The book publishing industry in the DACH region—comprising Germany, Austria, and Switzerland—is a robust sector characterized by a rich tapestry of companies. These range from traditional publishers producing printed books to modern digital platforms offering e-books and audiobooks. The industry has evolved rapidly, incorporating technology to cater to changing consumer preferences. With a steady rise in self-publishing and independent authors, along with enhanced accessibility through online platforms, the focus is increasingly on innovative storytelling. The industry is embracing new formats, driving demand for diverse voices and genres, and adapting to the digital age with sustainability in mind.


The investment landscape includes a mix of corporate giants and venture capital firms primarily located in urban centers like Berlin, Munich, and Flensburg. With organizations ranging from employee strength of 1 to over 10,000, the investors' strategies reflect varying degrees of engagement, from direct acquisitions to early-stage funding. Established across decades, from 1972 to 2021, 2024 saw substantial deal activity, with firms like HV Capital making 28 investments. This portfolio illustrates a balanced approach, capturing growth opportunities within the evolving book publishing industry.


Top 15 Book Publishing 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 operates across various sectors, including television, streaming services, music production, and notably, book publishing. The company has made significant investments in the book publishing industry, including the acquisition of Penguin Random House in July 2017, which solidified its position as a leading publisher. In November 2020, Bertelsmann announced its agreement to acquire Simon & Schuster from ViacomCBS for $2.175 billion, further enhancing its presence in the U.S. market. Additionally, Bertelsmann has invested in Kadokawa Shoten Publishing Co., acquiring a stake to access Japan's large book market. These strategic moves underscore Bertelsmann's commitment to the book publishing sector, making it a key player in the industry.


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 operates a diverse portfolio of brands, including BILD and Business Insider, and is dedicated to independent journalism and leveraging technology to enhance its media offerings. The company has been involved in several significant transactions that reflect its strategic interests in the media landscape. For instance, Axel Springer participated in funding rounds for Group Nine Media, which raised substantial amounts to enhance its digital content capabilities. Additionally, the acquisition of N24 Media GmbH aimed to bolster multimedia editorial capabilities, showcasing Axel Springer's commitment to expanding its media reach. Furthermore, the minority interest in Mic Network highlights its focus on engaging with younger audiences through digital platforms. These activities demonstrate Axel Springer's active role in the media and publishing sectors, making it a relevant player in the book publishing investment landscape.


3. bmp Ventures

  • Website: bmp.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 1997
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: bmpventures

bmp Ventures AG is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage and growth startups across various innovative sectors, providing not only financial resources but also strategic advisory services to help startups navigate their growth journey. Among their notable transactions, bmp Ventures invested in brand eins Verlag, a publishing company, in a seed round in June 2011. This investment highlights their engagement in the book publishing industry, alongside their more prominent focus on tech companies and entrepreneurs. Other transactions include investments in LOST iN, a company that raised funds in seed rounds in 2016 and 2018, and United Games Entertainment GmbH, which raised funds in a Series A round in 2019. These diverse investments reflect bmp Ventures' strategy of supporting innovative startups across various sectors, including publishing.


4. HV Capital

  • Website: hvcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 28
  • LinkedIn: hvventures

HV Capital is a venture capital firm based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2000. With over €2.8 billion under management, HV Capital specializes in investing in digital companies and supporting entrepreneurs from seed stage to exit. They have a diverse portfolio, including notable investments in Audible, which raised funds in 2004 and 2006 through post-IPO equity rounds. Audible is a significant player in the audiobook sector, which intersects with the book publishing industry. Additionally, HV Capital has invested in other companies like 7trends and Bol.com, although these are less directly related to traditional book publishing. Their strategic guidance helps startups navigate growth challenges and achieve market success across Europe.


5. Acton Capital


Acton Capital is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 1999, specializing in investing in startups at the Series A stage and beyond. They provide financial backing and strategic guidance to mission-driven teams across various sectors, including technology and eco-friendly consumer goods. Acton Capital has a notable history of investments in the book publishing context, having invested in AbeBooks, an online marketplace for books, and JustBooks, which also focuses on book sales. Furthermore, they have supported Momox, a leading online buy-back service for books and media in Germany. These transactions highlight Acton Capital's engagement with the book industry, demonstrating their capability and interest in supporting companies that operate within this sector.


6. Possible Ventures

  • Website: possible.ventures
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: possible-vc

Possible Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2021. The firm has a small team and has been active in various investment rounds, totaling 9 investments in 2024 alone. One of their notable transactions includes a pre-seed investment in ForgeFiction, a platform designed for community writing, which aligns with the book publishing industry by fostering creative writing and storytelling. Additionally, Possible Ventures has invested in Podimo, a platform that focuses on audio content, including podcasts, which can be considered a modern extension of storytelling and publishing. However, they have also invested in Omeda Studios, a game developer, indicating a broader focus on technology and entertainment rather than exclusively on book publishing.


7. Hubert Burda Media

  • Website: burda.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
  • Founded year: 1903
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: hubert-burda-media

Hubert Burda Media is a prominent media and technology company based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 1903. The company specializes in publishing and creating engaging content across various platforms, serving both consumers and businesses. They have a strong focus on sustainability and innovation within their operations. Notably, Hubert Burda Media has made significant acquisitions in the publishing sector, including the acquisition of Immediate Media Co. in January 2017, which is recognized as the UK's leading special interest content and platform company. This acquisition highlights their involvement in the publishing industry, as Immediate Media publishes various magazines, including those related to niche interests. Additionally, their acquisition of StockFood and Shoplove further demonstrates their strategy of expanding their media portfolio, although these companies focus on food and digital marketing, respectively. Overall, Hubert Burda Media's diverse investments and acquisitions position them as a relevant player in the broader publishing landscape.


8. Holtzbrinck Digital


Holtzbrinck Digital is a venture capital firm based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in innovative startups within the digital education, science, and content sectors. Holtzbrinck Digital supports its portfolio companies through capital investment and strategic guidance, helping them to grow and succeed in their respective markets. Notably, they have been involved in transactions such as figshare and Altmetric, both of which are relevant to the academic and content publishing landscape. Figshare provides a platform for researchers to share their findings, while Altmetric tracks the attention and engagement of research outputs, both of which are significant in the context of book publishing and academic content dissemination.


9. Project A

  • Website: project-a.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 13
  • LinkedIn: project-a-ventures

Project A is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2012. They specialize in early-stage tech investments and provide operational support for startups, offering consulting in tech and growth, access to a network of investors, and pre-seed investment opportunities. Notably, Project A has invested in Wonderbly, a children's book publisher based in London, participating in both their Series A and Series B funding rounds in 2016 and 2017, respectively. This involvement highlights their interest in the book publishing industry, alongside their broader focus on tech entrepreneurship. Project A's diverse investment portfolio and their active role in funding a publishing company demonstrate their capability and willingness to engage with the book publishing sector.


10. Museum Ravensburger


Museum Ravensburger is a corporate investor based in Bernau Am Chiemsee, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1883. The company is primarily known as a toy manufacturer and retailer, specializing in board games, puzzles, and educational toys. They serve families and educational institutions by providing engaging products that promote learning and interaction. In addition to their core business, Ravensburger has shown interest in the book publishing sector, notably leading a Series B funding round for Wonderbly, a children's book publisher based in London, UK, which raised £6.4 million in June 2017. This investment highlights Ravensburger's commitment to supporting innovative companies that create personalized and interactive children's books, further expanding their portfolio beyond traditional toys and games.


11. BayBG Venture Capital

  • Website: baybg-vc.de
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Hirschbach, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1972
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: baybg-venture-capital

BayBG Bayerische Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH is a venture capital firm based in Hirschbach, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1972. The firm specializes in investing in innovative startups, particularly in Bavaria, and provides venture capital and advisory services to help these startups grow and scale their operations. BayBG has a strong focus on technology companies, leveraging its extensive network and experience to support portfolio companies in navigating market challenges. Notably, BayBG has invested in Digital Publishing, which raised EUR 5 million in a financing round, highlighting their engagement in the publishing sector. This investment reflects their willingness to support ventures that intersect with technology and publishing, making them a potential player in the book publishing industry.


12. Cherry Ventures

  • Website: cherry.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: cherry-ventures

Cherry Ventures is a Berlin-based venture capital firm founded in 2012, specializing in early-stage investments in startups across Europe. With a team of 11-50 professionals, they provide capital, mentorship, and resources to innovative companies aiming to create lasting impact in their industries. Notably, Cherry Ventures has participated in funding rounds for Morressier, a startup focused on academic publishing and research integrity, raising significant amounts in Series A and B rounds. They also invested in Curio, a subscription audio service that enhances content production and partnerships, indicating their interest in media and publishing sectors. These transactions highlight Cherry Ventures' engagement with companies that have a direct or indirect connection to the publishing industry.


13. redalpine


Redalpine is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in investing in technology and science sectors, providing funding and strategic support to startups. Redalpine has been involved in several notable transactions, particularly in the scholarly publishing domain. For instance, they participated in multiple funding rounds for Morressier, a Berlin-based startup focused on research integrity and scholarly publishing. Redalpine led a seed funding round for Morressier in 2017, contributing to the company's development of new features and engineering talent. They also participated in Morressier's Series A and Series B funding rounds in 2021 and 2024, respectively, which aimed to enhance product innovation and expand market reach. Additionally, Redalpine's investment in Car Throttle, which plans to launch new publications across various topics, further demonstrates their engagement in the publishing sector. Overall, Redalpine's strategic investments in companies related to publishing highlight their potential relevance in this industry.


14. EnjoyVenture


EnjoyVenture GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, specializing in seed and growth financing for technology start-ups. Founded in 2000, the firm has invested in over 150 businesses, providing not only financial support but also strategic consulting to help start-ups navigate challenges and achieve market success. Among their notable transactions, EnjoyVenture participated in the seed round for readfy on June 1, 2014. Readfy is a platform that allows users to read digital books, which places it squarely within the book publishing industry. This investment highlights EnjoyVenture's engagement with innovative business models in the publishing sector, despite their broader focus on technology.


15. YoungBrains

  • Website: youngbrains.net
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50

YoungBrains GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Hamburg, Germany, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in fostering entrepreneurship by providing seed capital to startups, helping them secure the necessary funding to launch and grow their operations. One notable transaction in their portfolio is the investment in EDITION F GmbH, a company that raised an undisclosed amount in a seed round on January 1, 2015. This investment highlights YoungBrains' engagement in the publishing sector, showcasing their interest in supporting ventures that contribute to the book publishing industry.



Book Publishing Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Bertelsmann Multimedia GmbhNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+3
Axel SpringerBerlin, Berlin, Germany10001+19461
bmp VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5019973
HV CapitalFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany11-50200028
Acton CapitalMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5019993
Possible VenturesMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-1020219
Hubert Burda MediaFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany10001+19030
Holtzbrinck DigitalFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany1-1020100
Project ABerlin, Berlin, Germany51-200201213
Museum RavensburgerBernau Am Chiemsee, Bavaria, Germany1-1018830
BayBG Venture CapitalHirschbach, Bavaria, Germany51-20019723
Cherry VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201225
redalpineZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50200618
EnjoyVentureNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany11-5020002
YoungBrainsHamburg, Hamburg, Germany11-5020090


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