Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨

The music publishing industry in Europe is a vibrant sector that encompasses various players, including publishing houses, record labels, and technology-driven platforms. These companies manage songwriting rights, negotiate licenses, and promote artists' works, ensuring fair compensation for creators. As streaming continues to dominate, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ demand for digital rights management has surged. Noteworthy trends include a growing emphasis on independent artists leveraging tech for self-publishing, alongside established entities acquiring broader catalogs. Emerging markets and innovative start-ups are pushing boundaries, illustrating a significant shift in how music is produced, distributed, and monetized.

The list features a blend of 19 investors, including venture capital, corporate, and private equity firms, each contributing to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music publishing landscape across Europe. Headquartered in cities like London, Paris, and Berlin, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ listed investors range in size from small firms of fewer than ten employees to large corporations with over 10,000 employees. These investors, founded between 1875 and 2015, made significant moves in 2024, with deal counts varying from one to nearly 200, highlighting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active engagement in shaping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ future of music publishing in Europe.

Top 19 Music Publishing Investors in Europe

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 in promoting and distributing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir music, ensuring Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y receive fair compensation. BMG has been actively involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music publishing sector, with notable transactions including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of X-Ray Dog Music, an independent production music library, and AXS Music, a French production music company. Additionally, BMG has acquired significant music catalogues such as Mute Records, which includes recordings from renowned artists, and World Circuit Records, known for its unique recordings. The acquisition of BBR Music Group furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r highlights BMG's commitment to expanding its music publishing footprint, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ country music genre. Overall, BMG's strategic acquisitions and focus on music publishing make it a key player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry.

2. Believe

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

Believe SAS is a digital music company based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 2005. It provides distribution and marketing services for independent artists and labels, focusing on empowering artists to manage Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir careers through innovative technology and expert support. Believe has made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music publishing industry, notably through its acquisition of TuneCore, a digital music distribution and publishing administration company, in April 2015. This acquisition allowed Believe to enhance its services for independent artists. In March 2023, Believe acquired full ownership of Sentric Music for â‚�47 million, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying its position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music publishing space. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of a 49% stake in Tôt ou tard, a major independent label in France, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ French independent label Naive, demonstrate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to expanding Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir portfolio in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry. Overall, Believe aims to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ visibility and revenue of its clients in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ evolving digital music landscape, making it a key player in music publishing.

3. Index Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 67
• LinkedIn:

Index Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, based in London, England. The firm invests in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare, providing capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs. Notably, Index Ventures has been involved in significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry, such as investing in SoundCloud, a leading music sharing platform, during its Series B and Series D funding rounds. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested in ROLI, a company known for its innovative music creation tools, which has also acquired music industry frameworks and platforms. These transactions highlight Index Ventures' engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music sector, particularly in companies that enhance music distribution and creation.

4. 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 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 significant acquisitions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music broadcasting sector, including Planet Rock, a national digital radio station known for classic rock music, and Beat 102-103, a regional youth music station in Ireland. These acquisitions reflect Bauer's strategy to enhance its digital radio portfolio and target specific music demographics, indicating its active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry.

5. Kima Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 50
• LinkedIn:

Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, backing two startups per week with financial support and mentorship. Kima Ventures has made notable investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music tech industry, including Aiva Technologies, which uses artificial intelligence to compose emotional soundtracks, and Groover, a platform that connects artists with music professionals. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Series A funding for Soundcharts, a French music analytics firm, which highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to supporting innovative companies in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music sector. These transactions reflect Kima Ventures' active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music publishing and technology landscape.

6. Almi

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn:

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden. Almi aims to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth and competitiveness of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se businesses by offering tailored financial solutions and guidance. In Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music publishing context, Almi has made notable investments in companies such as Auddly, which raised SEK 20 million in venture capital funding to develop a song project management platform, and Starmony, which has raised funding to create an app that allows users to produce and release music globally. Additionally, Almi has invested in oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r music-related ventures like Reactional Music and Session Studio, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrating its engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry.

7. Crowdcube

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding process. The platform has a strong focus on promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry, including Electronic Sound Magazine, which raised $113,229 in 2017, MusicGurus, which raised $230,380 in 2021, and Encore Musicians, which raised $787,782 in 2023. These investments highlight Crowdcube's commitment to supporting innovative companies in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music sector, making it a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music publishing landscape.

8. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 198
• LinkedIn:

Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding and private equity investments. They aim to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in significant transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music publishing context, such as a â‚�50 million investment in MWM, a France-based music application publishing company, and participation in funding rounds for Groover, a platform dedicated to music promotion. These investments highlight Bpifrance's commitment to supporting innovation within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry.

9. Spotify

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 2006
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Spotify is a music and podcast streaming service founded in 2006, headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. It offers users access to a vast library of audio content, allowing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m to stream music and podcasts on various devices, create and share playlists, and enjoy both free and premium subscription options. As an investor, Spotify has made strategic moves in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music publishing space, including a passive minority investment in DistroKid, an independent music distributor, which enhances its services for artists uploading music directly to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ platform. This investment aims to facilitate seamless distribution of music to oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r platforms like Apple Music and YouTube. Additionally, Spotify has acquired companies such as Sonalytic and niland, which focus on music analytics and content management, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrating its commitment to improving Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music publishing landscape. In 2021, Spotify also acquired Findaway, a company that specializes in audiobook distribution, indicating a broader interest in audio content beyond just music.

10. Sushi Venture Partners

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn:

Sushi Venture Partners is a private equity investment and advisory firm based in London, England, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ media tech sector, providing tailored investment and advisory services to both startups and established companies. They focus on entrepreneurial founders and CEOs who aim to innovate within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ digital media landscape. Notable transactions include investments in Musiio, a music technology company that raised funds in a Seed Round in July 2018, and Remixology, which raised funds in a Pre-Seed Round in September 2020. These investments highlight Sushi Venture Partners' engagement with companies that are relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music publishing industry, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to supporting innovation in media tech.

11. EQT Group

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 30
• LinkedIn:

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. In Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music publishing context, EQT has made notable investments, including a significant financing round for Epidemic Sound, which raised SEK 4.6 billion at a valuation of SEK 11.9 billion. This investment supports Epidemic Sound's growth and expansion in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music licensing market. Additionally, EQT's strategic investment in United Talent Agency (UTA) positions Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m as a key player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ entertainment industry, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in sectors related to music and talent management. Their recent takeover bid for Believe, a company involved in digital music distribution, also highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music publishing landscape.

12. Ascension

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 14
• LinkedIn:

Ascension is a venture capital firm based in London, UK, founded in 2015. They specialize in funding early-stage tech businesses and impact-driven companies, providing tax-efficient investment funds and mentorship to help startups scale Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir operations. Notably, Ascension has invested in several companies relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music publishing industry, including Blokur, a UK-based startup that raised funding to enhance its music rights management services, and Trackd, which focuses on music collaboration and sharing. These investments highlight Ascension's engagement with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music sector, despite Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader focus on technology and societal challenges.

13. Balderton Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 25
• LinkedIn:

Balderton Capital is a London-based venture capital firm founded in 2000, specializing in investing in European-founded technology companies. With a team of 51-200 professionals, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y provide not only financial backing but also support programs aimed at enhancing founder wellbeing and performance. Balderton has been actively involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music publishing industry, notably through Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investments in Kobalt Music, where Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in multiple funding rounds, including a $75 million Series D round in 2017 and a $40 million Series B round in 2013. Kobalt Music is known for its innovative royalty collections platform, which has been pivotal in adapting to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ global surge in music streaming. Additionally, Balderton invested in 7digital, a digital music platform, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music sector. Their portfolio reflects a blend of technology and music, positioning Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m as a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music publishing landscape.

14. Bgf

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 53
• LinkedIn:

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ UK and Ireland. BGF focuses on addressing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding gap in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in Sentric Music, a fast-growing music publishing company, providing £3 million to accelerate its international expansion and future acquisitions. Additionally, BGF invested £6 million in One Media iP Group, a digital media content provider that aims to acquire music catalogs as part of its growth strategy. These transactions highlight BGF's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music publishing industry, making it a relevant player in this sector.

15. LocalGlobe

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 15
• LinkedIn:

LocalGlobe is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2019. The firm partners with exceptional founders and companies at various stages of growth, from pre-seed to scale-up and public markets. LocalGlobe provides venture capital funding and investment management services, focusing on supporting startups in navigating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growth challenges. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in music-related companies such as Songkick, which raised $15,000 in a pre-seed round in 2007, and Sofar Sounds, which raised an undisclosed amount in a seed round in 2014. These investments highlight LocalGlobe's engagement with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry, particularly in technology and services that enhance music experiences.

16. 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 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 industry, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Napster in 2002 for $8 million, which highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to music distribution and digital content. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in JioSaavn, which raised $100 million in a Series C funding round in 2015, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r underscores Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active participation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music streaming and publishing landscape. These transactions reflect Bertelsmann's strategic focus on high-quality content and innovative services in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music sector.

17. Future

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1985
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn:

Future plc is a corporate media company based in London, England, founded in 1985. It specializes in connecting consumers with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir passions through high-quality content and innovative technology. Future operates various specialist media brands and engages with both consumers and businesses, providing trusted information and resources across multiple industries. Notably, Future has made significant acquisitions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music publishing sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ purchase of Classic Rock, Metal Hammer, and Prog magazines for £800,000 in 2017, following Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir previous sale to Team Rock for £10.2 million in 2013. Additionally, Future acquired Guitar One, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ US' second best-selling guitar magazine, for £1.5 million in 2003, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying its presence in music publishing. These transactions highlight Future's commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry, making it a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music publishing landscape.

18. Northzone

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 23
• LinkedIn:

Northzone is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, based in London, England. The firm specializes in investing in startups from Seed to Growth stages, providing financial backing and strategic support to entrepreneurs. With a history of over 175 investments, Northzone aims to empower founders to navigate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ challenges of building successful businesses. Notably, Northzone has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music sector, including Soundrop, a social music discovery platform, where Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y led a $3.4 million Series B funding round in 2013 and participated in a $3 million Series A funding round in 2012. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested in doubleTwist, a media management platform that raised $5 million in Series B funding in 2009 and $2.5 million in Series A funding in 2008. These transactions highlight Northzone's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry, particularly in platforms that facilitate music discovery and management, aligning Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music publishing sector.

19. LeanSquare

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Belgium
• Founded year: 2014
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

LeanSquare is a venture capital investment fund based in Belgium, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in supporting innovative projects across various sectors, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Cultural and Creative Industries, Enterprise Software, and Life Sciences. LeanSquare aims to provide financial investment, expertise, and networking opportunities to mature startups seeking growth. Notably, LeanSquare has been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music publishing context, including investments in Musimap, which raised funds in both 2016 and 2020. Musimap focuses on music data and analytics, making it a significant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music technology space. Additionally, LeanSquare invested in Bridge.audio, which raised over $2.4 million in 2024, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement with music-related ventures. This track record highlights LeanSquare's commitment to fostering innovation within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ music industry.

Music Publishing Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	1001-5000	2005	0
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1001-5000	2005	3
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1996	67
	Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany	10001+	1875	2
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2010	50
	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	201-500	1994	7
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2010	3
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2015	198
	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	5001-10000	2006	1
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	1-10	2012	0
	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	1001-5000	1994	30
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	2015	14
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2000	25
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2011	53
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	2019	15
	Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	10001+		3
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	1001-5000	1985	0
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	1996	23
	Belgium	1-10	2014	3

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

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• ...and much more!