The broadcasting industry in Europe thrives through a blend of television, radio, and streaming services. Companies range from giants like ITV and Liberty Global to innovative start-ups, all offering unique content that captures audience attention. With technological advancements, there's a noticeable shift towards digital platforms, catering to younger demographics who prefer streaming on-demand. As consumer habits evolve, broadcasters are adopting interactive features and content tailored for mobile devices. Amidst rising competition, industries are diversifying their offerings, enhancing viewer engagement, and exploring partnerships to remain relevant in an ever-changing market.

This list highlights 15 significant investors in the European broadcasting sector, comprised of corporate giants, venture capital firms, and private equity players. The investors hail from notable cities, including London, Amsterdam, and Hamburg, with a mix of company sizes from small startups to large conglomerates. Founded between 1946 and 2015, these entities were active in 2024 with various investments aimed at enhancing their interests in broadcasting, including funding deals ranging from two to 198 transactions annually.

Top 15 Broadcasting Investors in Europe

1. Liberty Global

• Website: libertyglobal.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn: liberty-global

Liberty Global Ltd. is a telecommunications company based in London, England, that provides a wide range of services including gigabit broadband, 5G mobile services, and entertainment platforms. Founded in 2005, the company operates across multiple European countries, leveraging its extensive network infrastructure to serve both consumers and businesses. Notably, Liberty Global has made significant investments in the broadcasting sector, including the acquisition of TV3, Ireland's leading commercial broadcaster, for €80 million in 2015, which aimed to secure the broadcaster's long-term future. Additionally, Liberty Global participated in a $1 billion seed-funding round for NewTV, a company focused on launching original, short-form series, and invested in Frequency Networks, a startup that seeks to bring web video to cable boxes, enhancing the broadcasting experience for its customers. These transactions illustrate Liberty Global's strategic interest in the broadcasting industry, complementing its core telecommunications services.

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, 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 Group has made significant strides in the broadcasting sector, acquiring several key assets to enhance its audio business. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Beat 102-103, a regional youth music station in Ireland, and Media Capital Rádios in Portugal, which marked their entry into the Portuguese market. Additionally, they acquired Communicorp Media and Absolute Radio, further solidifying their position in the audio broadcasting landscape. These strategic acquisitions reflect Bauer Media Group's commitment to expanding its reach and influence in the broadcasting industry, making it a relevant player in this sector.

3. Sky

• Website: sky.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1989
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: sky

Sky Group Limited is a media and telecommunications company based in the United Kingdom, founded in 1989. It provides a wide range of services, including satellite television, broadband, and mobile communications, catering to both consumers and businesses across Europe. Sky has been actively investing in the broadcasting sector, as evidenced by its participation in funding rounds for companies like fuboTV and Pluto TV. For instance, Sky participated in multiple funding rounds for fuboTV, a streaming sports startup, contributing to Series A, B, and C rounds, which collectively raised significant capital to enhance their offerings for sports fans. Additionally, Sky was involved in the Series A and B funding rounds for Pluto TV, a video platform that aims to broaden its content availability across various devices. These transactions underscore Sky's commitment to expanding its influence in the broadcasting and streaming markets.

4. Itv

• Website: itvplc.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1955
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• LinkedIn: itv

ITV plc is a media company based in London, England, founded in 1955. It operates as a broadcaster and content producer, offering a variety of television and streaming services. ITV is known for producing high-quality content and providing advertising opportunities for businesses. The company has engaged in several significant acquisitions to bolster its position in the broadcasting industry, including:1. **Leftfield Pictures** - Acquired on May 4, 2014, for $360 million, this acquisition allows ITV to enhance its content production capabilities.2. **SDN** - Acquired for £134 million in cash (with an additional £15 million contingent on Ofcom’s ruling), this acquisition strengthens ITV's digital terrestrial platform and potential channel offerings.3. **Twofour Group** - ITV agreed to acquire Boom Supervisory, the holding company of Twofour Group, for an initial cash consideration of £55 million, aimed at strengthening its original content business.4. **Mammoth Screen** - ITV acquired the remaining equity of Mammoth Screen, enhancing its drama production capabilities, which is crucial for its broadcasting strategy.5. **Big Talk Productions** - Acquired on July 26, 2013, this acquisition further diversifies ITV's content production portfolio.Through these transactions, ITV has demonstrated a commitment to expanding its broadcasting capabilities and content offerings, solidifying its role as a key player in the media landscape.

5. Endemol Shine Group

• Website: banijay.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: endemolshine

Endemol Shine Group, a subsidiary of Banijay Entertainment S.A., is a prominent television production and distribution company based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Founded in 2015, it has rapidly grown to encompass over 130 production labels and boasts a catalogue of more than 200,000 hours of programming. The company serves various television networks and streaming platforms, providing high-quality shows and formats that engage audiences worldwide. Notably, Endemol Shine Group was acquired by Banijay Group in 2020, which further solidified its position in the industry. The acquisition of Bunim-Murray Productions, known for reality shows like 'The Real World' and 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians,' and Mam Tor Productions, a UK drama producer, highlights its commitment to expanding its content portfolio and enhancing its international reach. Additionally, the acquisition of Authentic Prod, a French fiction production company, demonstrates its strategic focus on diversifying its offerings in the broadcasting market.

6. Wpp

• Website: wpp.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1985
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: wpp

WPP plc is a leading advertising and communications company based in London, England, founded in 1985. With over 10,000 employees, WPP provides a wide range of services including advertising, public relations, media buying, and market research. The company has a diverse portfolio, serving various industries to enhance brand visibility and connect with consumers through innovative marketing strategies. Notably, WPP has made significant investments in the broadcasting sector, including a $5 million investment in Gimlet Media during its Series B funding round in September 2017, which focuses on podcasting and audio content. Additionally, WPP invested in MRC, a company that raised $175 million in a private equity round in February 2013 and $350 million in debt financing in September 2011, both of which are involved in film and television production. These transactions underscore WPP's commitment to the media landscape, making them a relevant investor in the broadcasting industry.

7. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération

• Website: bpifrance.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 198
• LinkedIn: bpifrance-french-tech-acc%c3%a9l%c3%a9ration

Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a range of services including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The institution aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation through coaching and partnerships, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to the broadcasting industry, such as investing in Easylive.io, a video production platform, and Wildmoka, which focuses on media and broadcasting solutions. These investments highlight Bpifrance's commitment to supporting companies that enhance the broadcasting landscape, alongside its broader investment strategy.

8. Kima Ventures

• Website: kimaventures.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 50
• LinkedIn: kima-ventures

Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, backing two startups per week with financial support and mentorship. Among their notable transactions, Kima Ventures invested in Brut, which raised over $12 million in a Series A round, focusing on video content and media distribution. They also participated in the funding of Audion, a French adtech company that raised €1.1 million to enhance its role in audio and podcast advertisement, indicating their commitment to the broadcasting and media landscape. Additionally, Kima Ventures has invested in other sectors, but their involvement in media-related startups highlights their relevance in the broadcasting industry.

9. EQT Group

• Website: eqtgroup.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 30
• LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by managing diverse investment portfolios across various sectors and geographies. Among its notable transactions in the broadcasting context, EQT acquired Com Hem, Sweden's leading cable TV operator, in 2003, which has played a crucial role in the Swedish broadcasting market. Additionally, EQT's acquisition of Kabel Baden-Württemberg and Delta Fiber highlights its commitment to expanding telecommunications infrastructure, which is integral to broadcasting services. Furthermore, EQT's strategic investment in United Talent Agency (UTA) in 2022 underscores its interest in the media and entertainment sectors, further solidifying its relevance in the broadcasting industry.

10. 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, including BILD and Business Insider. The company is committed to independent journalism and leveraging technology to enhance its media offerings. Notably, Axel Springer has made strategic investments in the broadcasting space, such as the acquisition of GRB Studios in 1999, which focuses on television production. Additionally, they led a $16.2 million Series D funding round for NowThis, a video news startup that has gained significant traction on social media platforms, emphasizing their commitment to video content and modern broadcasting methods. Other investments include funding rounds for OZY Media and laut.ag, further showcasing their active role in the evolving media and broadcasting landscape.

11. Northzone

• Website: northzone.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 23
• LinkedIn: northzone

Northzone is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, based in London, England. The firm specializes in investing in startups from Seed to Growth stages, providing financial backing and strategic support primarily in the technology and healthcare sectors. With over 175 investments to date, Northzone aims to empower founders in navigating the challenges of building successful businesses. Notably, Northzone has made significant investments in the broadcasting context, including a leading role in fuboTV's Series C and D funding rounds, which raised substantial capital to enhance their streaming sports platform. Additionally, Northzone's investment in Supponor, a company focused on digital advertising technology for broadcasters, showcases their commitment to supporting innovations that enhance broadcasting capabilities. These transactions reflect Northzone's strategic interest in the broadcasting industry, alongside their broader investment portfolio.

12. Index Ventures

• Website: indexventures.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 67
• LinkedIn: index-ventures

Index Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, based in London, England. The firm invests in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare, providing capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs. Notably, Index Ventures has participated in significant transactions within the broadcasting context, such as their investment in Spot Runner, a company that raised $40 million to develop a system for selling unsold TV ad spots to local businesses. This involvement highlights their interest in the broadcasting industry, alongside other investments like CinemaNow, which focuses on digital distribution of films, further showcasing their engagement with media and broadcasting-related ventures.

13. myCANAL

• Website: mycanal.fr
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Lacour-D'Arcenay, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
• Founded year: 1984
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: mycanal

myCANAL, founded in 1984 and based in Lacour-D'Arcenay, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France, is a corporate investor primarily known for its streaming service under the CANAL+ brand. The platform offers a diverse array of entertainment content, including films, series, and live sports, catering to consumers in the French market with both on-demand and live viewing experiences. In 2024, myCANAL has been involved in significant transactions, including a mandatory offer to acquire the remaining shares of MultiChoice, a major player in the African media and entertainment sector, for approximately $1.8 billion. This follows their previous investments in MultiChoice, showcasing a strategic focus on enhancing their broadcasting reach. Additionally, myCANAL's acquisition of M7 Group for over €1 billion further solidifies their position in the broadcasting landscape, expanding their distribution capacity and subscriber base across Europe.

14. All3Media

• Website: all3media.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2003
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn: all3-media

All3Media Limited is a corporate media production company based in London, England, founded in 2003. It specializes in creating a diverse range of television, film, and digital content, including dramas, documentaries, and reality shows. The company operates through a network of over 50 production labels and has a significant presence in the UK, US, and Europe. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Raw TV in 2017, which enhances their documentary and reality programming capabilities, and the acquisition of Optomen Productions for £40 million, known for its strong portfolio in food and lifestyle programming. Additionally, All3Media's acquisition of New Pictures Limited, recognized for producing acclaimed series like 'The Missing', further solidifies its position in the drama production sector. These strategic acquisitions demonstrate All3Media's commitment to expanding its influence in the broadcasting landscape by enhancing its content offerings for various platforms.

15. Crowdcube

• Website: crowdcube.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited

Crowdcube is a crowdfunding platform based in London, England, founded in 2010. It enables businesses, particularly startups and SMEs, to raise capital through equity investments by connecting them with potential investors. The platform emphasizes diversity and inclusion within its workforce and provides investment management services. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several significant transactions within the broadcasting sector, including True Royalty TV, which raised $1,861,440 in March 2023, and Fix Media, which raised $1,246,613 in April 2022. These investments highlight Crowdcube's role in supporting innovative broadcasting ventures, alongside its broader investment activities.

Broadcasting Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
Liberty Global	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	2005	7
Bauer Media Group	Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany	10001+	1875	2
Sky	United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	1989	2
Itv	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	5001-10000	1955	0
Endemol Shine Group	Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands	5001-10000	2015	2
Wpp	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	1985	2
Bpifrance French Tech Accélération	Paris, Île-De-France, France	1-10	2015	198
Kima Ventures	Paris, Île-De-France, France	1-10	2010	50
EQT Group	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	1001-5000	1994	30
Axel Springer	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	10001+	1946	1
Northzone	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	1996	23
Index Ventures	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1996	67
myCANAL	Lacour-D'Arcenay, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France	501-1000	1984	3
All3Media	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	1001-5000	2003	0
Crowdcube	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2010	3

Want to find more investors focusing on the broadcasting industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the broadcastingindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.

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!