The record label industry in DACH, standing for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, plays a vital role in music production and distribution. This sector consists of various entities, including independent labels and large corporations that offer artists recording, promoting, and marketing services. Recently, the rise of digital platforms has transformed how music is consumed, shifting the focus to streaming and online distribution. As the industry evolves, innovative technologies are enhancing artist engagement and discovering new talent. Additionally, with a growing emphasis on equity in music rights, the landscape is becoming more artist-centric, ensuring fair compensation for creators and expanded opportunities for exposure.


The investors listed below vary widely in type, ranging from venture capitalists to corporate players. They are predominantly located in major cities such as Berlin and Zurich. Established between 1997 and 2020, these firms represent different sizes, with some employing tens and others thousands of people. In 2024, these investors engaged in numerous deals, with varied deal counts reflecting their active involvement in burgeoning sectors, including music technology and entertainment. Their combined commitment to supporting the record label industry showcases a robust and evolving investment landscape in DACH.


Top 12 Record Label Investors in DACH


1. Bmg


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 their music while ensuring they receive fair compensation. BMG has made several notable acquisitions in the record label industry, including the purchase of Mute Records from Universal Music Group, which features iconic artists like Depeche Mode and Nick Cave. They also acquired Nashville's BBR Music Group, which encompasses multiple record labels and a music publishing company, marking their return to the Nashville scene. Additionally, BMG has acquired the assets of S-Curve Records, known for its pop music, and World Circuit Records, recognized for its unique catalog of Cuban and West African music. Furthermore, BMG acquired the label behind the Buena Vista Social Club, further solidifying their presence in the record label market. Through these strategic acquisitions, BMG has established itself as a key investor in the record label industry.


2. 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 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 the audio broadcasting sector, including the purchase of 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 highlight Bauer Media's commitment to enhancing its digital radio portfolio and its engagement with music content, which is relevant to the record label industry.


3. 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 operates across various sectors, including television, streaming services, book publishing, and music production. Notably, Bertelsmann has made significant investments in the music industry, including the acquisition of Napster in 2002 for $8 million, which highlights their commitment to music distribution and digital media. Additionally, their earlier investment in Musicbank, which raised $20 million in 2000, showcases their interest in music-related ventures. These transactions underline Bertelsmann's active role in the record label and music production landscape, making them a noteworthy investor in this field.


4. 468Cap

  • Website: 468cap.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 27
  • LinkedIn: 468cap

468 Capital is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, specializing in technology investments. Founded in 2020, the firm focuses on backing founder-led startups across various sectors, including AI, energy transition, and enterprise software. With a global investment approach, operating from dual headquarters in Berlin and San Francisco, 468Cap has made 27 investments in 2024 alone. Notably, they invested in Encore Music Technologies, which raised $9 million in a seed round on February 16, 2022, indicating their interest in the music technology space. Additionally, they participated in the seed round for Turntable Labs, which raised $8.2 million on August 29, 2024. These transactions highlight 468Cap's engagement with the music industry, particularly in technology-driven solutions that could benefit record labels.


5. Sictic

  • Website: sictic.ch
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 77
  • LinkedIn: sictic

SICTIC is a not-for-profit organization based in Zurich, Switzerland, that connects smart money investors with innovative Swiss early-stage technology startups. Founded in 2014, SICTIC provides investment opportunities, networking events, and educational resources to facilitate the growth of startups and the investment community. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in Matchspace Music, which raised an undisclosed amount in a Pre-Seed round on October 30, 2021. This investment highlights Sictic's engagement in the music industry, alongside other technology-focused investments such as Staxe and OPTUNE. Their diverse portfolio indicates a willingness to explore various sectors, including the record label space.


6. Verve Ventures

  • Website: verve.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: investiere-venture-capital

Verve Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in deep tech investments across Europe, providing funding and strategic support to science and technology startups. Their focus includes sectors such as climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio. Notably, Verve Ventures has made significant investments in the music industry, including multiple rounds of funding for iMusician, a platform that aids independent artists in music distribution. Additionally, they have been involved with Groover, a music promotion platform that empowers independent artists and connects them with industry professionals. These transactions highlight Verve Ventures' engagement in the music sector, despite their broader focus on technology and innovation.


7. Best Nights VC

  • Website: bestnights.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • LinkedIn: m-venture-gmbh

Best Nights VC is a Berlin-based venture capital firm founded in 2018, specializing in investments in consumer tech startups that are connected to the nightlife and entertainment industries. The firm aims to support innovative entrepreneurs by providing funding and expertise to enhance social experiences and live entertainment. Notably, Best Nights VC participated in a seed investment round for un:hurd Music, an artist marketing platform, alongside notable figures like Kobalt founder Willard Ahdritz. This investment highlights their engagement in the music sector, which is relevant to record labels. Additionally, they have been involved in other ventures such as Hustle Sasa, although less directly related to music. Their focus on bridging culture and technology positions them as a potential ally for record labels looking to innovate in artist promotion and engagement.


8. b2venture

  • Website: b2venture.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: btovpartners

b2venture is a venture capital firm based in St. Gallen, Switzerland, founded in 2000. They specialize in early-stage investments in innovative startups across various sectors, providing financial backing and support to entrepreneurs. Their collaboration with a community of angel investors enhances their investment strategy, positioning them as a key player in the European venture capital landscape. Notably, b2venture has invested in IDAGIO, a music streaming service that raised $9.5 million in a Series A round in December 2017. This investment highlights their engagement in the music industry, which is relevant to record labels. Additionally, they were involved in the seed round for Restorm, although this company is less directly related to the record label context.


9. 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, particularly in the early stages of their development. With a portfolio of over 270 startups, IBB Ventures offers not only financial backing but also expertise and resources to help these businesses thrive in competitive markets. Notably, IBB Ventures has invested in Skoove, a Berlin-based music tech startup that raised €3M in funding, highlighting their interest in the music industry. This investment aligns with the record label sector, as Skoove operates within the music education space, which is relevant to the broader music ecosystem.


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 was involved in the seed round investment for SoundCloud in March 2009, a significant platform in the music streaming industry. This investment highlights their interest in the music sector, making them a relevant player in the record label context, despite their broader investment focus.


11. Davidson & W Technology Growth Credit


Davidson & W Technology Growth Credit is a corporate investor based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in providing Growth Debt financing to mid-late stage technology companies in Europe, particularly in Germany. They offer customized loan facilities aimed at helping businesses grow, expand into new markets, and enhance shareholder value while minimizing dilution and management distraction. Notably, they participated in a significant debt funding round for SoundCloud, which raised $70 million to support its growth and development in the music technology space. This involvement highlights their engagement with the music industry, particularly in supporting platforms that intersect with record labels and music distribution.


12. Serpentine Ventures

  • Website: serpentine.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: swiss-startup-capital

Serpentine Ventures AG is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in managing investments in early-stage technology ventures, providing venture capital and investment management services to high net worth individuals, professional investors, and institutional clients. Notably, Serpentine Ventures has participated in transactions such as Mictic, a music wearables startup that raised $2.5 million in a seed funding round, highlighting their interest in the music technology sector. Additionally, they were involved in the seed round for PatchXR, further showcasing their commitment to innovative technology solutions. By leveraging their extensive experience, Serpentine Ventures helps clients navigate the venture capital landscape and identify promising investment opportunities, including those in the music industry.



Record Label Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
BmgBerlin, Berlin, Germany1001-500020050
Bauer Media GroupHamburg, Hamburg, Germany10001+18752
Bertelsmann Multimedia GmbhNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+3
468CapBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50202027
SicticZurich, Zurich, Switzerland201-500201477
Verve VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50201025
Best Nights VCBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-1020180
b2ventureSt. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland11-50200015
IBB VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50199718
Atlantic LabsBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201313
Davidson & W Technology Growth CreditBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-1020150
Serpentine VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020192


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