founded in 1999. They have a workforce of 501-1000 employees and have been involved in significant transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ media sector. Notably, on August 12, 2019, Publisher acquired Tribune Publications for $3.2 billion, marking a substantial investment in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ magazine publishing industry. This acquisition highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sector, even though Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have not made any investments in 2024. The lack of recent transactions does not diminish Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir relevance, as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir past actions demonstrate a strong interest in magazine publishing.

12. YoungBrains

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 11-50

YoungBrains GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Hamburg, Germany, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in providing seed capital to startups, with a mission to foster entrepreneurship and support new business ventures in securing necessary funding for growth. One notable transaction in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir portfolio is Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ investment in EDITION F GmbH, which raised an undisclosed amount in a seed round on January 1, 2015. EDITION F is a platform that focuses on women's empowerment and entrepreneurship, and it operates in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ magazine publishing space, indicating YoungBrains' engagement with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry.

13. Econa Ag

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn:

Econa Ag is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in providing investment and consulting services to startups across a variety of industries, including pet care, healthcare, and food technology. Notably, Econa Ag acquired Stroer Media Brands in January 2010, a significant transaction that highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ magazine publishing industry. This acquisition demonstrates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir capability and interest in media-related investments, positioning Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m as a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ magazine publishing sector.

Magazine Publishing Insights: Key Investors in DACH

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	10001+	1946	1
	Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany	10001+	1875	2
	Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	10001+		3
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	1997	3
	Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany	10001+	1903	0
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	5001-10000	1833	0
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	11-50	2006	18
	Baar, Zug, Switzerland	1001-5000	1996	19
	Augsburg, Bavaria, Germany	1-10	2009	0
	Boswil, Aargau, Switzerland	1001-5000	1893	0
	Zug, Zug, Switzerland	501-1000	1999	0
	Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany	11-50	2009	0
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	1-10	1999	0

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