The broadcasting industry in DACH is vibrant, hosting a mix of traditional media houses, digital platforms, and streaming services. Companies ranging from established broadcasters to innovative startups are creating a rich ecosystem of audio-visual content. They offer everything from traditional TV and radio programming to cutting-edge streaming and on-demand services. An interesting trend is the increasing investment in technology-driven solutions, such as virtual reality and interactive content. As consumer preferences shift toward personalized media consumption, both investors and companies are seeking new avenues for growth and engagement in this dynamic market.


The investors listed are a blend of corporate giants and venture capital firms headquartered in DACH countries. They range in size from small teams to large enterprises, all contributing to the broadcasting sector's growth. Founded between 1833 and 2007, these investors have varying levels of activity in 2024, from their strategic partnerships to targeted acquisitions. Some are heavily involved with innovation, supporting emerging technologies and startups in broadcasting. Their collaborations point to a forward-thinking approach in an ever-evolving industry.


Top 12 Broadcasting Investors in DACH


1. Bauer Media Group

  • Website: bauermedia.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
  • Founded year: 1875
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: bauer-media-group

Bauer Media Group is a media company based in Hamburg, Germany, specializing in publishing and audio broadcasting. Founded in 1875, the 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 notable acquisitions in the broadcasting sector, such as the purchase of Absolute Radio in 2013 for approximately £22 million, which aimed to enhance the station's resources while preserving its innovative culture. More recently, in 2024, Bauer Media Audio announced the acquisition of Beat 102-103, a regional youth music station in Ireland, further solidifying its presence in the audio broadcasting market. Other significant transactions include the acquisition of Communicorp Media in 2021 and the entry into the Portuguese market with the acquisition of Media Capital Rádios in 2022. These transactions highlight Bauer Media's strategic focus on enriching its audio broadcasting portfolio and expanding its reach across multiple countries.


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 dedicated to independent journalism and leveraging technology to enhance its media offerings. Notably, Axel Springer has made significant investments in the broadcasting context, including the acquisition of GRB Studios in 1999, which focuses on content production. In 2015, they led a $16.2 million Series D funding round for NowThis, a video news startup that has gained substantial traction in video content distribution, particularly on social media platforms. Additionally, they have invested in OZY Media, which has raised considerable funding in multiple rounds, further showcasing their commitment to innovative media ventures. These transactions highlight Axel Springer's active role in the broadcasting industry, making them a relevant investor in this space.


3. Ringier

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

Ringier AG is a prominent 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. Ringier has made significant strides in the broadcasting industry, notably through its acquisition of Admeira AG, which allows it to focus on TV advertising. This move underscores Ringier's commitment to enhancing its broadcasting capabilities. Additionally, the company has invested in the LiveScore Group, a sports media entity, and AirConsole, which aims to expand its content library for AndroidTV, indicating a strategic interest in broadcasting and digital media. With a diverse portfolio and a significant role in the media landscape across Europe and Africa, Ringier is well-positioned as a key player in the broadcasting sector.


4. Bertelsmann Multimedia Gmbh


Bertelsmann Multimedia Gmbh, a corporate investor based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is part of Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA, a global media, services, and education company. Founded with a focus on high-quality content and innovative services, Bertelsmann has made significant investments in various sectors, including broadcasting. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Element Pictures on May 10, 2022, which enhances their film and television production capabilities. They also acquired Napster for $8 million on May 20, 2002, integrating music streaming into their portfolio. Their investment in JioSaavn, which raised $100 million in Series C funding on July 7, 2015, further demonstrates their commitment to audio content, a key component of broadcasting. These transactions highlight Bertelsmann's strategic focus on expanding its influence in the broadcasting landscape.


5. Swisscom Ventures


Swisscom Ventures is a Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 2007, specializing in high-potential technology startups. With a focus on providing financial support and strategic advisory services, Swisscom Ventures helps startups access technical infrastructure and market channels. The firm operates across various technology sectors, including AI and Fintech, but has also made significant investments in the broadcasting domain. Notable transactions include their investment in Bitmovin, which raised $25 million in a Series C round to expand its streaming technology, and Vizrt, a company that offers solutions for the broadcasting industry. Their participation in funding rounds for companies like Fastly and Kumu Networks, which provide edge cloud services and communication technologies, respectively, further demonstrates their engagement in sectors that intersect with broadcasting and media delivery.


6. Media Ventures

  • Website: mediaventures.de
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 1-10

Media Ventures GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Cologne, Germany, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in providing funding and strategic support to startups and growth-stage companies across various industries. Notably, Media Ventures has invested in companies relevant to the broadcasting sector, such as Make.TV, which focuses on video streaming solutions, and dailyme TV, a personalized TV service. These investments highlight Media Ventures' engagement in the broadcasting space, leveraging its extensive network and expertise in investment management to help entrepreneurs develop their business models and gain access to markets.


7. Sportradar

  • Website: sportradar.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: sportradar

Sportradar AG, founded in 2001 and based in St. Gallen, Switzerland, is a corporate investor specializing in sports technology, data analytics, and technology solutions for the sports, media, and betting industries. With a workforce of 1001-5000 employees, Sportradar has made significant strides in the broadcasting sector through strategic acquisitions. In 2025, they announced the acquisition of IMG ARENA from Endeavor Group Holdings, a deal valued at $225 million, which is expected to enhance their media rights and broadcasting capabilities. Additionally, their acquisition of The Sportsman Media in 2016, a Munich-based sports media rights and marketing agency, further solidifies their commitment to the broadcasting industry. Sportradar's focus on enhancing its product offerings through acquisitions like Synergy Sports and InteractSport also highlights its role in the broader sports media ecosystem, making it a notable player in the intersection of sports data and broadcasting.


8. Tamedia

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

Tamedia is a media company based in Boswil, Aargau, Switzerland, founded in 1893. It specializes in journalism and publishing, offering a variety of products including newspapers and digital news platforms. The company is committed to quality journalism and effective advertising services. Notably, Tamedia has made significant acquisitions in the broadcasting sector, including Zattoo in 2018, which is a prominent streaming service that allows users to watch live TV and on-demand content. Additionally, Tamedia acquired Goldbach Group AG in 2017, which focuses on advertising and media services, further enhancing its capabilities in the broadcasting and digital advertising space. These transactions highlight Tamedia's active role in the broadcasting industry, complementing its core business in journalism and publishing.


9. Mountain Partners


Mountain Partners is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investment management, focusing on providing funding and operational support to startups and technology companies across Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Mountain Partners manages a diversified portfolio of VC funds aimed at empowering innovative businesses and facilitating their growth. Notably, they have invested in Zapping TV, which raised $500,000 in a venture round in January 2018, a company that operates in the broadcasting sector. Additionally, they invested $8,853,475 in movingimage in July 2016, a company that offers video management solutions, which are crucial for broadcasting and media companies. These transactions highlight Mountain Partners' involvement in the broadcasting industry, alongside their broader investment strategy.


10. Atlantic Labs

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

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 their 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 these businesses grow. Notably, Atlantic Labs has been involved in significant transactions in the broadcasting context, such as their early investment in SoundCloud, which raised funds in 2009 and has become a major player in audio streaming. They also invested in mixd.tv in 2012, a platform that likely engages with broadcasting elements. Furthermore, their involvement with Jodel, a local app that has broadcasting-like features, showcases their interest in media-related startups. Overall, Atlantic Labs demonstrates a commitment to fostering innovation in the broadcasting space alongside their broader investment strategy.


11. Swisscom

  • Website: swisscom.ch
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Ittigen, Bern, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: swisscom

Swisscom AG is a telecommunications provider based in Switzerland, founded in 1998. The company offers a wide range of services, including mobile communication, broadband internet, and television, catering to both individual consumers and businesses. Notably, Swisscom has made strategic acquisitions in the broadcasting sector, including the acquisition of Antenna Hungaria in 2005, which enhances their broadcasting capabilities. In 2014, they acquired Publigroupe S.A., a company involved in media and advertising, further solidifying their presence in the broadcasting landscape. Additionally, their acquisition of CT Cinetrade in 2004 expanded their portfolio in film and media distribution. These transactions highlight Swisscom's active role in the broadcasting industry, complementing their core telecommunications services.


12. Earlybird Venture Capital


Earlybird Venture Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 1997, based in Germany, that specializes in investing in European technology innovators. With a focus on early-stage companies, they provide financial resources and strategic support, particularly in sectors like digital health and deep tech. Notably, Earlybird has made significant investments in the broadcasting context, including OneFootball, a prominent football media platform that has raised substantial funding to expand its operations, and Curio, a subscription audio service aimed at enhancing content production and partnerships. Additionally, their investment in simfy, a music streaming service, further highlights their involvement in the media and broadcasting industry. Through these transactions, Earlybird demonstrates a commitment to nurturing innovative companies that contribute to the broadcasting landscape.



Broadcasting Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Bauer Media GroupHamburg, Hamburg, Germany10001+18752
Axel SpringerBerlin, Berlin, Germany10001+19461
RingierZurich, Zurich, Switzerland5001-1000018330
Bertelsmann Multimedia GmbhNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+3
Swisscom VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020074
Media VenturesCologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany1-1020000
SportradarSt. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland1001-500020011
TamediaBoswil, Aargau, Switzerland1001-500018930
Mountain PartnersZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020051
Atlantic LabsBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201313
SwisscomIttigen, Bern, Switzerland10001+19982
Earlybird Venture CapitalGermany51-200199729


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