The radio broadcasting industry in Benelux is a dynamic sector encompassing traditional and digital platforms. It includes various players, from large broadcasting corporations to innovative startups focused on niche markets. These companies provide a range of programming, including music, news, and talk shows, often tailoring content to local and regional audiences. The industry is evolving with the rise of streaming services, which are reshaping how listeners access audio content. Moreover, the growing popularity of podcasting presents new opportunities for engagement, making the sector poised for further growth and adaptation in the digital age.

The list features a blend of corporate giants and venture capital firms located in Benelux that have made impactful investments in radio broadcasting. These investors range from established entities like SES Satellites and the European Investment Bank to newer entrants like V3 Ventures. With a varied focus, many of these firms have headquarters in Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands, and they engage in strategic partnerships to boost the industry. Together, their collective investments amount to significant deal counts in 2024, showcasing their commitment to this evolving sector.

Top 13 Radio Broadcasting Investors in Benelux

1. European Investment Bank (EIB)

• Website: eib.org
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 1958
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 99
• LinkedIn: european-investment-bank

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, established in 1958, that provides a range of financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services. The EIB focuses on supporting sustainable projects across various sectors, including infrastructure, innovation, and social initiatives. Notably, the EIB has been involved in significant transactions within the media sector, such as providing debt financing to DPG Media, which raised approximately $111 million in January 2022, and Acast, which secured around $27 million in August 2019. These investments highlight the EIB's engagement with companies that are integral to the radio broadcasting landscape, demonstrating its role in promoting growth and job creation in this industry.

2. SES Satellites

• Website: ses.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Betzdorf, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg
• Founded year: 1985
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: ses

SES S.A. is a satellite telecommunications provider based in Betzdorf, Luxembourg, founded in 1985. The company operates a fleet of over 70 satellites, offering a range of services including video broadcast and data connectivity solutions. SES serves various sectors, notably broadcasting, government, and maritime, ensuring reliable connectivity for communication and media distribution. Notably, SES acquired RR Media for $242 million in 2016, aiming to create a leading provider of media solutions, which enhances their position in the broadcasting industry. Additionally, SES Networks, a subsidiary, has raised significant funds to expand its capabilities, further solidifying SES's role in the media and broadcasting landscape.

3. Cvc

• Website: cvc.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 16
• LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent investment firm based in Luxembourg, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. Founded in 2005, it manages approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC has been involved in various significant transactions, including the acquisition of Nine Entertainment in 2007, which operates in the broadcasting sector, and the acquisition of Hong Kong Broadband Network in 2012. These transactions highlight CVC's engagement in the media landscape, although their investments also extend to telecommunications and broadband, indicating a broader investment strategy beyond just radio broadcasting.

4. Mediahuis nv

• Website: mediahuis.be
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
• Founded year: 2013
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn: mediahuis-belgie

Mediahuis nv is a corporate investor based in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 2013. The company operates primarily in the media sector, encompassing both publishing and broadcasting. It provides a diverse range of services, including newspaper and magazine publishing, online media, and broadcasting, catering to a wide audience across several European countries. A significant transaction that highlights Mediahuis's commitment to the radio broadcasting industry is its acquisition of RadioCorp, which owns popular radio stations such as 100% NL, SLAM!, and SUNLITE. Additionally, Mediahuis has reached an agreement in principle to acquire Radio Veronica from Talpa Network, further strengthening its position in the Dutch radio market and local advertising. These transactions demonstrate Mediahuis's strategic focus on enhancing its broadcasting portfolio and its active role in the radio sector.

5. EVS Broadcast Equipment

• Website: evs.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Seraing, Wallonia, Belgium
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: evs-broadcast-equipment

EVS Broadcast Equipment SA, founded in 1994 and based in Seraing, Wallonia, Belgium, is a corporate investor specializing in broadcast equipment and live video production solutions. The company offers a range of products, including live production servers and asset management systems, primarily serving television networks and production companies. In 2020, EVS made a significant acquisition of Axon Digital, a leading broadcast and media network infrastructure specialist, for EUR 10.5 million, aimed at enhancing their product offerings and global presence in live production infrastructure. In 2024, EVS further expanded its portfolio by acquiring MOG Technologies, a company specializing in file-based and software-defined video solutions, for a value below €5 million. This acquisition is intended to bolster EVS's cloud-based services and expand its live production ecosystem. Additionally, EVS participated in a corporate funding round for Tinkerlist in August 2024, although the amount raised was undisclosed. These transactions highlight EVS's commitment to advancing technology in the broadcasting sector, making them a relevant player in the radio broadcasting industry as well.

6. Altice Group

• Website: altice.net
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn: altice-group

Altice Group, founded in 2001 and based in Luxembourg, is a telecommunications and mass media company that provides internet, TV, and phone services across Western Europe, Israel, the United States, and the Caribbean. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Altice has made significant strides in the media landscape. Notably, in July 2017, Altice announced its acquisition of Portugal's Media Capital Group from Prisa for an enterprise value of €440 million. This acquisition granted Altice control over several key media assets, including the commercial channel TVI, which is a prominent player in the Portuguese broadcasting market. Additionally, Altice has participated in funding rounds for media startups, such as Cheddar, a financial news platform, indicating its interest in diversifying its media investments and enhancing its content production capabilities.

7. Euro Media Group

• Website: euromediagroup.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Charleroi, Wallonia, Belgium
• Founded year: 1982
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn: euro-media-group

Euro Media Group (EMG), founded in 1982 and based in Charleroi, Wallonia, Belgium, is a corporate investor specializing in media production and broadcasting services. With a workforce of 1001-5000 employees, EMG provides comprehensive solutions for live events, including outside broadcasting, post-production, and digital streaming. Their client base includes sports federations and television channels, highlighting their significant role in the media industry. Notably, EMG has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its capabilities, such as the acquisition of Broadcast RF in 2015, which positions them as a leader in RF solutions, and Aerial Camera Systems in 2010, enhancing their portfolio of specialized camera services. These transactions reflect EMG's commitment to advancing their broadcasting technology and services, which are applicable to both television and radio broadcasting contexts.

8. V3 Ventures

• Website: v3.ventures
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 2022
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 9
• LinkedIn: v3-venture

V3 Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 2022. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage consumer businesses across various sectors, including wellness, food, and lifestyle. V3 Ventures aims to support founders by providing capital and strategic guidance to help them build strong brands and achieve growth. Notably, V3 Ventures participated in a funding round for Kuku FM, an audio startup that focuses on regional language content and aims to significantly increase its paid subscriber base. This investment highlights V3 Ventures' interest in the audio sector, which is closely related to radio broadcasting. Additionally, they acquired Metaverse.sg, a crypto news outlet, which showcases their diverse investment strategy but is less relevant to radio broadcasting.

9. United Group B.V.

• Website: united.group
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Hoofddorp, North Holland, Netherlands
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: united-group-b.v.

United Group B.V. is a telecommunications and media provider based in Hoofddorp, North Holland, Netherlands, founded in 2000. The company operates primarily in Southeast Europe, offering a comprehensive range of services that include television, internet, landline, and mobile telephony. United Group serves both consumers and businesses, providing essential connectivity and access to media content. Notably, they have expanded their media portfolio through strategic acquisitions, including the acquisition of NOVA Broadcasting Group on December 24, 2020, which enhances their presence in the radio broadcasting sector. Additionally, they agreed to acquire Bulgarian telecom operator Vivacom for €1.2 billion, further solidifying their position in the telecommunications market. Their involvement in content production and advertising also enhances their media offerings, making them a significant player in the media landscape.

10. Exor N.V.

• Website: exor.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 26
• LinkedIn: exor_2

Exor N.V. is a holding company based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2009. It operates across various sectors, including automotive, healthcare, and media, and manages a diverse portfolio of companies such as Ferrari, Stellantis, and Philips. Exor focuses on enhancing value through strategic investments and operational support. A notable transaction in the media sector is Exor's acquisition of a 43.78% stake in GEDI Gruppo Editoriale S.p.A. for €102.4 million, completed on April 23, 2020. GEDI is involved in various media activities, including radio broadcasting, which aligns with Exor's investment strategy in the media landscape.

11. Verlinvest

• Website: verlinvest.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 1995
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: verlinvest

Verlinvest is a venture capital investment firm based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in high-growth consumer brands across various sectors, including food, beverage, health, and technology. Verlinvest provides long-term capital and strategic advisory services to help brands scale and innovate. Notably, they have invested in Kuku FM, an audio startup that raised significant funding in 2022 to enhance its content creation and expand its regional language offerings. This investment reflects Verlinvest's interest in the audio and broadcasting industry, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative companies in this space.

12. Maor Investments

• Website: maorinvestments.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: maor-investments

Maor Investments is a venture capital firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in investing in revenue-generating Israeli technology companies and provides advisory services to facilitate connections between startups and European corporates. Notably, Maor Investments has participated in funding rounds for Minute Media, a company that operates in the media sector, including digital broadcasting. In February 2020, they were part of a $40 million Series I funding round for Minute Media, which highlights their engagement in the media landscape. This involvement suggests that Maor Investments is not only focused on technology but also has a stake in the media and broadcasting industry, particularly through their association with companies like Minute Media.

13. Peak

• Website: peak.capital
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
• Founded year: 2008
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn: peak-capital

Peak Capital is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2008. They specialize in investing in early-stage companies within the SaaS, marketplace, and platform sectors, providing funding and support to help these businesses scale and succeed. In 2016, Peak Capital invested €0.6 million in Media Distillery, a company that focuses on media technology, which suggests their engagement in the media landscape. This investment highlights their willingness to support innovative companies that may intersect with the radio broadcasting industry, despite their primary focus being elsewhere.

Radio Broadcasting Insights: Key Investors in Benelux

Want to find more investors focusing on the radio broadcasting industry?

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

• Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
• Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
• Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
• ...and much more!