The book ecommerce platform industry in Europe is a thriving sector catering to the growing demand for digital and physical books. Companies range from established publishers to innovative startups that offer platforms for buying, selling, and sharing literature. From audiobook subscriptions to self-publishing services, these businesses enhance users' reading experiences. Recent trends show a significant rise in interactive and social reading applications, engaging communities of readers and writers. Moreover, online sales and digital distribution are expected to expand rapidly, driven by consumer preferences for convenience and immediate access to books, shaping a promising future for this industry.


This list features a mix of venture capitalists, private equity firms, and corporate investors, predominantly headquartered in major European cities like London, Paris, and Stockholm. With investment sizes ranging from small to partnering with established firms, these investors typically range from small teams to larger staffing structures. Founded between 1936 and 2019, these firms have collectively engaged in 2024 with various book ecommerce platform companies, showing their commitment to innovation in this space. Investing in technologies from digital libraries to collaborative reading spaces, they support the growth of the book industry across Europe.


Top 16 Book Ecommerce Platform Investors in Europe


1. 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 Paris-based venture capital firm founded in 2010, specializing in early-stage investments across a diverse range of sectors. The firm is known for its rapid investment pace, backing two startups per week, and providing not only financial support but also mentorship to help these startups navigate their initial challenges. Among their notable transactions, Kima Ventures has invested in Glose, a collaborative reading platform that aims to enhance the reading experience through social interaction and educational tools. They also backed Reedsy, a platform that connects authors with publishing professionals, facilitating the self-publishing process. These investments highlight Kima Ventures' engagement in the book ecommerce platform industry, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in this space.


2. 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 London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process. Crowdcube has a strong focus on promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to the book ecommerce sector, including Unbound, which raised $202,519 in October 2023, Micuento, which raised $54,141 in March 2015, and BibliU, which raised $4,238,687 in June 2022. These investments highlight Crowdcube's active role in supporting businesses that operate within the book ecommerce space.


3. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a public entity and financial institution based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. It aims to support entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a range of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. Bpifrance fosters entrepreneurship and innovation by providing coaching and partnerships to help businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to the book ecommerce platform context, such as Glose, a social and collaborative reading platform that raised €3 million to expand its R&D and launch Glose Education. Additionally, they have invested in other companies like Short Edition and Majelan, which also contribute to the literary and content distribution landscape. This involvement highlights Bpifrance's commitment to supporting the book industry and related ecommerce platforms.


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. The firm has been involved in various significant transactions, including investments in Audible, a leading provider of audiobooks and spoken word entertainment, and Bol.com, a prominent ecommerce platform in the Netherlands. These investments highlight HV Capital's commitment to the digital and ecommerce sectors, making them a strategic partner for startups navigating growth challenges in these industries.


5. Verdane

  • Website: verdane.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: verdane-capital

Verdane is a private equity investment firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 1985. The firm specializes in growth equity investments in technology-enabled companies, focusing on digitalization and decarbonization trends. Verdane provides capital and hands-on support to help businesses scale and enhance their market position. Notably, Verdane has been involved in significant transactions within the ecommerce sector, including the acquisition of Momox, Europe's largest re-commerce company for used goods, which includes books. This acquisition highlights Verdane's interest in the book ecommerce market. Additionally, they have participated in various funding rounds for companies like Boozt and MatHem, further demonstrating their active role in the ecommerce landscape.


6. LocalGlobe

  • Website: localglobe.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: localglobe

LocalGlobe is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2019. The firm partners with exceptional founders and companies at various stages of growth, from pre-seed to scale-up and public markets. LocalGlobe provides venture capital funding and investment management services, focusing on supporting startups in navigating their growth challenges. Notably, LocalGlobe has participated in several funding rounds for Trouva, a platform that connects independent retailers with customers, raising significant amounts in Series A and Series B rounds. These transactions indicate LocalGlobe's engagement in the ecommerce sector, particularly in supporting platforms that enhance retail experiences, which can encompass book sales among other products.


7. Enterprise Ireland


Enterprise Ireland is a public entity that serves as the Irish government's enterprise development agency, founded in 1998. It supports Irish businesses at all stages of their growth journey by providing funding, advisory services, and market access assistance. The agency focuses on helping companies scale and compete internationally across various industries, including technology and manufacturing. Notably, Enterprise Ireland has been involved in transactions such as providing grants to The Book Haven, which raised an undisclosed amount in August 2023, indicating their support for the book industry. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for various companies, showcasing their active role in fostering business growth in Ireland.


8. Seedcamp

  • Website: seedcamp.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 40
  • LinkedIn: seedcamp_2

Seedcamp is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2007. They specialize in investing in early-stage startups across Europe, focusing on technology-driven companies that are looking to innovate and grow. Seedcamp provides not only financial backing but also support in achieving product-market fit, sales, and access to a vast network of investors. Among their notable transactions, they invested in 24Symbols, a digital reading platform that raised $6,584 in a seed round in 2012, and Reedsy, which raised an undisclosed amount in a seed round in 2014. These investments highlight Seedcamp's engagement with the book ecommerce platform industry, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in this space.


9. 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 focus on providing 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 ecommerce platform industry, having invested in AbeBooks, a prominent online marketplace for books, and JustBooks, which also operates in the book sector. Additionally, they supported Momox, a leading online buy-back service for books, CDs, DVDs, and games in Germany. These transactions highlight Acton Capital's commitment to the book ecommerce space, making them a relevant player in this industry.


10. Kinnevik

  • Website: kinnevik.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1936
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: investment-ab-kinnevik

Kinnevik is an investment company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1936. The firm partners with innovative entrepreneurs across various sectors, including healthcare, software, marketplaces, and climate tech. Kinnevik provides both capital and operational support to help companies scale and create long-term value. Notably, Kinnevik has participated in significant funding rounds for ecommerce platforms such as Konga Online Shopping, which raised multiple rounds of funding totaling over $60 million, and Linio, a Latin American ecommerce platform that raised $55 million to expand its marketplace business. These transactions highlight Kinnevik's commitment to investing in the ecommerce sector, which encompasses a wide range of products, including books.


11. 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 in the UK and Ireland. BGF focuses on addressing the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has participated in various transactions that highlight its interest in e-commerce and technology. For instance, they invested in Cass Art, which is expanding its e-commerce platform, indicating a strategic interest in online retail. Additionally, BGF has invested in Pureprint, a digital printing company, which may also intersect with the publishing and book industry. These transactions reflect BGF's commitment to supporting businesses that leverage technology to enhance their operations, making them a potential investor for book e-commerce platforms.


12. 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 based in London, England, founded in 1996. The firm specializes in investing in startups from Seed to Growth stages, providing financial backing and strategic support to entrepreneurs. With a history of over 175 investments, Northzone aims to empower founders to navigate the challenges of building successful businesses. Notably, they have invested in Kitab Sawti, an Arabic audiobook platform, which raised $6 million in Series A funding, showcasing their engagement in the book and audiobook market. Additionally, they have participated in various other funding rounds, including investments in companies like Fyndiq and Catawiki, which, while not directly related to books, indicate their diverse investment strategy.


13. 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 private equity investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. The firm specializes in various investment strategies, including private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in the book ecommerce platform context, particularly through their stake in Storytel, where they acquired 6.6 million shares, becoming the second largest shareholder. This investment highlights their commitment to the digital book market, as Storytel is a leading audiobook and ebook streaming service. Additionally, EQT's involvement in the acquisition of Springer Science+Business Media further emphasizes their engagement in the publishing and content distribution sectors, reinforcing their relevance in the book ecommerce landscape.


14. Cabiedes & Partners


Cabiedes & Partners is a venture capital firm based in Madrid, Spain, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in investment management and financial advisory services, focusing on early-stage companies. Notably, they have invested in Bubok, a self-publishing platform that allows authors to publish and sell their books online, indicating their engagement in the book ecommerce sector. They have also invested in Hamelyn, which, while not directly related to books, may have potential connections to the publishing or ecommerce space. Other investments include Regalador.com and Tiendeo, showcasing their diverse portfolio in various sectors. Overall, Cabiedes & Partners demonstrates a commitment to supporting innovative startups, including those in the book ecommerce industry.


15. Storytel

  • Website: storytel.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • LinkedIn: storytel

Storytel AB, founded in 2005 and based in Stockholm, Sweden, is a corporate investor primarily focused on the digital literature market. As a subscription service, Storytel offers a wide array of audiobooks, e-books, and podcasts, catering to consumers seeking convenient access to literature. The company operates in over 25 countries, enhancing its global reach. Notably, Storytel has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the book ecommerce platform industry. These include acquiring a 70% majority interest in Forlagið, Iceland's leading publishing house, to improve accessibility to Icelandic literature; the acquisition of Audiobooks in November 2021; the purchase of Norstedts Förlagsgrupp for £12.5 million, which is part of their growth strategy; and a 70% stake in Lind & Co, allowing for continued leadership by its CEO. Additionally, Storytel acquired Mofibo, further expanding its digital content offerings. These transactions underscore Storytel's commitment to enhancing its platform and providing a comprehensive selection of literary content to its users.


16. 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. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses through tailored financial solutions and guidance. Notably, Almi has been involved in several transactions, including a seed round investment in Once Upon Publishing, which raised $560,000 in April 2018, indicating their engagement in the book industry. Additionally, they have invested in Paperton, a platform that may relate to publishing and content distribution, further showcasing their interest in the book sector. While Almi also invests in various other sectors, their specific transactions in the book industry highlight their relevance as an investor in the book ecommerce platform space.



Book Ecommerce Platform Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
HV CapitalFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany11-50200028
VerdaneOslo, Oslo, Norway51-20019857
LocalGlobeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50201915
Enterprise IrelandDublin, Dublin, Ireland501-1000199848
SeedcampLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50200740
Acton CapitalMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5019993
KinnevikStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-50193610
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
NorthzoneLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50199623
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
Cabiedes & PartnersMadrid, Madrid, Spain11-5020090
StorytelStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden501-100020050
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947


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