The stop motion animation industry in Europe uniquely blends creativity and craftsmanship, bringing characters to life frame by frame. Companies range from large studios like Aardman Animations to smaller independent creators, all producing a variety of films, series, and commercials using this labor-intensive technique. The industry has experienced a resurgence with the rise of streaming platforms seeking original content, paving the way for innovative storytelling. Furthermore, as technology advances, hybrid approaches that incorporate CGI with traditional stop motion are gaining traction, enhancing artistic expression and broadening audience appeal.

Among the various investors in the European stop motion animation industry are venture capital and private equity firms. With headquarters scattered from London to Paris, these firms range from small players to major corporate entities, some boasting thousands of employees. Established predominantly in the last couple of decades, they exhibit a strong commitment to fostering growth within animation, as evidenced by their investments. In 2024, the combined deal counts of the investors varied significantly, reflecting their strategic focus on animation, entertainment, and creative technology.

Top 15 Stop Motion Animation Investors in Europe

1. 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 corporate investor based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, is a subsidiary of Banijay Entertainment S.A., which specializes in television production and distribution across various genres. Founded in 2015, the group has over 130 production labels and a vast catalogue of more than 200,000 hours of programming. In recent years, Endemol Shine Group has made significant strides in the animation sector, notably acquiring Monello Productions, a French animation studio, in April 2021. This acquisition allows them to expand their capabilities in animation, including potential stop motion projects. Furthermore, their acquisition of Procidis in September 2024, known for its educational entertainment, and Kindle Entertainment, enhances their portfolio in the kids' edutainment sector, indicating a strategic focus on youth-oriented content that may include various animation styles. These transactions highlight Endemol Shine Group's commitment to diversifying its content offerings, including animation, which is relevant to the stop motion animation industry.

2. 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 to help them navigate initial challenges and achieve success. Kima Ventures has made notable investments in the animation space, including Kukua, which secured funding for an animated television series aimed at children, and Animaj, which raised over $5 million in a seed round. Additionally, they invested in Sekai Studio, further emphasizing their commitment to the animation industry. Their diverse portfolio reflects a proactive approach to supporting innovative companies, including those in the stop motion animation sector.

3. Bgf

• Website: bgf.co.uk
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 53
• LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm based in London, UK, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses across the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in Snipple Animation Studios, which raised $8,141,488 in a venture round in January 2021, indicating their commitment to the animation sector. Additionally, BGF invested £2 million in Milk VFX in June 2017, a company that works with major film and TV producers, further showcasing their involvement in the visual effects and animation industry. BGF's investment in ER Productions in October 2024 also highlights their ongoing interest in companies that operate within the creative industries, including animation.

4. Mediawan

• Website: mediawan.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: mediawan-corporate

Mediawan S.A. is a corporate investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. The company specializes in the production, distribution, and publication of a wide range of audiovisual content, including scripted and non-scripted productions, documentaries, and animations. Mediawan has been actively expanding its portfolio through strategic acquisitions. Notably, in 2023, Mediawan acquired a majority stake in Submarine, a production company recognized for its animated works, which aligns with their strategy to enhance international co-productions and build a strong catalogue of intellectual properties. Additionally, Mediawan has made other acquisitions, such as Wildseed Studios and Misfits Entertainment, further solidifying its position in the media landscape. These transactions reflect Mediawan's commitment to diversifying its content offerings and engaging with various forms of animation, including stop motion.

5. THQ Nordic

• Website: thqnordic.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 501-1000
• LinkedIn: nordic-games-gmbh

THQ Nordic is a corporate investor based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 2011. It operates as a video game publisher and developer, offering a diverse portfolio of video games across various platforms. The company is known for its commitment to quality and innovation in the gaming industry, maintaining a strong community presence. In recent years, THQ Nordic has expanded its reach through several acquisitions, including Metricminds, a German animation studio specializing in motion capture, which was acquired on February 24, 2022. This acquisition highlights THQ Nordic's interest in animation technologies, although its primary focus remains on video game development. Other notable acquisitions include Purple Lamp Studios, Plaion, and Appeal Studios, all of which contribute to THQ Nordic's growing influence in the gaming sector.

6. Almi

• Website: almi.se
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn: almi-ab

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses by offering tailored financial solutions and guidance. Among its notable transactions, Almi invested in Plotagon, which raised $3 million in 2015 and is known for its animation software that allows users to create animated videos easily. This investment highlights Almi's interest in the creative technology sector, which includes animation. Additionally, Almi has participated in funding rounds for other companies like Flarie and Reactional Music, indicating a diverse portfolio that may include opportunities related to animation and creative content.

7. Motier Ventures

• Website: motier.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2021
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 30
• LinkedIn: motierventures

Motier Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2021. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, including FinTech and Creative Technologies. They provide funding, mentorship, and access to a corporate network to support entrepreneurs in their growth. Notably, Motier Ventures has been involved in significant transactions within the animation industry, such as a Series A investment of $23,452,858 in Animaj in September 2023 and a Seed Round investment of $10,874,092 in Sekai Studio in July 2024. These investments highlight their commitment to fostering innovation in the creative sector, particularly in animation, which includes stop motion projects.

8. Mercia Asset Management PLC

• Website: mercia.co.uk
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Henley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1982
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 41
• LinkedIn: mercia-asset-management

Mercia Asset Management PLC is a venture capital firm based in Henley-In-Arden, England, specializing in providing venture capital, private equity, and debt financing to support the growth of UK businesses. Founded in 1982, Mercia focuses on ambitious startups and established companies, particularly in technology and innovation sectors. They operate through various funds and investment vehicles, helping businesses secure necessary funding to scale operations. Notably, Mercia has invested in Red Star 3D, which raised $130,513 in debt financing, indicating their engagement in the animation sector. This investment highlights their interest in creative industries, making them a potential player in the stop motion animation space. Additionally, their diverse portfolio includes investments in technology-driven companies, showcasing their commitment to innovation.

9. Ldc

• Website: ldc.co.uk
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1981
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 15
• LinkedIn: ldc

Lloyds Development Capital (LDC) is a private equity firm based in London, England, that specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. Founded in 1981, LDC is part of Lloyds Banking Group and focuses on fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success. Notably, LDC has made several investments in the media and entertainment industry, including Plimsoll Productions, which raised funds in 2019, and the acquisition of Twofour in 2014. Additionally, LDC invested in Sohonet, a company that provides connectivity and media services for the entertainment industry, further demonstrating their engagement in sectors that could intersect with stop motion animation. These transactions highlight LDC's commitment to supporting growth in creative industries, making them a relevant player in the context of stop motion animation.

10. Maven Capital Partners

• Website: mavencp.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 25
• LinkedIn: maven-cp

Maven Capital Partners is a private equity firm based in Glasgow, Scotland, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in providing growth capital and investment solutions to small and mid-sized businesses across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Recently, Maven has been involved in notable transactions such as a £250,000 funding package for Second Home Studios Limited (SHSL), an animation studio that will use the funds to upgrade its facilities and equipment for producing long-form animation series. This investment not only supports the growth of SHSL but also contributes to job creation in the local economy. Additionally, Maven has participated in various funding rounds across different industries, showcasing their diverse investment strategy while maintaining a focus on growth-oriented businesses.

11. Eurazeo

• Website: eurazeo.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1969
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 40
• LinkedIn: eurazeo

Eurazeo is a prominent investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in private equity, private debt, and real assets. Founded in 1969, the firm has established a significant presence in the investment landscape, particularly in Europe. Eurazeo provides tailored investment strategies aimed at fostering growth and expansion across diverse sectors, including technology, healthcare, and entertainment. Notably, Eurazeo has been involved in key transactions within the animation industry, such as their acquisition of Asmodee in 2014 for approximately $132.76 million, which is a major player in the gaming and entertainment sector. Additionally, their investment in Xilam in 2017 highlights their interest in animation, as Xilam is recognized for its animated productions, including stop motion projects. These transactions reflect Eurazeo's strategic approach to investing in companies that have the potential for growth in the entertainment space, including animation.

12. Octopus Ventures

• Website: octopusventures.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2008
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 37
• LinkedIn: octopus-ventures

Octopus Ventures is a London-based venture capital firm founded in 2008, specializing in backing founders and startups across a diverse range of sectors including B2B Software, Bio, Climate, Consumer, Deep Tech, Fintech, and Health. They provide funding and strategic support to entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenges of building and scaling their businesses. Notably, Octopus Ventures has invested in We Got POP, a FilmTech startup, which raised £2 million to support its expansion and innovative approach to the film industry. This involvement highlights their interest in the film sector, which may include stop motion animation. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for other technology-driven companies like Papercup and iSIZE Technologies, indicating a broader interest in media and technology that could intersect with animation.

13. Burda Principal Investments

• Website: burdaprincipalinvestments.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: burda-principal-investments

Burda Principal Investments is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in growth stage investing in digital technology and media companies, providing long-term growth equity to entrepreneurs to help them overcome financial barriers to expansion. Their portfolio includes successful internet-centric businesses across Europe, the U.S., and Asia. Notably, they participated in a funding round for Kukua, an edtech company that is developing an animated television series, showcasing their interest in the animation sector. Additionally, they have been involved in various other media-related investments, such as WaitWhat, a media invention company, and Skillshare, an online learning community for creativity, further emphasizing their engagement in creative and media industries.

14. M Capital

• Website: mcapital.fr
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Toulouse, Occitanie, France
• Founded year: 2002
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: midi-capital

M Capital is a private equity investment firm based in Toulouse, Occitanie, France, founded in 2002. The firm specializes in private equity, venture capital, real estate, and private debt, with a strong focus on responsible investment strategies that align with economic, environmental, and social values. M Capital caters to a diverse clientele, including private investors, institutional clients, and public organizations, aiming to create value through impactful investments. Notably, M Capital has been involved in several transactions within the animation industry, including a seed round investment in ON Animation Studio Montreal, which is recognized for its animated productions. They also participated in venture funding for Studio M and Nightshift, further demonstrating their engagement in the creative sector, which may encompass stop motion animation projects.

15. Novator Partners

• Website: novator.co.uk
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2003
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: novator-partners

Novator Partners LLP is a private equity and investment management company based in London, UK, founded in 2003. The firm specializes in growth equity and capital markets investments, primarily focusing on sectors such as telecommunications, health, and technology. Notably, Novator Partners has made significant investments in the animation and visual effects industry, including a substantial investment in DNEG, which raised $400 million in February 2022 and $250 million in August 2021. DNEG is known for its work in animation and visual effects, including projects that may involve stop motion techniques. Additionally, Novator led a Series B funding round for Klang Games, a game development studio, which, while not directly related to stop motion animation, reflects their engagement in creative industries. These transactions highlight Novator's strategic approach to supporting businesses that enhance operational performance and drive growth in sectors that intersect with animation.

Stop Motion Animation Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
Endemol Shine Group	Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands	5001-10000	2015	2
Kima Ventures	Paris, Île-De-France, France	1-10	2010	50
Bgf	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2011	53
Mediawan	Paris, Île-De-France, France	1001-5000	2015	2
THQ Nordic	Vienna, Vienna, Austria	501-1000	2011	0
Almi	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	201-500	1994	7
Motier Ventures	Paris, Île-De-France, France	1-10	2021	30
Mercia Asset Management PLC	Henley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1982	41
Ldc	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1981	15
Maven Capital Partners	Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2009	25
Eurazeo	Paris, Île-De-France, France	201-500	1969	40
Octopus Ventures	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2008	37
Burda Principal Investments	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	11-50	2016	5
M Capital	Toulouse, Occitanie, France	51-200	2002	1
Novator Partners	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	2003	1

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