The film production industry in the DACH region—Germany, Austria, and Switzerland—is vibrant and multifaceted, featuring a variety of players from major studios to independent filmmakers. This sector includes companies that produce films, television shows, and streaming content, catering to both local and international audiences. Over recent years, there has been a notable shift towards digital distribution and the integration of cutting-edge technology, improving accessibility and engagement. Furthermore, collaboration with tech partners is on the rise, indicating that the industry is not just about storytelling but also about innovative experiences. The commitment to sustainability in production is also gaining traction.


The list of top investors in film production within DACH includes corporate giants, venture capital firms, and private equity entities, showcasing a mix of investment strategies and focus areas. These firms span locations such as Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg, and vary in size from 11 to over 10,000 employees. Founded between 1846 and 2016, many investors actively engaged in the film sector completed a significant number of deals in 2024, highlighting their strategic intent to amplify growth in entertainment sectors. Companies like Bertelsmann and Axel Springer illustrate the profound commitment of these investors to film production.


Top 10 Film Production Investors in DACH


1. Bertelsmann Multimedia Gmbh


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 the film production industry, including the acquisition of Element Pictures in May 2022, which is recognized for its contributions to film production and distribution. Additionally, their acquisition of a stake in Kadokawa Shoten Publishing Co. in 1999, a company involved in both publishing and film production, further emphasizes their commitment to the film sector. These strategic investments highlight Bertelsmann's role as a key player in the media landscape, particularly in film production.


2. Axel Springer

  • Website: axelspringer.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 1946
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: axel-springer-se

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 such as BILD and Business Insider. The company is committed to independent journalism and leveraging technology to enhance its media offerings. Notably, Axel Springer acquired GRB Studios in 1999, a company known for its work in film and television production, indicating a direct involvement in the film industry. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for OZY Media and Group Nine Media, both of which are engaged in content creation and distribution, further showcasing their interest in media-related investments. This combination of direct acquisition and participation in media funding rounds positions Axel Springer as a significant player in the content landscape.


3. Burda Principal Investments


Burda Principal Investments is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 2016, specializing in growth stage investments in digital technology and media companies. With a team size of 11-50, they provide long-term growth equity to entrepreneurs, helping them overcome financial barriers to expansion. Their portfolio includes successful internet-centric businesses across Europe, the U.S., and Asia. Notably, Burda Principal Investments has participated in several transactions relevant to the film production industry, such as Kukua, which raised funds to develop an animated television series, and WaitWhat, a media invention company that focuses on innovative content creation. Their investment in SweetEscape, an on-demand photography platform, also highlights their interest in media-related ventures, further solidifying their position as a player in the media and entertainment sector.


4. Plaion

  • Website: plaion.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Planegg, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: plaion

Plaion is a corporate investor based in Planegg, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1994. The company specializes in the development, publishing, and distribution of video games, films, and merchandise, serving both consumers and businesses in the gaming and entertainment sectors. Notably, Plaion has made significant acquisitions in the gaming industry, including Warhorse Studios for $37.4 million in February 2019, Flying Wild Hog for $137.2 million in November 2020, and Vertigo Games for $59.0 million in September 2020. While these transactions primarily focus on gaming studios, they reflect Plaion's commitment to expanding its influence in the entertainment landscape, which may include film production projects in the future.


5. Barclays Consumer Bank Europe


Barclays Consumer Bank Europe is a corporate financial services provider based in Hamburg, Germany, founded in 1991. The bank primarily offers a range of consumer financial products, including credit cards, loans, and savings accounts, aimed at helping individuals manage their finances effectively. In 2023, Barclays Consumer Bank Europe participated in a significant transaction involving Everyman Media Group, where the company raised approximately $44.5 million in post-IPO debt. This investment highlights Barclays' engagement with the film industry, showcasing their interest in supporting film-related ventures. Additionally, they were involved in a transaction with M&C Saatchi, raising around $66.5 million, which, while not directly related to film production, indicates their active role in financing creative industries. Overall, Barclays Consumer Bank Europe demonstrates a capacity to invest in the film sector, making them a noteworthy player in the broader landscape of film production financing.


6. Hannover Finanz

  • Website: hannoverfinanz.de
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany
  • Founded year: 1979
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: hannoverfinanz

Hannover Finanz is a private equity firm founded in 1979, based in Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany. The firm specializes in providing equity capital to medium-sized family businesses in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, focusing on sustainable growth through strategic investments and consulting services. Hannover Finanz helps businesses navigate challenges related to succession, growth, and restructuring. Notably, in 1998, Hannover Finanz acquired Markenfilm GmbH & Co KG, a company involved in film production, which highlights its engagement in the film industry. This acquisition reflects Hannover Finanz's strategy of investing in diverse sectors, including film production, while maintaining its core focus on family-owned businesses.


7. Orange Corp

  • Website: orangecorp.co
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 2006
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: orangecorp

Orange Corp is a corporate venture capital firm and film production company based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany. Founded in 2006, the firm specializes in providing a range of services including investment in startups, business incubation, and film production. They cater to businesses in need of funding and support, particularly in the technology and entertainment sectors. Orange Corp operates globally, offering resources and expertise to help entrepreneurs develop their ideas and bring them to market. One of their notable transactions includes the investment in GoCreator, which raised an undisclosed amount in an Angel Round on May 20, 2022. This transaction highlights their active role in supporting innovative projects, including those in the film production context.


8. IBB Ventures


IBB Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in providing funding and support to innovative startups, primarily focusing on early-stage financing. With a portfolio of over 270 startups, IBB Ventures offers expertise and resources to help these businesses thrive in competitive markets. Notably, IBB Ventures participated in the Series B funding round for Moviepilot, a Berlin and London-based movie recommendation and discovery platform, which secured $7 million in growth capital. This investment highlights IBB Ventures' engagement with the film industry, as Moviepilot directly relates to film content and audience engagement. Their diverse investment strategy, which includes companies in the film sector, showcases their potential relevance to film production.


9. Grazia Equity

  • Website: grazia.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: grazia-equity

Grazia Equity GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, founded in 1998. The firm specializes in providing investment management services to startups and entrepreneurs, focusing on funding innovative businesses across various sectors. Notably, Grazia Equity participated in a Series B funding round for Moviepilot, a Berlin and London-based movie recommendation and discovery platform, which secured $7 million in growth capital. This investment highlights Grazia's engagement with the film industry, as Moviepilot plays a significant role in movie discovery and audience engagement. Grazia's expertise in investment management allows them to support their portfolio companies effectively, including those in the film sector, helping them to scale and succeed in competitive markets.


10. ZEISS Group

  • Website: zeiss.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Oberkochen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
  • Founded year: 1846
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: zeiss

ZEISS Group, founded in 1846 and based in Oberkochen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, is a leading technology enterprise specializing in optics and optoelectronics. The company offers a diverse range of products, including medical technology solutions, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and high-quality optical systems for consumers and businesses. In 2023, ZEISS made a strategic acquisition of Ncam Technologies, a pioneer in camera tracking technology, to enhance its cinema product lineup. This acquisition aims to combine Ncam's innovative tracking solutions with ZEISS's expertise in cinema lenses, showcasing the company's commitment to innovation and its growing involvement in the film production industry. With a focus on enhancing capabilities and experiences across various sectors, ZEISS serves a wide array of customers, including those in the film industry.



Film Production Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Bertelsmann Multimedia GmbhNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+3
Axel SpringerBerlin, Berlin, Germany10001+19461
Burda Principal InvestmentsMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5020165
PlaionPlanegg, Bavaria, Germany1001-500019940
Barclays Consumer Bank EuropeHamburg, Hamburg, Germany501-100019915
Hannover FinanzHanover, Lower Saxony, Germany11-5019792
Orange CorpFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany1001-500020060
IBB VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50199718
Grazia EquityStuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany11-5019983
ZEISS GroupOberkochen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany10001+18464


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